Individualized Studies

Gain College Credit for your Experience

The Individualized Studies program recognizes valuable training and/or work experience by giving students the opportunity to receive college credits for their experiences and to apply that experience and knowledge to an associate degree. It assists individuals in their preparation for career advancement or change. In the first semester, the student will develop a Personal Education Plan (PEP) directly related to career or educational goals. The PEP requires the approval of the department head.

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Editors– est. salary $78,007
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary – est. salary $94,215
Technical Writers – est. salary $85,739*

 **EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.



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Transfer Opportunities

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Individualized Studies degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
Technical/Occupational Core  12-30 credits Students submit industry certifications, work experience, non-credit to credit program articulations, and evidence of other demonstrated competencies for consideration for prior learning assessment.

In the first semester, students should also consult with the department chair to develop the Personal Education Plan for semesters 3 and 4)		  
ENGL 101 - English Composition 3 credits ENGL 101 is the prerequisite for the Oral Communication course, but it may be taken at the same time. Writing, Research, and Info Lit 1
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra 3 credits   Quantitative Reasoning
CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts 3 credits   Technological Competency
BIOL 123 - Principles of Biology I or
CHEM 101 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Lab Based) or
CHEM 103 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Non-Lab Based) or
CHEM 105 - Inquiry into Chemistry or
CHEM 110 - Introductory Chemistry or
CHEM 121 - College Chemistry I or
EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or
PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics or
PHYS 108 - Descriptive Astronomy or
PHYS 111 - General Physics I or
PHYS 125 - Musical Acoustics or
PHYS 140 - Mechanics, Heat and Sound or
STS 101 - Introduction to Science, Technology and Society		 3 or 4 credits   Scientific Reasoning
  • This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits   Writing, Research, and Info Lit 2
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or
ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication or
ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication or

ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication

 3 credits   Oral Communication/
Creative Expression
HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era or HIST 102 - United States History: The Civil War and the 19th Century or
HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century and Beyond or
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or
any Cultural Analysis & Interpretation Elective		 3 credits   Cultural Analysis & Interpretation
General Elective 3 or 4 credits    

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type

Personal Education Plan (PEP)

 3 to 12 credits To make sure the student takes a coherent and thoughtful series of courses, the student and department chair will develop the Personal Education Plan, which focuses on the student's anticipated career path. The PEP will be approved by the department head within the student's first semester.  

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type

Personal Education Plan (PEP)

 3 to 12 credits To make sure the student takes a coherent and thoughtful series of courses, the student and department chair will develop the Personal Education Plan, which focuses on the student's anticipated career path. The PEP will be approved by the department head within the student's first semester.  

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

View the College Catalog for More Information

Featured Career

Technical Directors/Manager

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

Median Salary
$61,807

Number of Jobs
579
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+7.7%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
  • Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
  • Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
  • Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
  • Test equipment to ensure proper operation.

How well does it pay?

New workers generally start around $30,118. Normal pay for Technical Directors/Managers is $61,807 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $147,737.

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Program Information

Individualized Studies

Degree Type:

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

60

Related Programs:

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