BA in Individualized StudiesBA in Individualized Studies
Bob Buchanan & Interim Coordinator Shelley Vermilya The low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program is a 120 credit undergraduate degree program for progressive liberal arts studies. Students can earn up to 75 of these credits through a combination of transfer credits and credits awarded through Goddard’s Assessment of Prior Learning process.
Students in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program design individualized course of study and accomplish the work of the semester in their home communities while attending two eight-day intensive residencies a year. The low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program is ideal both for students interested in continuing their undergraduate studies, or just beginning their college experience. The low residency program lets students get the degree they want while continuing to manage full lives.
Individualized education is uniquely suited to students who value in-depth self-directed learning. Students in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program build their studies around learning goals that are relevant to their own lives. Learning in the low residency BA program is interactive and vibrant, supported by a rich community of faculty and peers. Students work one-on-one with a faculty advisor throughout the semester, and share experience, encouragement, and insights in small advising groups.
Work of the Program Each semester in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program begins with an eight-day intensive residency, during which students work with their faculty advisor to develop their overall learning goals, identify resources, and design the work of the semester. During the semester, students work independently in their own communities, submitting packet work to their faculty advisor over five three-week periods. Students also carry out a focused senior study project demonstrating their understanding of their subject and/or discipline(s).
Packets vary in content depending on the student’s individual interests and learning goals. Typical packets present the student’s explorations through accounts of learning activities, study journals, annotations or reflective essays, research papers, photos and samples of art work, or video and audio presentations. Advisors carefully review these packets and engage in a supportive written dialogue with students about their accomplishments and areas for continued growth.
Students in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program typically draw upon a range of campus and community-based learning resources. In addition to bibliographic and electronic resources, students seek out community-based resources including libraries, social agencies, galleries, museums, businesses, and schools. Students also engage with a rich community of program faculty and students through email correspondence, online discussion groups, and telephone conversations.
The Faculty A key factor in student-centered, individualized studies at Goddard is the partnership between student and faculty advisor. From the beginning, low residency BA in Individualized Studies students work one-on-one with a dedicated faculty advisor to design a unique plan of study around their own area of interest, identify learning resources, and plan the work of each semester.
Faculty advisors in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program bring a shared commitment to progressive education, supporting the individual learning goals and activities of each student they advise. Students draw inspiration and support from the rich and varied experiences of the program faculty, each of whom brings a broad range of formal training, life experience, and innovative current practice to their work.
The Residency Students in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies program begin each semester with an eight-day residency on the Goddard campus in Central Vermont, followed by independent work during the semester. This study format allows for exceptional flexibility while enrolled in the program. Students can live anywhere, enjoy the freedom of mobility during the semester, and choose the environment best suited for their learning activities.
Students spend time throughout the residency working one-on-one and in small advising groups with their faculty advisor to determine learning goals, identify learning resources, and design course work. Students leave the residency with a detailed plan of study to guide them through the work of the semester.
Low residency BA in Individualized students and faculty form a rich and sustaining community during residencies, developing the close relationships that form a foundation of support for students throughout their time in the program. Residency workshops, presentations, discussions, and participatory activities allow students and faculty to collaboratively explore a range of ideas, information, experiences, and skills.
Residency Cycle Options: BA in Individualized Studies students can choose to enroll in one of
two residency cycles:
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Welcome from Program Director