last modified:2007-05-21 15:30:58
B.U.S. Frequently Asked Questions
| Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) | Admission Requirements | Graduation Requirements | Thesis/Project Requirements | Proposal Instructions | Deadlines | Faculty Adviser Responsibilities | B.U.S. Committee Members | Student Feedback | Scholarships | Contact Information | Study Topics/Examples |
Q: What can I do with a Bachelor of University Studies degree?
A: Many students who pursue a Bachelor of University Studies degree go on to graduate school such as PhD programs, masters programs, medical school, dental school, law school, and others. There is also significant opportunity for employment in professions closely related to the student's major-emphasis area.
Q: How do I go about choosing a faculty adviser?
A: There are several ways to choose a faculty adviser who will work to help you achieve your goals. The faculty member must be a tenure-track professor (associate professor, assitant professor, or full professor). Think about the classes that have played a role in your major-emphasis decision. Try approaching the professors that taught those classes. It is preferrable that you choose a faculty member who knows you well to ensure a solid reccomendation and commitment to your pursuit of a B.U.S. degree. You may also speak to the director of the B.U.S. program to obtain a list of faculty members that have previously sponsored degrees similar to yours.
Q: What qualities does the committee look for in a successful B.U.S. candidate?
A: The committee is looking for a comprehensive, coherent, thematic, and unique proposal, with a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum. The student, along with the faculty adviser, must demonstrate a thorough understanding of and committment to a B.U.S. degree. The committee is interested in the student's motivation to pursue the degree along with the student's future personal and professional goals.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my final proposal?
A: The proposal must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to each committee meeting. The committee meets twice a semester, although usually not during the summer. Click here for the dates of the upcoming committee meetings and submission deadlines.
Q: In what college do I graduate with a B.U.S.?
A: The student graduates within the faculty adviser's academic college. For example, if the student's faculty adviser is from the department of psychology, the student will graduate within the college of Behavioral Sciences, which encompasses many departments, including the department of psychology.
Q: Do I still have to fulfill all University general education/graduation requirements?
A: Yes. All B.U.S. students are still dictated by the University general education requirements, including American institutions, intellectual explorations, writing, and quantitative reasoning requirements. The student must also satisfy the bachelor degree requirements including the diversity and upper-division communication/writing requirements, as well as the quantitative intensive or language requirements, depending on whether the student is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
Q: Are there scholarships available for B.U.S. students?
A: Yes. The Reynold T Rice Scholarship offers B.U.S. students $1,000 toward tuition.