Bachelor of University Studies Degree
Program Chair: Katherine Mehrer Program Advisor: Veronica Schaefbauer Degree Type: Bachelor of University Studies Advising for this degree occurs within the Student Success Center. This degree is designed to fulfill the career needs of three groups: (1) those who have an interest in specific job requirements which do not fit any major offered at the University; (2) those who desire a degree for personal enrichment; (3) those who need a degree for job advancement where a specific major is not required. A student pursuing the University Studies degree must meet the general bachelor’s degree requirements, but does not complete a specific major program of study. With the assistance of an academic advisor, the candidate for a Bachelor of University Studies degree develops an individualized degree plan. Bachelor of University Studies Degree Requirements -
A minimum of 120 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 -
At least 60 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. -
52 semester credits in the liberal arts and sciences. -
Students pursuing the Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) degree do not declare a major. However, students in this program are welcome to declare minor or concentration programs to supplement their program of study. -
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 ). Liberal Arts Core
The following courses are required: Communication:
- COM 110 - Oral Communication 3 Semester Credit(s)
- ENG 121 - Composition II 3 Semester Credit(s) Please note: because students enter the University of Mary with a broad range of skills and experience in English composition, many students need to take one or more additional composition courses before they are ready to enter ENG 121. See Placement Policies .
Technology Course: Choose One
Lab Science Course: Choose One
- Fulfilled by any laboratory science course in BIO, BCM, CHE, PHY, or SCI; or an approved transfer course.
Please note: because students enter the University of Mary with a broad range of skills and experience in the lab sciences, many students need to take one or more additional, preparatory courses before they are ready to enter the lab science sequence required of their program of study. See Placement Policies . Mathematics: Choose One
Please note: because students enter the University of Mary with a broad range of skills and experience in mathematics, many students need to take one or more additional, preparatory mathematics courses before they are ready to enter one of the above math courses. See Placement Policies . Art Course: Choose One
Need 3 credits total. Music Ensembles:
Students may apply Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra/String Ensemble, or Cappella to the Art requirement. However, because these are 1 credit courses, the selected performance ensemble will need to be repeated three (3) times to fulfill the three (3) credit requirement associated with the Art requirement. Additional Electives:
Additional semester credits of approved liberal arts courses to reach a minimum total of 52 credits from the Liberal Arts and Sciences/General Education. - Humanities (Prefix of CLA, DRM, ENG, COM, CTH, FRE, GER, GRK, ITA, LAT, MUS, SPA)
- Mathematics/Natural Sciences (Prefix of BIO, BCM, CHE, GLG, MAT, PHY, SCI)
- Philosophy/Theology (Prefix of PHI or THE)
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (Prefix of ECN, GEO, HIS, HSS, POL, PSY, SBS, SOC)
Senior Capstone & Assessment:
- Senior Capstone Course within the major that integrates the University of Mary core curriculum and the professional program/discipline (1.0 or more semester credits). The Bachelor of University Studies Degree is excluded from this requirement.
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: Total: 120 Semester Credits
Program length: 4 academic years / 128 weeks |
