University Studies

https://www.ndsu.edu/advising_resource_center/about_the_bus_degree/

The Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) degree is a baccalaureate degree program offered through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and is advised through the Advising Resource Center. The B.U.S. degree is a flexible degree option for students who are seeking a non-traditional, interdisciplinary education and wishing to tailor their own degree. Each degree plan is designed by the student with assistance from an academic advisor and is later approved by a committee composed of campus-wide representation.

Degree Plan Proposal

Students seeking the B.U.S. degree usually begin by visiting the Advising Resource Center and talking with an adviser about their educational, personal, and professional goals. The adviser will work with the student in preparing what is called a Bachelor of University Studies proposal, which includes a statement of goals, a summary of previous education and experience, and a proposed plan of study (i.e., remaining coursework) for the degree. After both have signed the proposal, it is forwarded to the Bachelor of University Studies Program Review Committee for approval. If the proposal is approved by the committee, it becomes the student's requirements for graduation. Each plan of study must meet the general education requirements (including the Capstone Experience, Cultural Diversity and Global Perspectives categories) and the graduation requirements of the university. The B.U.S. degree does not allow a designated major, instead a student will create an area or areas of emphasis that will help him or her attain post-graduation goals. Each area of emphasis must include a minimum of 12 credits of study with at least 6 of those credits being upper division credits. In addition to the emphasis area a student may choose to declare an academic minor that they feel will strengthen their plan of study. No fewer than 15 credits must be proposed (remain to be taken after approval) and included in the proposal.

The degree plan proposal must be submitted to the B.U.S Program Review Committee by guideline due dates (October 1 for spring or summer graduation; February 1 for fall graduation).

The general education requirements will have as a minimum the following:

Approval of a student’s proposal means that the committee believes that the approved plan is the best educational program available to that student and that it is a baccalaureate-level program.

It is the policy of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences that students seeking a B.U.S. degree will, following approval of the B.U.S Proposal, be expected to make continual progress toward completion of their degree. Discontinuing enrollment for a period of two continuous academic years or more indicates lack of progress. The approved proposals of students who lack progress will no longer be considered valid for graduation with a B.U.S. degree. If these students choose to continue to seek a B.U.S. degree, it will be necessary to submit a new proposal for consideration by the committee.

In addition to the Bachelor of University Studies' continual progress policy, NDSU requires that any student who discontinues enrollment for more than one year is subject to completing the General Education requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.  B.U.S. proposals are subject to the NDSU baccalaureate degree requirements.

For further information, contact:

Advising Resource Center
112 Morrill Hall
NDSU Dept. 2800, P.O. Box 6050
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Telephone: 701-231-7014
ndsu.arc@ndsu.edu