Online Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies
Your interests and passions are unique, so your degree should be, too. The University of Cincinnati’s online Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) degree program is an educational pathway with multiple fields of study, allowing you to create your own major.
What Is Interdisciplinary Studies?
The online Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students to tailor their studies to specific educational needs. This presents an excellent opportunity to use previously earned college credits towards pursuing an online associate degree. The curriculum is determined by the student through participation in the academic and careers decisions seminar. While completing the seminar course, students work with a faculty advisor to integrate previously earned credits and plan new coursework covering two or more specialty concentration areas.
Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Student-driven curriculum that allows learners to combine courses across disciplines, creating a personalized academic pathway aligned with their career goals or transfer plans.
- Quality instruction backed by UC’s academic standards, with experienced faculty, rigorous coursework, and online learning resources that ensure students receive the same level of education and support as on-campus students.
- Upon graduation, students can seamlessly transfer into an online bachelor’s program, usually with just two additional years of study.
Flexibility
- Classes are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to log on when it’s convenient for you. Many classes are taught in 7-week courses, designed with adult learners in mind.
- Students are able to transfer up to forty (40) credit hours into the program. Note: A minimum of twenty (20) credit hours must be from the University of Cincinnati.
- Multiple program start dates per year
Support from Application to Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program is completed online and asynchronously, meaning you log on when it’s convenient for you. Many foundation classes are taught in 7-week courses, designed with adult learners in mind.
The program is open to any student who wishes to design an individualized degree program using a combination of courses. The student may focus on designing a curriculum alongside a faculty advisor that allows for employment or continuation into a selected four-year degree program. The core goal is to design an associate degree pathway that meets your predetermined goals.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MLTI1036 | Academic and Career Decisions Seminar This course is required for students seeking admission into the Individualized Studies degree program and will provide students the opportunity to design an academic plan that is flexible and individualized. The course will introduce students to the University of Cincinnati’s resources and policies and the requirements for the Individualized Studies Program. Students will engage in activities related to self-awareness, decision-making, career/major exploration and the integration of these into an academic major and career pathway. Students will identify occupations and fields of study compatible with their background and goals. Working with the instructor, students will develop an appropriate educational pathway based on their background, needs and goals. |
2 |
| FIN1001 | Introduction to Financial Success Successful money management is paramount to creating a life with less financial stress and a life with more purpose and meaning. Jumpstart your life goals and dreams by learning how to save, manage, spend and invest money differently. |
1 |
| COMM2081 | Business Communication This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives. |
3 |
| MLTI2060 | Academic and Career Decisions Capstone The Academic and Career Capstone is a culminating and reflective experience focused on what the student has learned in their program. This course is required for students completing the Interdisciplinary degree program. This course will incorporate the integration of classroom learning from the selected cluster areas. The course requires the student to apply interdisciplinary concepts to their selected cluster areas of interest. |
3 |
| ENGL1001 | English Composition English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts. |
3 |
| MATH STAT | Mathematics or Statistics Elective Student will select a college-level Mathematics or Statistics course to satisfy program requirements. |
3 |
| BoK: NS | Natural Science Elective Student will select a Natural Science elective. |
3 |
| BoK: SS | Social Science Elective Student will select a Social Science elective. |
3 |
Career Objective Coursework Students will complete 36 hours of college-level coursework identified as part of their customized academic plan. Students may satisfy this requirement by identifying clusters of coursework from two or more disciplines around a central theme. Please speak with Academic Advisor prior to enrolling in this program to create an customized academic plan. |
36 | |
ENGL2089 OR ENGL3071 |
Sophomore Writing Elective Students will select one of the following Sophomore Writing Electives: ENGL2089 Intermediate Composition or ENGL3071 Technical Writing |
3 |
Prerequisites
First-Year:
- You are currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.
- As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.
Transfer:
- Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability (including evaluation of practical assignments), year taken, and final grade.
- Submit all official transcripts for every school attended. Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
- If you have earned fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, you must submit high school transcripts as part of your transfer application.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
It's never too late to do something great ... Getting my degree opened many doors and provides me with the ability to find a job with a better work-life balance.
Cody F. Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate
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