The University of New Mexico

FAQ

What do employers and grad schools think of the University Studies degree?

The University Studies degree is not an obstacle to graduate school or employment; in fact, it can be quite an advantage. Designing your own degree, as well as the third piece of the program application, the Qualified Signature, requires you to be in contact with those very programs and employers you hope to work with. The feedback gained from such exchanges ensures that your degree will be more than adequate to achieve your goals.

Do I have to take a Math class as part of the University Studies graduation requirements?

Yes, but only as much as required by the core curriculum, i.e., to the level of Math 121, 145, or 129. If you do not have transfer work or math test scores in the system, you will need to take a Compass Exam, given by the UNM Testing center, to be placed into the relevant math course. http://test.unm.edu/

I want my degree yesterday. Is University Studies the fastest way to get a degree?

Maybe. Maybe not. To earn a University Studies degree, you need to have earned at least 128 credit hours overall (just like every other bachelor's degree), but because there are fewer specific requirements, University Studies may be faster than some other programs. No matter how many earned hours you have accumulated, you must earn University Studies residency (be in the program for least 36 hours) before a degree can be granted, so determining the fastest route to a degree really depends on where you are at in your current program. Keep in mind: University Studies is not a shortcut. The program exists to give you the freedom to create a degree specific to your needs. The program was not created to "get you out of here."

Why do I have a hold?

Our program does NOT place semesterly advisement holds on its students. LoboWeb allows students to View Holds and this section will tell you which department put the hold on as well as why the hold is in place. University Studies holds are put on students' accounts for the following reasons:

  1. you are currently in University College and have exceeded the number of earned credit hours required to transfer to a degree granting college (DGC hold)
  2. you need to Apply to Graduate with a University Studies advisor
  3. you have been suspended or are on probation and in danger of being suspended from the University
  4. you have been directly admitted to University Studies by Admissions and need to submit the program Application to an Advisor

When should I see my Advisor?

Your self-designed Plan of Study will serve as your guide to choosing courses for each semester - you will not need your advisor's permission each semester as you register. If you find yourself needing extra help in formulating an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary plan of study OR you would like to begin preparing for admission to a graduate program or entry into your chosen career you may want to set up appointments with your University Studies advisor as well as ones with a graduate advisor and with a Career Development Facilitator in Career Services.