The Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) degree program presents to the highly motivated, part-time student an opportunity to coordinate the offerings of the CED and Summer Session into an individually planned degree program. This program is designed specifically and solely for part-time students.

The B.U.S. degree program is available for individuals who:

1) did not continue directly to higher education after high school and find that family, job and other responsibilities do not allow a full-time program of study;

2) have discontinued college or university programs and now wish to re-enter a degree program; or,

3) have attained Associate degrees and wish to pursue a broader-based baccalaureate program.

The Bachelor of University Studies degree differs in two major respects from traditional B.A. and B.S. degrees. First, it is offered only through the Continuing Education Division and only on a part-time basis. Second, each student, in consultation with a B.U.S. advisor, will design a program leading to specific educational goals, but not necessarily within any one department, division, school or college. This degree is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the individual, part-time student.

The B.U.S. is an appropriate alternative for those who do not desire to commit to a single academic area in order to declare a major. With carefully designed study plans, a student may use the B.U.S. to pursue a number of academic interests in relative depth and to gain some exposure to other areas. Due to the flexibility of the program, the B.U.S. can provide the diversity many students will need to succeed in a variety of unanticipated career opportunities and unpredictable life situations.

Entrance Requirements

The applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent (e.g., GED). Prior to formal admission, the applicant must have completed at least 18 credit hours either at the University of Maine or through acceptable transfer credits from accredited, post-secondary institutions. These courses must represent several academic areas, be approved by a B.U.S. advisor and show a minimum grade point average of “C” (2.0). Applicants are expected to participate in an interview with a B.U.S. advisor to discuss their goals and objectives and plan their program of study. High school transcripts and previous college transcripts, if any, should be made available at this interview. Following the interview, and once the 18 credit hour requirement has been met, students will complete a University of Maine undergraduate
admission application form as well as the individualized plan for pursuing the Bachelor of University Studies degree. Applications and guidelines for completing the plan are available through a B.U.S. advisor. The applicant will be admitted only if their interests and needs are served by the scope of the courses offered through the Continuing Education Division. Applicants
will be granted admission to the University of Maine by the Office of Admission.

Major Requirements

• 1 credit Introduction to the Bachelor of University Studies
• 3 credits Special Topics in University Studies
• 3 credits Senior Capstone
• 30 credits Courses at the 300 level or higher
General Education Requirements
• ENG101 College Composition
• 18 credits Human Values & Social Context area
Western Cultural Tradition
Social Context & Institutions
Cultural Diversity & International Perspectives
Population & the Environment
Artistic & Creative Expression
• 2 courses Designated Writing Intensive
(1 must be within the major)
• 2 courses Biological or Physical Sciences
(must includes at least 1 lab course)
• 1 course Ethics
(emphasis on discussion of ethical issues in 1 course or series of courses)
• 6 credits Mathematics
(including statistics & some computer science, only 3 credits in computer science can count toward this requirement)
• 1 capstone
An approved experience in which the student integrates the components of his or her undergraduate training to perform at a professional level. The capstone experience is usually completed during the senior year in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Specialized Information

Student Feedback
• “The Bachelor of University Studies program has given me the flexibility to juxtapose the responsibilities of a growing family with those of the business and academic worlds. It has also helped me to progress in my field and allowed me to concentrate on my courses in career-oriented areas.”
• “The Bachelor of University Studies program allowed me to build on my pre-existing courses and grow personally. The degree has also enabled me to explore other educational opportunities and set future educational goals.”
• “The most important aspect of the Bachelor of University Studies degree program is that there is no pressure as to how long it takes you to earn your degree. I have accumulated 63 credit hours toward my degree and it was done by taking one course per semester.”

Common Questions

• What are the degree requirements for a B.U.S. student?
There are six basic degree requirements:
1. The candidate must complete a minimum of 120 hours of academic credit as approved by the B.U.S. advisor.
2. Students must complete all general education requirements.
3. Students must complete UST100, Introduction to the Bachelor of University Studies; UST300, Topics in University Studies (writing intensive within the major); and, UST499, Senior Capstone.
4. A minimum of 30 hours of academic credit must be completed in courses at the 300 level or above.
5. The last 30 hours of academic credit must be completed in courses at the University of Maine.
6. A minimum 2.0 grade point average and the completion of 120 hours of academic credit at “C” or better is required for graduation.

• Will any prior college courses transfer into the B.U.S. program?
Credits from other institutions of higher education may be transferred if they meet the following criteria:
1. Credits may be transferred from institutions of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting association.
2. Credits may be transferred from educational programs recognized by the colleges of the University of Maine as having academic validity.
3. In addition, the applicant must arrange for official transcripts and catalogs to be forwarded from all previously attended colleges and universities. The evaluation of transcripts of academic work completed at institutions previously attended must be accepted as final at the
time of admission.