University Studies

OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120 (30 credits are required for the major)

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: C or better

GPA requirements to graduate: 2.0

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: UST 499

Contact Information: Barbara Howard, Director, 122 Chadbourne Hall, (207)581-3143; howard@maine.edu

The Bachelor of University Studies provides an opportunity for students who would benefit from an individually designed part-time interdisciplinary program of study.  Many adults who have some higher-education experience but no bachelor’s degree find that life circumstances or interests militate against a traditional major and/or study on the Orono campus.  Often family, job, and other responsibilities do not allow a full-time program of study; many students with interests in an interdisciplinary approach to professional, personal, or civic goals are looking for a program of study that encourages them to develop a program of study that encompasses their interests.

Admission to the B.U.S. program is offered to adults with at least 18 college credits from regionally accredited institutions with a grade point average of C or better who wish to develop a flexible and accessible degree program to advance their goals.  Potential candidates are encouraged to discuss with the program director how their educational background may be evaluated through transfer evaluation and the Prior Learning Assessment policy of the University.  After they confirm their admission to the degree program, students with relevant prior learning experience will be connected with appropriate evaluators, and discuss the possibility of converting such experience to college credit.

In their first semester, B.U.S. students take a required (on-line) one credit course-UST 100: Introduction to University Studies-in which they have a change to explore their goals, refresh their knowledge about essential resources and college success skills, explore the UM curriculum, and draft a proposed plan of study.  Students work with an advisor to articulate their goals in a semester-by-semester plan leading to specific educational outcomes, one that will work well with their current life circumstances.  All plans must be approved by an interdisciplinary faculty committee drawn from all five of UMaine’s colleges.  Approval of the plan within two semesters of admission and maintenance of a 2.0 GPA is required to remain in good standing as a degree candidate.  Students suspended from degree candidacy for failing to complete an approved plan or falling below the required grade point average may be reinstated to degree candidacy after one semester upon approval of a plan and improved academic standing, as long as they meet all other requirements.

For an appointment or for further information, call (207) 581-3143 or visit the web page at http://umaine.edu/universitystudies