Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to fulfill two requirements with a single class?
Is it possible to get a double major or a dual degree?
Who will be my advisor?
What do I need to do to fulfill my study abroad requirement?
Can I do an internship to fulfill my study abroad requirement?
How do I arrange my language proficiency exam?
Is it possible to fulfill two requirements with a single class?
A single class CAN count for both:
A single class can NOT count for:
Is it possible to get a double major or a dual degree?
Yes. To double major in two Bachelor of Arts programs within the College of Arts and Sciences you need to ensure that you fulfill both sets of requirements. Your CAS distribution requirements will count for each of the majors. For a double major, you need 192 overall hours to graduate but you should plan your schedule carefully. Upon completing all of the requirements for both majors, you will be awarded one Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University.
If you want to get a Bachelor of Science degree within the College of Arts and Sciences or a major in a different college in addition to the BAIS degree, it will be regarded as pursuing two bachelor's degrees at once ("dual degree"). To do that you need to declare a major for both programs, fulfill all of the requirements for each, and complete a total of 208 credit hours, rather than the usual 192.
Who will be my advisor?
The BAIS Coordinator, Laura Schaeffer, advises all BAIS students. She will help them understand the requirements of the major and of Ohio University and to think about their future goals and how their undergraduate program can best prepare them to meet those goals. All advisees will be required to meet with Laura each quarter to get their DARS reports before registering for classes.
What do I need to do to fulfill my study abroad requirement?
BAIS majors need to study abroad for at least one quarter (10 weeks) in a country where the language they are studying is spoken and that is located in their region of concentration.
It is recommended that you wait until you have completed at least two years of your foreign language before participating in a study abroad program. After completion of the intermediate (200) level in your foreign language study, your comprehension and speaking proficiency should make it possible to have real conversations with people. This will enable you to learn dramatically more, both linguistically and culturally, and to have an even more enjoyable experience.
To arrange your study abroad experience:
Can I do an internship to fulfill my study abroad requirement?
Yes, if it lasts for at least one quarter, is in your region of concentration in a country where your proficiency language is spoken and will require you to use your proficiency language. It may be possible for you to earn academic credit through the International Studies internship course, INST 495. Credit for INST 495 will not fulfill any graduation requirements other than the overall (192) hours.
How do I arrange my language proficiency exam?
The best time to take your Oral Proficiency exam (OPI) is immediately after you return from your study abroad because you will be most proficient at that time. If your study abroad takes place in spring or fall quarters, contact the faculty OPI evaluator prior to departure to see if s/he will be available to administer the OPI over the summer or during winter intersession. The OPI needs to be taken at least one quarter before graduation.
What resources are available at OU to help me improve my foreign language skills?
If you entered the major before Fall, ’06, arrange an OPI exam by calling or emailing the relevant professor to decide on a time that is good for both of you. The exam should take between 20 and 30 minutes.
If you entered the major after Fall, ’06, arrange to take an exam through LTI Language Testing Institute: www.languagetesting.com.
For language proficiency standards click here.
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