Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies, Concentration in Communication

at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Vancouver Campus Canada

The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree is a baccalaureate degree program structured to meet the general educational needs of learners in the liberal arts. For students with previous post-secondary education, the BAIS program recognizes affords students the opportunity to receive up to ninety (90) transfer credits. Students may choose to pursue a single or double specialization area of study in depth related to their career aspirations. The result is a degree program that suits the needs of students who desire a broad education experience and/or possess traditional course work experience that can be equated with credit-bearing courses.

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a number of subject areas and related skills such as the following:

• The use of basic intellectual tools, specifically to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematical reasoning; and to comprehend the nature, techniques, and limits of the humanities, natural or physical sciences and the social and behavioral sciences.
• The ability to learn and apply learning to the graduate’s career and life experience, requiring the capability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries and computers; and to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
• An understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities. Mastery of a considerable body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related subjects.

The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree is a baccalaureate degree program structured to meet the general educational needs of learners in the liberal arts. For students with previous post-secondary education, the BAIS program recognizes affords students the opportunity to receive up to ninety (90) transfer credits. Students may choose to pursue a single or double specialization area of study in depth related to their career aspirations. The result is a degree program that suits the needs of students who desire a broad education experience and/or possess traditional course work experience that can be equated with credit-bearing courses.

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a number of subject areas and related skills such as the following:

• The use of basic intellectual tools, specifically to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematical reasoning; and to comprehend the nature, techniques, and limits of the humanities, natural or physical sciences and the social and behavioral sciences.
• The ability to learn and apply learning to the graduate’s career and life experience, requiring the capability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries and computers; and to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
• An understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities. Mastery of a considerable body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related subjects.

International Relations – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

• Government
• Politics
• United Nations/ambassadorship
• Non-governmental organizations
• International business

The Master of Administrative Science (MAS) degree is a 30-credit degree to enhance the administrative and leadership skills of graduates.

The program combines both cognitive and affective (interactive) instruction through case studies, simulations, individual and group exercises, and fieldwork that helps to develop critical managerial effectiveness. The MAS educational experience seeks to develop critical administrative competencies in a supportive learning environment in conjunction with specific and clear feedback.

Program Highlights

• A 30-credit program.
• An opportunity to begin the program at any one of three entry points during the year: September, January, May.
• Practical application related to theory content
• 6 specializations in various professional areas
• Small classes offered and class times will vary.

The MAS Program in Vancouver offers six specializations to meet global needs and demands.  Specialization courses focus on both practical and theoretical concepts, while developing administrative, analytical, and decision making skills. These specializations include:

• Computer Security And Forensic Administration,
• Emergency Management Administration,
• Global Health And Human Services Administration,
• Global Leadership And Administration,
• Global Technology Administration,
• Human Resources Administration.

Global Leadership and Administration

• This 12-credit, 4-course graduate certificate is especially designed for leaders and administrators of worldwide organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree is a baccalaureate degree program structured to meet the general educational needs of learners in the liberal arts. For students with previous post-secondary education, the BAIS program recognizes affords students the opportunity to receive up to ninety (90) transfer credits. Students may choose to pursue a single or double specialization area of study in depth related to their career aspirations. The result is a degree program that suits the needs of students who desire a broad education experience and/or possess traditional course work experience that can be equated with credit-bearing courses.

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a number of subject areas and related skills such as the following:

• The use of basic intellectual tools, specifically to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematical reasoning; and to comprehend the nature, techniques, and limits of the humanities, natural or physical sciences and the social and behavioral sciences.
• The ability to learn and apply learning to the graduate’s career and life experience, requiring the capability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries and computers; and to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
• An understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities. Mastery of a considerable body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related subjects.

Applied Technology – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

• computer programming
• software development
• computer systems analyst
• technological support
• webmaster or maintenance

The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (MSACS) is a 30 credit program that prepares students for the direct pursuit of productive careers in industry and for continued graduate study. The program educates professionals to become leaders in various areas of computer science ranging from software engineering to computer design, and from systems analysis to the management of information systems.

Program Highlights

• The MSACS program at the Vancouver campus follows FDU’s Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering mission of preparing competent computer professionals and responsible global citizens.
• Students learn to evaluate current and emerging technologies; identify user needs; design user-friendly interfaces; apply, configure and manage these technologies; and assess their impacts on an individual user, an organization, the environment, and society.
• Students can choose between two specializations: database administration or advanced computer programming. Each specialization comprises four courses (12 credits).
• Students who desire to pursue further studies can select the thesis-based stream. A Master’s thesis comprises 6 to 12 credits, depending on the contents of the thesis and the recommendation of the thesis supervisor and the thesis committee.

Program Highlights

• The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Information Technology (IT) offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on Information Technology and Computer Science.
• The program is unique in that it merges traditional academic topics with leading edge and current IT practices and technology.
• Courses from different fields of engineering are included: Computer Hardware, Software Programming, Web Design, Database Design, Networking Analysis, Digital Design and Cyber Security.
• Courses have embedded content for industry certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.
• The Vancouver Campus is a member of CompTIA’s “Education to Career” program. Graduates of FDU-Vancouver’s B.S. in Information Technology program are encouraged to complete IT certification exams as part of their program, ensuring that they are “market-ready” when they graduate.
• Students in this program receive a dual degree: major in Information Technology and minor in Business Administration.
• The program serves as an ideal launch pad for a management career in any technology-oriented company that is heavily dependent upon Information Technology.
• Well-balanced program: Networking, Programming, Security, Hardware and Web Technology – ideal for finding employment.

Skills Acquired

• Software skills: JAVA language through courses like INFO-2101 and INFO-2102.
• Database design skills: ORACLE 10g DBMS through the course CSCI-3268.
• Digital design skills: VHDL language through the course ENGR-2286.
• Web programming skills: XHTML, .NET, .ASP, .PHP through the course INFO-4844.
• Web site design skills: Adobe Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Indesign, Photoshop through the courses ART-1177, INFO-2105, INFO-2106 and INFO-3205.
• Tools skills: Eclipse through the course INFO-2101 and INFO-2102.

Program Objectives

• The main objective of the B.S. in Information Technology is to produce graduates who:
  • Enter into and advance in the profession of information technology, management information systems, business administration, or other related fields.
  • Continue their education by obtaining professional certificates or advanced degrees in information technology, management information systems, business administration, or other related fields.
  • Continue to conduct themselves as both responsible professionals and global citizens, who are aware of ethical issues and societal needs and problems.
  • The program objectives define the skills, knowledge, and attributes that graduates are expected to possess three to four years following graduation, and they fulfill the needs of our several University constituencies, including alumni, students, the Industrial Advisory Committee, the faculty, and employers. These objectives are consistent with the mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University “to educate and prepare students as world citizens through global education.”

Program Outcomes

• Upon or before graduation, each information technology (IT) graduate will possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes to:
  • Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
  •  Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
  • Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet desired needs.
  • Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
  • Understand professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.
  • Recognize the need for and engage in continuing professional development.
  • Use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice.
  • Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.
  • Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.
  • Effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
  • Understand best practices and standards and their application.
  • Assist in the creation of an effective project plan.
  • Understand major features of a business system and how functional areas (i.e., accounting, finance, information technology, information management, marketing, and organizational behavior) work in relation to the entire operation.

The Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management studies, which consists of 33 credits, is structured to meet the educational needs of adult learners working as managers, entrepreneurs, educators or other professionals in business and industry. It is designed to provide a hospitality management education with an academically rigorous, yet flexible, program of study that meets the requirements for a professional master's degree. For working adults seeking to upgrade their professional skills to enhance their careers, the degree program increases analytical, managerial and leadership competencies and will provide graduates with the requisite preparation for career advancement in various hospitality-related professional areas.

The Master of Administrative Science (MAS) degree is a 30-credit degree to enhance the administrative and leadership skills of graduates.

The program combines both cognitive and affective (interactive) instruction through case studies, simulations, individual and group exercises, and fieldwork that helps to develop critical managerial effectiveness. The MAS educational experience seeks to develop critical administrative competencies in a supportive learning environment in conjunction with specific and clear feedback.

Program Highlights:

• A 30-credit program.
• An opportunity to begin the program at any one of three entry points during the year: September, January, May.
• Practical application related to theory content
• 6 specializations in various professional areas
• Small classes offered and class times will vary.

The MAS Program in Vancouver offers six specializations to meet global needs and demands.  Specialization courses focus on both practical and theoretical concepts, while developing administrative, analytical, and decision making skills. These specializations include:

• Computer Security And Forensic Administration,
• Emergency Management Administration,
• Global Health And Human Services Administration,
• Global Leadership And Administration,
• Global Technology Administration,
• Human Resources Administration.

Computer Security and Forensic Administration:

• This 12-credit, 4-course certificate program is designed exclusively for the law enforcement community and cooperate security executives. Practical application is emphasized throughout the entire course of study.

The Master of Administrative Science (MAS) degree is a 30-credit degree to enhance the administrative and leadership skills of graduates.

The program combines both cognitive and affective (interactive) instruction through case studies, simulations, individual and group exercises, and fieldwork that helps to develop critical managerial effectiveness. The MAS educational experience seeks to develop critical administrative competencies in a supportive learning environment in conjunction with specific and clear feedback.

Program Highlights:

• A 30-credit program.
• An opportunity to begin the program at any one of three entry points during the year: September, January, May.
• Practical application related to theory content
• 6 specializations in various professional areas
• Small classes offered and class times will vary.

The MAS Program in Vancouver offers six specializations to meet global needs and demands.  Specialization courses focus on both practical and theoretical concepts, while developing administrative, analytical, and decision making skills. These specializations include:

• Computer Security And Forensic Administration,
• Emergency Management Administration,
• Global Health And Human Services Administration,
• Global Leadership And Administration,
• Global Technology Administration,
• Human Resources Administration.

Global Technology Administration:

• The 12-credit, 4-course Global Technology Administration Certificate provides a comprehensive examination of project management process, integrating technical tools with leadership and team communication skills. This program is designed for managers and information technology professional to improve innovation, strategy, operations and effectiveness in today’s agile global business architectures. Students learn technical aspects of project management planning and execution methods as we as people skills that are critical to successful projects.

The Vancouver area is one of Canada’s most popular tourism destinations and as a result a location rich with career opportunities for people seeking employment in the hospitality and tourism industry. The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies (BAIS) program provides an ideal opportunity for both individuals wanting to prepare themselves for a career in the hospitality and tourism industry locally or internationally, and for those currently working in the industry wanting to obtain an undergraduate degree for advancement in their profession. At FDU Vancouver, you can earn the educational credentials needed for a rewarding career in the hospitality industry through this specialized program offered by the university’s International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a number of subject areas and related skills. They include the following:

• The use of basic intellectual and critical thinking skills, specifically to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematical reasoning; and to comprehend the nature, techniques and limits of the humanities, natural or physical sciences and the social and behavioral sciences.
• The ability to learn and apply learning to the graduate's career and life experience, requiring the capability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries, online research tools and computers; and to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
• The ability to be customer focused, analytical and independent.
• An understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities.
• Mastery of a considerable body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related subjects.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s B.A. in Individualized Studies (BAIS) program offers a variety of ways to meet university requirements for an undergraduate degree grounded in the liberal arts. In addition to completing a traditional four year program, the BAIS Hospitality Tourism Management program is also ideal for the student that brings a variety of traditional course work completed over a period of years at a number of institutions and a history of work and life experiences that can be equated with credit-bearing courses.