Academic Courses and Programs
Our courses and programs aim to assist students in developing an appreciation for and understanding of higher education, learning about the ¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ system worldwide, becoming familiar with the resources of the University, acquiring real-world skills for succeeding in college and in a career, engaging in campus activities, and addressing community. Ultimately, the overarching goal of the John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success is to enhance student retention, build engaged problem solvers, and increase graduation rates. Stop by and see us today!
Courses & Programs
¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ Courses (TROY)
TROY1101 - The University Experience (1)
TROY 1103 – Learning Mindset Freshman Seminar (3)
A study of the university's resources, services, policies and procedures, as well strategies for succeeding in college. Topics covered include the university's purpose and objectives, academic regulations, policies and procedures, services, organizations, library, learning centers, and computer labs. Other topics include managing time and money and becoming more responsible.
TROY 1102 – Major Exploration & Planning (1)
A group approach to career exploration and planning designed to incorporate students' abilities, values, interests and decision-making skills into formulating projected career/life plans. The course is structured primarily for the needs of freshman and sophomore students.
TROY 3300 - College to Career (3)
The primary purpose of this course is to aid students in making a successful transition from college to career. It also serves to aid non-traditional students in career transition.
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses (IDS)
IDS 1101 - Global Challenges (3)
Students will build knowledge and skills for globally competent citizenship and public service to address global challenges (population, resources, technology, information, economies, governance) faced in the 21st century.
IDS 2201 - Applications in Public Service (3)
An overview of strategies for civic enrichment that engage various forms of community capital (social, religious and governing institutions, citizens, and business/economic interests) to address defined civic issues. Focus is given to diagnosing civic issues, developing and implementing an intervention and evaluating its impact.
IDS 4495 - Capstone Experience in Public Service and Civic Engagement (3)
300 hour field experience internship based at a community agency, healthcare facility, school or government agency focused on application of student’s personal plan for community engagement and public leadership. Through the course, students will build applied public leadership skills and use various applications and strategies for civic enrichment.
Associate Degree Programs:
- Associate of Science in General Education
- Associate of Arts in General Education
Earning an associate degree can be a stepping stone toward achieving the more advanced
goals you have set for yourself. Celebrating this milestone can help you refocus your
attention toward achieving a baccalaureate degree simply by serving as a half-way
point toward degree completion. If one of your educational goals includes earning
a baccalaureate degree, you and your advisor should choose classes that will satisfy
the degree requirements for both the associate degree and the baccalaureate degree
desired.
While earning an associate degree might not specifically qualify you to start working
in the area of interest, it can help to prove your seriousness toward completing goals
that you set for yourself. Potential employers are always looking for an employee
who is not only able to set goals but also one who can meet the goals he or she sets.
Requirements
The student seeking an associate degree must meet the following requirements. See
the Academic Catalog for any additional requirements.
- A minimum of 60 semester hours.
- At least 50% of the degree program must be traditional academic credit (excludes credit by correspondence, challenge exams, etc.).
- No more than 25% of the degree may be earned using portfolio-based credit. (See Specialized Curricula- Experiential Learning Credit in the Academic Catalog.)
- At least 25% of the credit hours required for the degree must be completed in residence with ¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ. See the Academic Evaluation available on Student Planning.
- Nine semester hours must be completed in residence at ¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ in the major area of concentration. See Residency in the Academic Catalog for additional information.
Minor in Civic Engagement
This interdisciplinary minor is designed to build capacity in personal and organizational action through policy, advocacy, and multiple forms of public service. Students in the minor build real world skills and knowledge for effective and ethical public service through study and applied practice. The minor is designed to complement a variety of majors and interest areas. For more information about this minor, visit the Office of Civic Engagement.
Interdisciplinary Studies Major
About the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Do you find it hard to nail down just one area of study in which are you interested?
What if you could create your own course of study based on your interests and academic
strengths? At ¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ, you can do just that through the University’s degree
in interdisciplinary studies.
A diverse program tailored to YOU
The interdisciplinary studies program lets you build your degree program based on
your individual career goals and skill set. Within this program, you’ll complete your
general studies courses and select three academic minors that will hone your skills
across a broad spectrum of topics and specializations. This course load will be rounded
off with any unrestricted electives you choose to complete the minimum 120 hours course
requirement. Study with and learn from expert faculty from throughout the University
in the most in demand programs.
For example: Say you are interested in attending law school after you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree. You could choose to incorporate TROY’s minors in communication, legal studies and political science to prepare you for your next academic venture. Also, TROY’s interdisciplinary studies degree is excellent for those considering a graduate degree in a social science or humanities field.
Don’t let anything go to waste
TROY’s interdisciplinary studies degree removes the worry when transferring. Through
building your own program of study, you can choose academic minors that could allow
you to put your previously earned credits to use toward earning your degree.
While it offers opportunities to explore and learn skills within a variety of studies, it is important to realize TROY’s interdisciplinary studies program isn’t for everyone. Should you be interested in a pre-licensure/pre-certification program such as nursing, accounting, social work, etc., TROY has degree programs that will better prepare you for your future career. However, if you have interests and a willingness to develop career skills in communication, research and team-based solution strategies, this TROY bachelor’s degree program is a good fit for you.
Peace Corps Prep Certificate
Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates that centers on one empowering
question: How can you prepare yourself to be the best Peace Corps Volunteer you can
be? Even if you are not going into the Peace Corps after graduation, use this certificate
program to vary your skill sets and boost your resume!
Peace Corps has identified four core competencies that are critical to the intercultural
fieldwork Peace Corps Volunteers do and assist any student with well-rounded professional
development:
1. Sector-specific skills
2. Foreign language proficiency
3. Intercultural competence
4. Professional savvy and leadership
Peace Corps Prep programs create frameworks for you to build these four competencies,
integrating coursework with hands-on experience and professional development. Upon
completion of the program, you will receive a certificate from the Peace Corps—and
a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service.
Peace Corps Prep programs correspond with the Peace Corps’ application process, which
lets you choose where you want to go and what you want to do. You can first explore
and discover the Peace Corps Prep opportunities that excite you, and what skills you
will need to be a competitive applicant for those positions. If you are enrolled in
a Peace Corps Prep program, you can then shape your curriculum around those requirements!
Please complete the following form so we can discuss whether you are a fit for the
program. Filling out this form does not obligate you in any way to participate; it
will simply allow our PCP advisor at ¿ìè³É°æÊÓƵ to reach out to you with more
information. Filling out this form and consequently earning a Peace Corp Prep program
certificate of completion, does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps Program.
Nor does it obligate you in any way to pursue a job with the Peace Corps after graduation.
It will increase your chances of being accepted into Peace Corps after graduation
if you decide to apply.
As our advisor will explain, this program if pursued early in your college career,
should not cause you to take any additional classes beyond your major and/or minor.
Your Peace Corps Prep advisor can help you choose classes that will count toward your
major and/or minor, as well as count toward earning the Peace Corps Prep program.
Other opportunities included in the Peace Corps Prep program include one on one resume
assistance and mock interviewing as well as specialized programing to earn your community
service hours.
Please note: You must first complete the interest form below and meet with our Peace
Corps Prep Advisor to see if you are eligible for the program. **Receiving a Peace
Corps Prep certificate does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps.