Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    Ohio University offers the Bachelor of Specialized Studies as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Athens, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for specialized studies and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Specialized Studies

    The Bachelor of Specialized Studies (B.S.S.) program allows students to create a faculty-approved, individualized, multidisciplinary degree program tailored to their individual academic interests and/or career needs. In conjunction with faculty and staff, students design an Area of Concentration that stands as the equivalent of pre-established major.

    The Bachelor of Specialized Studies (B.S.S.) is appropriate if you would like to combine courses from different academic departments to create a unique major, or if you have interests and career goals not met by a current Ohio University major.

    Typically, the Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor's degree. In special circumstances, a person who has completed a prior bachelor's degree may petition the director of degree programs to seek permission to apply for and complete the B.S.S. degree. The B.S.S. major cannot be completed as a second major program of study. Nor can a student declare a double major with the B.S.S. program.

    The Bachelor of Specialized Studies (B.S.S.) program is available on all Ohio University campuses.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    Entry Requirements

    • Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
    • Average composite ACT score of 21-26
    • Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
    • Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 68

    English Program Requirements

    • Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.

      English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
      TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
      TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
      IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
      Duolingo English Test: 95

    • Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.

    • Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.

    • Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.

    • Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Specialized Studies

    By its nature, the Specialized Studies degree is unique to each individual, making a general statement regarding career preparation impractical. The application process, however, requires a statement of rationale for pursuing the major and for selection of courses in the Area of Concentration. This statement includes the student's educational and career goals and requires the student to thoroughly research pathways to their goals. Many B.S.S. students design a major with a specific career goal or graduate program in mind. Additionally, the B.S.S. major has internship and special projects options, which can provide upper-level course credit and further students' preparation for their particular career objectives. The B.S.S. program works closely with the Career & Leadership Development Center to offer students career and leadership development resources.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University

    • Application form
    • USD $70 international application processing fee
    • Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
      • Your school or university
      • Ministry of Education of your home country
      • EducationUSA or related binational organization

        Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. ​​​​​​​​Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:

        Undergraduate Admissions
        Chubb Hall 120
        1 Ohio University
        Athens OH 45701 - USA
    • Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
    • Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
    • Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
      • A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
      • If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
    • Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
      • Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
      • Essays
      • Letters of recommendation
      • Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities
    Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University
    Ohio University
    Ohio University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Athens

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