The Individualized Studies program combines traditional courses in liberal education — such as literature, history, and social sciences — with the necessary hard and soft skills to prepare students for the workplace. Students can earn either an Associate of Arts or a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Program Overview
The Individualized Studies program prepares students by:
- Developing and practicing their soft skills —
- leadership
- critical and creative thinking
- communication and collaboration
- analysis and problem-solving
- Acquiring and honing their hard skills —
- writing
- reading comprehension
- verbal communication
- technology readiness
- Creating a foundation for —
- Satisfying careers in social services, business administration, marketing, healthcare, retail services and other business sectors
- Advanced, professional credentialing through Mitchell’s Digital Innovation Hub
- Pursuing a four-year degree
What You Will Learn
The Individualized Studies program prepares you to:
- Use critical analysis to identify and solve problems
- Think critically and creatively, understanding issues from multiple perspectives, especially ones that are different from your own
- Demonstrate effective verbal, written, oral, visual communication and technology skills
The Mitchell Difference
Earning an A.A. in Individualized Studies at Mitchell College requires a combination of coursework and experiential learning built around our Abilities Model. This skills-based learning approach includes the following: First-Year Experience, Integrative Career Development, Major curriculum and exploratory electives. Every program at Mitchell offers unique opportunities to our broad spectrum of students for their educational, occupational and lifestyle pursuits.
Based on employer surveys conducted as part of NACE’s 2022 Job Outlook report, this Associate’s degree will focus on four of the seven Mitchell Abilities:
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- Critical and Creative Thinking — gain confidence to generate new and useful ideas, but also reflect on personal values and experiences
- Communication — learn to foster positive and professional relationships
- Analysis and Problem Solving — learn to identify, analyze and solve problems to contribute to the work being done
- Diversity and Global Perspectives — understand the way each person interacts with the world and how it correlates with one’s own identity, culture and personal experiences
The program also features:
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Hands-on learning across the curriculum, allowing students to explore, retain and experiment within the field of study
- Wraparound supports that offer resources and promote community-building within the learning process, not typical for two-year programs
- Specializations, through electives, allowing students deeper learning experiences in their chosen areas of focus, including:
- Business Administration
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Healthcare
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Social Services
- Retail Services
Career Pathways
The Individualized Studies program prepares students for a wide variety of careers in:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Marketing
- Social Services
- Retail
- Many other sectors
Sample Coursework
View the College Catalog for full descriptions of these courses.
2-Year Overview
Year 1 | ||||
Fall Semester | Cr. | Spring Semester | Cr. | |
CW101: Introduction to College Writing | 3 | CW102: College Writing/Research | 3 | |
FC101: Seminar I: Compass | 3 | FC102 Seminar II: Journey | 3 | |
MA104: Financial Literacy | 3 | FC105: New London: Then and Now | 3 | |
CO103: Public Speaking OR CO202 Communication & Society | 3 | CO126: Interpersonal Communication OR MG240 Principles of Leadership | 3 | |
HD110: Introduction to Race, Ethnicity & Culture | 3 | Course in Specialized Area | 3 | |
Fall Credits: | 15 | Spring Credits: | 15 | |
Total First Year Credits | 30 | |||
Year 2 | ||||
Fall Semester | Cr. | Spring Semester | Cr. | |
Science Elective | 3 | IN350: Micro-Internship | 3 | |
MG230 or HS230 or SC230: Career Seminar | 3 | Course in Specialized Area | 3 | |
Course in Specialized Area | 3 | Exploratory Elective | 3 | |
Course in Specialized Area | 3 | Exploratory Elective | 3 | |
Exploratory Elective | 3 | Exploratory Elective | 3 | |
Fall Credits: | 15 | Spring Credits: | 15 | |
Total Second Year Credits | 30 | |||
Total Credits to Graduate: | 60 | |||
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