Bachelor of University Studies Degree | Online or In-Person

Create a Degree That's as Unique as You Are

Our flexible university studies program gives college students the opportunity to earn a customized bachelor's degree online through an affordable and nationally accredited university.

Fully online program, earn your degree while you work
In-state tuition for online program, no matter your location
An individualized degree to meet unique personal and career goals
Transfer your existing credits and earn your degree faster

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Plan the future you want. Here's how to get started.

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Degree Planning

Ready to design a degree program as unique as you?

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.

Bachelor of University Studies

Have you been out of school for two or more years?

If you're an adult with existing college credits looking to return to school to complete your bachelor's degree, you may qualify for the NDSU Degree Completion Program.

Degree Completion Program

Begin your application to NDSU

Apply before August with no application fee or undergraduate test score requirement. Our online programs receive in-state tuition. First-year, international and transfer students can begin by completing our online application.

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Create your degree plan proposal and goals

Students seeking this degree begin by talking with an advisor about their long-range goals and aspirations. The advisor will work with you in preparing your proposal, which includes a statement of goals, a summary of previous education and experience and a plan of study for the degree.

A minimum of 15 credits must be included in the proposal, which are completed following approval by the B.U.S. Program Review Committee.

Areas of emphasis

Instead of a major, students create an area of interest. Each area of emphasis must include a minimum of 12 credits of study with at least six of those being upper division credits.

Degree plan submission dates

Your plan must be submitted by October 1 for spring or summer graduation; February 1 for fall graduation.

Connect with the Career and Advising Center

What can you do with a Bachelor of University Studies degree? Anything you want!

If you can identify a career, our advisors can help you make plans to achieve that goal with the B.U.S. degree program.

Career opportunities

Activist
Military
Community Development
Entrepreneur
Government

Prepare for further education

Law School
Medical School
Seminary
PT or OT School

Meet your personal career goals

This degree program encourages you to think about your future goals and helps you prepare for the kind of life you hope to lead following graduation.

Students can use prior credits and follow different paths while earning their bachelor’s degree.

“My advisor showed me options that would allow me to balance family, school and a career and still have success in all those areas.”

Kayla Carlson

Recent NDSU Graduate

“It was great to work with somebody who genuinely wanted me to succeed and wanted to help me on my journey.”

Ali Johnson

Bachelor of University Studies Degree With a Minor in Biology

“You’ll never look back and regret getting it. There is no perfect time in your life to finish, so why not start now?”

Rachel Renor

Returned To Complete Degree After a Decade

“I am a single mom and work full-time. Flexibility was a requirement for me.”

Shaina Lynnes

Bachelor’s Degree in University Studies in the NDSU Degree Completion Program