What is a University Studies degree?

General Information

The Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) program was initiated by the faculty of the University of New Mexico in 1969 and is administered through University College. Each landscape near student union building year, approximately 1200 students are enrolled with the University Studies program, making it one of the largest degree-granting programs at UNM. Students in the program complete all courses required in the University Core Curriculum and design an individual 36+ credits Plan of Study leading to a baccalaureate degree. Plans of Study may be thematically based or specialized in two specific subject areas. Remaining courses will be selected through your advisement sessions. The University Studies degree may not be undertaken either as a second degree or as part of a double major. While no official minor may be declared with the degree, the use of existing departmental minors in the creation of the Plan of Study is encouraged.

The programs of study undertaken by University Studies students reflect a broad spectrum of academic areas. While the majority of students focus on several disciplines within the College of Arts & Sciences, many design their curriculum with courses from two or more of UNM's other colleges. B.U.S. advisors (505-277-2631) are available to help students plan their programs and select courses as well as solving other problems on a semester-to-semester basis. The advisors are also available to help students plan ahead for entry into graduate programs and/or career opportunities.

Students for whom the University Studies program is appropriate

The University Studies program is ideal for students with academic and career aspirations that require inter- or multi-disciplinary study. Since each student has the responsibility for the quality of his or her education, the successful University Studies student will be one who can develop a sound Plan of Study and stick to it. Thus University Studies is not intended for students who are undecided about their interests or who are unsure of their commitment to a university education. Historically, the University Studies program has attracted many students who feel restricted by the specialized nature of traditional degree programs and want to combine two or more academic disciplines. Other students, particularly those returning to the university after years away, or those with full-time jobs, choose this degree because it has fewer specific course requirements than many traditional or pre-professional majors. These latter students tend to have specific job-related academic needs that can be met most efficiently through the University Studies program. University Studies advisors can help you to determine if this program, or some other program at UNM, is best suited to your needs.

How is the University Studies degree different from other Bachelor's degree's?

A bachelor's degree in University Studies is different from all other Bachelor's degrees in that it's curriculum is not pre-approved by an academic department, and may not follow a traditional academic discipline or career path. It is individually, self-designed by each student to meet very specific academic or career goals.

It does not have a 64 credit hour core curriculum (called group requirements) as its foundation.
It does not follow the faculty approved curriculum of a specific "major" (usually 36 hours) and "minor" (usually 18-21 hours).

A University Studies degree is not a pre-professional Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree for two reasons:

It does not have a 64 credit hour core curriculum (called group requirements) as its foundation.
It does not follow the faculty approved curriculum of a specific "intensive major". Usually consisting of 50-64 credit hours with no "minor".

A University Studies degree is not a distributed Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) or Bachelor of Liberal Arts (B.L.A.) degree primarily because:

It does not have a broad curriculum (much like UNM's group requirements) which require even distribution of coursework across all 7 areas. The smorgasbord (little bit of everything) approach.
It also does not allow for 128 credit hours of "anything" that a student manages to accumulate and still qualify him or her for a degree. This misunderstanding been propagated for years and does not explain the University Studies program in any manner.

Remember that if you have any questions about the University Studies degree program - please, ask a University Studies Advisor. Advisor's from other Colleges or Schools at UNM do not have the specific information you need to build a successful University Studies degree. Also, every student's degree plan is different - please do not get important information from other students. A small misunderstanding could delay YOUR graduation!