The fundamental purpose of the Bachelor of University Studies degree is to permit students to assume the responsibility for developing individualized programs of study to meet particular needs. This degree program is specifically designed to meet the unique objectives of those students who elect a general program of studies in higher education, leading to a baccalaureate degree, but who do not necessarily intend to pursue identifiable vocational, professional, and/or graduate interests. A student may structure a program of studies so that the sequence and combination of courses reflect either specialized or broad patterns of educational experience.

In addition to the self-designed programs, BUS students may also follow the requirements in the concentrations listed below. These have been prepared to provide a guide to course selection.

Since the BUS degree has few specified requirements, certain guidelines are unique to this degree program:

1. Students graduating with the BUS degree, regardless of the courses they have taken, are not required to complete a specified major or minor. Any student who meets requirements for any approved major may request that major be recorded on the transcript.
2. Students who design a major and minor with the advice of a faculty advisor and the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs may have that major recorded on their transcript.
3. Students enrolled in the BUS degree may take any course offered by the University for undergraduate credit, provided they satisfy course prerequisites or obtain permission of the instructor. This includes courses offered during the regular academic year, during the Summer Session, through Academic Outreach, by equivalency examination, and through any other means by which students at the University may earn university credits.
4. Students may transfer at any time from the BUS degree to any other undergraduate program provided they meet the admissions requirements of the program into which transfer is sought. Credits accrued in the BUS program will be applied as appropriate in the elected program.
5. Students may transfer at any time into the BUS program provided they meet the grade point average required for transfer between degree programs.

Graduation Requirements
The Bachelor of University Studies degree will be awarded upon the successful completion of an individualized program of studies. Specific graduation requirements are as follows:

1. Completion of 120 semester hours of credit.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
3. Completion of at least 45 semester hours of upper level credits (course numbers 300 and above) in each of which the student shall have earned the grade of “C” or better.
4. Completion of General Education Requirements (see Index under “General Education Requirements”)
5. At least 30 semester hours must be completed at the University of Maine at Fort Kent or through UMFK programs.