The Individual Studies degree program from Hudson Valley Community College provides students with the opportunity to complete a unique combination of liberal art and free elective courses leading to an Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degree.

By working closely with an academic advisor, students generate academic plans to meet goals which include but are not limited to: 

• fulfilling requirements toward acceptance into their preferred degree program
• exploring courses relevant to their employment or transfer goals
• researching course that parallel a four-year degree program
• earning a degree that incorporates previous academic credits for career advancement. 

Individual Studies students develop their academic plans each semester with the assistance of an academic advisor and: Collaboration with career and transfer counselors, Research of course selections to meet goals, Approval of requested courses to achieve academic success. Students not registered at Hudson Valley Community College, who were never matriculated in Individual Studies must matriculate (and attend) in the program for a minimum of one term in order to qualify for the degree. Students matriculated in degree programs other than Individual Studies may change to Individual Studies any time prior to their final degree application deadline. 

The Individual Studies online degree program is designed for the college student who wishes to pursue a self-structured program of study completely independent of the traditional college environment by completing 100% of their HVCC coursework online. A successful online student is an independent learner who is self-disciplined and motivated, with strong time-management skills and effective communication skills. Online students should also be comfortable with web-based instruction and digital communication technology. Transfer credit is evaluated at the student's request. Transfer credit will be awarded at the discretion of the department chair in accordance with the college and discipline specific departmental policies to support the educational plan made between the academic advisor and the student. The use of transfer credit may affect transfer to other two- and four-year programs, as well as financial aid eligibility.