University Studies

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 Career and Advising Center. The B.U.S degree is designed to provide a unique, nontraditional and interdisciplinary program for students whose goals and objectives cannot be met via a traditionally established academic major or minor. Courses taken include those that fulfill general education requirements, as well as others chosen for their appropriateness in achieving the goals of the individual student.

Degree Plan proposal

Students seeking the Bachelor of University Studies degree usually begin by visiting the Career and Advising Center and talking with an advisor about their long-range goals and aspirations. The advisor will work with the student in preparing the proposal, which includes, a statement of goals, a summary of previous education and experience, and a plan of study 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 a set of requirements for graduation. Each plan of study must meet the general education requirements and the graduation requirements of the university. The Bachelor of University Studies degree does not allow a designated major; instead a student will create an area or areas of emphasis that will help them attain post-graduation goals. Each area of emphasis must include a minimum of 12 credits of study with at least six of those 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.

The degree plan 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). A minimum of 15 credits must be included in the proposal which are completed following approval by the Committee. 

Career Opportunities

Employers have expressed enthusiasm for this degree program. It encourages students to think about the future long before graduation and helps them prepare for the kind of life they hope to lead following graduation. Students completing the B.U.S degree may plan careers in a wide variety of fields. Graduates work in health care, government, business, banking, sales, social work, publishing, and the military. Others have used their course work to prepare for further education and have attended medical school, PT school, OT school, law school and seminary, in addition to graduate school. If one can identify a career, one can make plans to achieve that goal.

For information, contact Jessica Bauer, BUS Program Coordinator, Career and Advising Center, 306 Ceres Hall, 701-231-6313 or email: jessica.m.bauer@ndsu.edu.

General Studies Option

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 Career and Advising Center. The General Studies Option is for adults with prior college credits looking to return to school to finish their bachelor's degree. Students are able to take classes on campus or online, depending on their needs.

The Program

The Bachelor of University Studies: General Studies option allows for a flexible degree path for students looking to return to finish their bachelor’s degree. Students must meet all general education requirements and  graduation requirements as set by NDSU. An academic advisor from the Career and Advising Center will work with each student to determine eligibility of the program, remaining requirements, and the best path to degree.

Program Qualifications

Students who would like to pursue the Bachelor of University Studies: General Studies option, need to be eligible for and enrolled in the NDSU Degree Completion Program. Qualifications for this program are as follows:

• Students who do not hold a prior Bachelor’s degree
• Students who have not been enrolled in an institution for a minimum of 2 years (24 consecutive months)
• Students who have earned a minimum of 60 credits
• Students who have a minimum 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average

Students who qualify for this program and have not attended NDSU for a minimum of 2 years are eligible to apply for Academic Forgiveness.

Advising and Support
All students who are enrolled in the Degree Completion Program and working towards the General Studies Option of the B.U.S degree will be assigned an Academic Advisor and Career Coach from the Career and Advising Center. The Advisor and Career Coach will provide support to the student to make sure all academic and career needs are being met.

For more information, please visit the NDSU Degree Completion Program website: https://career-advising.ndsu.edu/degree-completion-program/. Contact Jessica Bauer, BUS Program Coordinator, Career and Advising Center, 306 Ceres Hall, 701-231-6313 or email: jessica.m.bauer@ndsu.edu.