Individualized Programs of Study (IPS)

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The Individualized Programs of Study provide students with the option to combine specializations with three degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

The program allows students to pursue a credible degree with approved specializations that are not currently offered together as a pre-established degree program.

Program Requirements

Individualized Studies

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies degrees are challenging programs which incorporate the student's choice of two cognates, areas of specialization.

Degree Program Requirements:

1. 3.0 min GPA for acceptance and continuance in the program
2. 120 credit hour min requirement (30 hours must be 300-400 level)
   • B.A. degree requires:
     • 12 hours of language
     • 18 hours of Liberal Arts focus
     • 53-57 hours of Core Competency studies
     • 0-4 hours of free electives (78 hours of general education requirements and electives)
     • 42 hours of cognate courses (21 hours per cognate)
   • B.S. degree requires:
     • 59-63 hours of Core Competency studies
     • 23 hours of free electives (78 hours of general education requirements and electives)
     • 42 hours of cognate courses (21 hours per cognate)
3. Complete 60 hours within the program following admission (including the semester of acceptance into the program).
   • This may include the courses in which the student is currently enrolled.
4. Final essay (10 page min) synthesizing both cognates with a view to career application and Christian worldview. (See specifics on paper.)

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree enables students to achieve a broader degree by incorporating the student's choice of at least two, but no more than three, cognates.

Degree Program Requirements:

1. 2.0 min GPA for acceptance and continuance in program
2. 120 credit hour min requirement (30 hours must be 300-400 level)
   • 45 hours of cognate courses (30 hour max and 15 hour min per cognate)
   • 75 hours of general education requirements and electives
3. Must complete 30 hours within the program following admission (including the semester of acceptance into the program).
   • This may include the courses in which the student is currently enrolled.

Apply for the Program

NOTE: Online students contact cognates@liberty.edu

1. Research requirements for each degree above (Individualized Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies)
2. Take the FOCUS 2 assessment and meet with a Career Counselor
3. Residential students contact the IPS office to request an application packet
   • Include first/last name, student ID number, and desired degree (If interested in the Individualized program, indicate whether you want the B.A. or B.S.)
   • Provide a week-based availability schedule including days/times
   • Upon receiving application packet, begin form completion
   • Bring all required documents to appointment

NOTE: Requesting a meeting is not your first step. Read "How do I get started?" in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: Sep 1 - Nov 1
  (Completed packet, including signatures, MUST be turned in by Oct 19)
• Spring Semester: Feb 1 - Apr 1
  (Completed packet, including signatures, MUST be turned in by Mar 19)

Note: Students are required to be enrolled as a resident student for one full semester before applying and must be current with CSER requirements.  Online students are not eligible for these programs, visit Liberty's Online Interdisciplinary Studies Program for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Director of the IPS Program?
Barbara N. Sherman

Who is the residential Professional Advisor for students in the IPS program?
The IPS professional advisor and contact for both programs is Dr. Jacqueline Johnson.

Why is there no Degree Completion Plan (DCP) online for an IPS degree?
Because IPS is a customizable program, each student’s Degree Completion Plan is unique to that individual's choice of cognates.
A personalized DCP will be reviewed and issued during the preliminary appointment.

Should I pursue an internship with an IPS degree?
Internships, though not required, are highly recommended for both degree programs. As with any degree, the experience can be a tremendous advantage for your future career placement.

The Washington Fellowship, offered through Liberty, is a great opportunity for those interested in fulfilling their internship while achieving course credit. For additional internship assistance, review the Career Center's page.

How do I get started?

1. Review this page carefully — be sure to pay attention to the differences between Individualized Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies. If you decide on the Individualized degree, always indicate whether you are interested in the B.A. or the B.S.
2. Contact the IPS office to request an application packet. Include the name of the specific program of interest in the subject line of your email.
3. Visit the Career Center (DeMoss Hall 1007) to make an appointment for taking the FOCUS 2 career assessment. Please let them know you are an applicant for one of the Individualized Programs of Study (Individualized Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies). Bring your career assessment with you whenever you meet with Dr. Johnson and/or Mrs. Sherman.
4. Create a preliminary Degree Completion Plan (DCP) in digital form and email the DCP to Dr. Jacqueline Johnson and request an appointment to discuss specific details of your program. Include:
   • Your name
   • Student ID# 
   • Cognates you plan to pursue (this should have been discussed with your Career Counselor)
5. Be sure to read your packet carefully and follow the checklist for application to the program step-by-step.