Bachelor of University Studies
Program Description
The Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) program affords students the opportunity to plan their own curriculum. With the aid of a 3-person faculty committee, students can identify two to four areas of study and choose appropriate courses within those areas, which seem most valuable and interesting to them. Students should note that the BUS degree does not qualify the graduate for teacher certification.
Requirements
- Meet the criteria for graduation, including the general education requirements expected in other degree programs. Note: The major for BUS degree recipients will be posted as University Studies. A specific minor will be posted on the academic transcript if all of the academic requirements for the minor are met (Minors are optional). Teaching minors cannot be attached to the BUS degree.
- Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours;
- Earn at least 30 semester hours from Dickinson State University; and
- Earn at least 32 semester hours in upper-division (300-400) courses.
- Satisfactory completion of UNIV 250;
- Complete credit hour requirements for selected area(s) of study and/or minor(s)*; and
- Complete a minimum of a two credit required capstone course as deemed appropriate by advisor and/or committee.
- Complete WAC/WID requirements**
*Areas of Study
Areas are defined by courses within one department
Students will decide and name these areas of study by collaborating with their advisors. For two areas, students would need a minimum of 21 hours per area with at least six hours at the 300-400 level per area, and a minimum of 12 hours total at the 300-400 level. For three areas, a minimum of 15 hours per area with at least three hours at the 300-400 level per area, and a minimum of 12 hours total at the 300-400 level. For four areas, a minimum of 12 hours per area with at least three hours at the 300-400 level per area, and a minimum of 12 hours total at the 300-400 level. A minor can be used in place of two areas of study, if the students is opting for three or four areas of study.
**By completing the designated courses for the BUS Degree, the student will have completed the requirements for the university’s writing program as described in the Academic Affairs section of the catalog for Writing Across the Curriculum/Writing in the Disciplines. See the Writing Across the Curriculum section of the catalog for the designated courses used to meet writing requirements for your program plan. Course descriptions will also identify courses that are part of the writing program.
The Assistant Director of the Student Opportunity and Resource Center serves as the academic advisor.
Bachelor of University Studies Degree – Prior Degree Exception
If a student has previously earned a baccalaureate degree (or higher) from Dickinson State University or any other regionally accredited institution, the student may not graduate with a Bachelor of University Studies degree from Dickinson State University. A Bachelor of University Studies will not be granted as a second or third degree regardless of the number of hours earned.