Individual Studies, A.A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Individual Studies, A.A.S.

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Program Overview

SUNY Niagara provides an opportunity to explore your passion. Students who complete the Individual Studies program will demonstrate an understanding of one or more of the following areas: humanities, fine arts, social sciences, mathematics or science and health/physical education.

Opportunities in many specialized occupations are enhanced by the completion of an associate degree. Upon completion of the Individual Studies A.A.S. degree program, most students continue their studies at a four year institution in a variety of majors.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To advance the education of career-oriented students by applying credit from an earned certificate toward the associate in applied science degree as part of an individually designed occupational program of study.
  • To allow students the opportunity to explore personal, academic and/or occupational interests through liberal arts and free electives.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Individual Studies, A.A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Individual Studies A.A.S. lets you design a degree around your goals. Apply credits from a SUNY Niagara certificate, add general education courses and earn an associate degree that can open more doors.

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What careers does an Individual Studies A.A.S. lead to?

Your career depends on the area you focus on. Examples include:

  • Audio: studio technician, audio engineer
  • Baking: baker, pastry chef
  • Chemical dependency: counselor, care coordinator
  • Drafting: CAD technician, survey technician
  • Digital media: media specialist, social media coordinator
  • Horticulture: landscape or golf course technician
  • Music: music instructor, music director
  • Personal training: personal trainer, group fitness coach
  • Phlebotomy: phlebotomist, lab assistant
  • Teaching assistant: teacher’s aide, classroom aide

An associate degree can help you advance in many specialized jobs.

What will I learn to do?

  • Build skills in the career area you choose
  • Write and speak clearly
  • Use math and scientific reasoning
  • Explore the humanities, arts and social sciences
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How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York for sample jobs, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Mechanical drafters$52,410$71,700
Audio and video technicians$41,430$58,080
Fitness trainers and instructors$34,440$47,210
Phlebotomists$36,570$46,600
Teaching assistants$33,620$36,600

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Fitness trainers and instructors: Jobs are expected to grow about 28% from 2022 to 2032, with about 270 openings each year.
  • Phlebotomists: Jobs are expected to grow about 26%, with about 95 openings each year.
  • Teaching assistants: Jobs are expected to grow about 18%, with about 1,130 openings each year.
  • Audio and video technicians: Jobs are expected to grow about 10%, with about 20 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. The outlook for your career depends on the area you choose.

Sources

Where can I work?

  • Hospitals and labs
  • Schools
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Recording studios and media companies
  • Bakeries and restaurants
  • Engineering and manufacturing firms
  • Treatment and counseling programs
  • Landscaping companies and golf courses

Where you work depends on the area you focus on.

Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Meet with an advisor to plan your program of study.
  2. Complete at least 30 credits of applied electives in your area, such as a SUNY Niagara certificate.
  3. Add general education and liberal arts courses.
  4. Finish at least 62 credits with a 2.0 GPA or higher.

The program page says most graduates continue their education at four-year colleges in a variety of majors. Talk to your advisor about your plans.

What are the requirements?

  • 30 credits Applied electives
  • 9 credits Liberal arts electives
  • 6 credits Writing (ENG 101 and 102 or 103)
  • 3 credits Oral communication
  • 3 credits Math
  • 3 credits Natural science
  • 3 credits Diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice
  • 3 credits General education elective
  • 2 credits Health or physical education
Sources
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