Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Degrees

A candidate for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts in Nursing degree completes semester credits required for an applicable major in addition to general graduation requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree.

General Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

The University of Mary offers programs in various professions leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, or a Bachelor of University Studies degree. To meet graduation requirements for one of the above bachelor’s degrees, a student will complete the following:

1. A minimum of 124 semester credits of which at least 44 semester credits are on the 300-400 level with a minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) or the minimum grade point average as required by a major
2. At least 62 semester credits in a four-year college of which 32 semester credits must be at the University of Mary, 12 of these in the student’s major area, and six of these in the student’s minor area.
3. A minimum amount of semester credits in liberal arts and sciences:
   1. 52 semester credits for the B.S., B.S.N., B.S.R.T., and B.U.S.
   2. 59 semester credits for the B.A. and B.A.N.
   3. 30 semester credits for the B.A.S.
4. Declaration of a major. Students indicate an area of study or a major during the first semester of the freshman year to guide course selection and the career exploration process. During spring semester of the sophomore year, the students apply to the academic department for which the area of study is offered. Students pursuing the Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) degree do not declare a major.
5. Participation in student academic achievement assessment (HUM 499 ). The University engages students in the assessment process to evaluate and improve teaching and learning. To accomplish this, student participation in tests and learning assessments is expected.

By utilizing summer sessions, students in some majors may complete degree requirements in three years or less. Students interested in this option should consult their advisor.

Students who wish to complete two baccalaureate degrees must complete 160 semester credits, the liberal arts core for each degree, and distinct majors for each degree which comply with the Double Counting of Credits policy (policy available under Academic Life: Undergraduate ).

BA: Liberal Arts Core

Placement Policies

Because students enter the University of Mary with a broad range of skills and experience in mathematics, English composition, and the laboratory sciences, many students need to take one or more additional, preparatory courses before they are ready to enter the specific math, English, or lab science course required of their program of study. 

Review the course placement requirements below:

• English Placement  
• Math Placement  
• Science Placement