Individualized Degree Programs
Not everyone’s interests align exactly with a program. And that’s OK. Our individualized degree programs let you customize your education to align with your career, interests, and experience. Work one-on-one with a mentor to build your own degree that fits your own life.
Is an Individualized Degree Right for You?
- Maximize Transfer Credits: Bring in previous college coursework to save time and money.
- Earn Credit for Experience: Turn work, military, or life experience into college credit.
- Flexible Learning Options: Study 100% online, from anywhere.
- Designed for Working Adults: Balance work, life, and education seamlessly.
- SUNY Quality & Affordability: Earn a respected degree from a top public university.
How to Design Your Degree
Plan Your Degree with an Advisor
Your journey starts with Educational Planning, a required course where you’ll work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to:
- Define Your Goals: Identify what you want to achieve academically and professionally.
- Assess Your Experience: Review prior college credits, professional training, military experience, and real-world learning that could count toward your degree.
- Understand Degree Requirements: Learn how to structure your degree, balance general education, and meet SUNY guidelines.
- Choose an Area of Study: Select a broad field that aligns with your interests and career path.
Complete the form to connect with an advisor.
Customize Your Program
With your mentor’s guidance, you’ll design a degree plan that fits your needs. Your program will include:
- Concentration & Core Courses: Select courses that match your interests and career goals. Your program can be interdisciplinary, thematic, or career-focused.
- General Education & Electives: Complete SUNY-mandated general education courses while adding electives that broaden your knowledge.
Credit for Prior Learning: Earn college credit for what you already know. If you have workplace training, certifications, military service, or independent study, you may qualify for credit through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
Submit Your Degree Plan
Once your degree program is structured, you’ll complete a Degree Program Proposal, which includes:
- Degree Plan: A breakdown of the courses you’ve completed and the ones you plan to take.
- Rationale Essay: A written explanation of why your degree is structured the way it is and how it supports your goals.
- Supporting Documents: Transfer transcripts, prior learning assessments, or exam results that contribute to your credit total.
After review and approval, your program becomes your official academic path to graduation. You can still make adjustments with mentor approval if your goals evolve.
