Bachelor of University Studies: 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.

About the Degree 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.

Bachelor of University Studies: General Studies Option Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses number 300 or higher.
  6. Transfer Students: Must earn a minimum of 60 credits from a baccalaureate-degree granting or professional institituion.
    1. Of these 60, at least 36 must be NDSU residence credits as defined in #7.
    2. Within the 36 resident credits, a minimum of 15 must be in courses numbered 300 or higher and 15 credits in the major field of study.
  7. At least 36 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Residence credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of the Bulletin.