Bachelor of University Studies
The University Studies degree is about meeting a student where they are at in their educational journey. This program prioritizes the student’s needs and provides support through a positive, goal-focused approach.
Download University Studies Program Fact Sheet
Joe Wright
Read more about JoeEntrepreneur, Small Business Owner and VCSU alumn
“Looking back to my younger years, I had always wanted to start some type of business but never really knew what, nor did I know the term “entrepreneur”. While at VCSU, I started wearing fun socks and posted about them on my social media channels. It became my “thing”. Finally, everything clicked in 2019 when I realized I could just start my own sock business. It took me a while to come up with the name for my business. I thought of maybe calling it “Monkey Toe” along with some other names that just never grabbed me. One morning I woke up and I realized my last name was absolutely perfect. “
Why University Studies
Most students graduating with a Bachelor of University Studies degree at Valley City State University started in a different program. Students often come to this degree with general education courses and some upper division courses completed.
Students looking for something different, but still desiring to finish their four-year bachelor’s degree, find a home with University Studies. The Bachelor of University Studies allows students to use earned credits in a flexible way to show they have met the requirements of a four-year degree.
University Studies is available for those who want to work on completing their general education courses while exploring other classes that might lead to finding their passion. Students, over time, can declare a different major if they wish, or they can earn a University Studies bachelor’s degree with course offerings guided by their specific future plans. The goal is student success, whatever that may look like for the individual student.
To maintain rigor and meet university standards for graduation, Bachelor of University Studies students are required to have 34 upper division (300-400 level) credits. As with other majors, these students are required to complete a Capstone project. This project and presentation show a synthesis of cumulative skills and knowledge to make the case that students are adequately prepared for the workforce.
Beyond graduation
Explore the possibilities
The University Studies degree allows a student to develop tailored skills and career goals based on their interests. The courses selected for this program are done in partnership with the Director for Student Academic Services. The benefits of this degree include:
- Students can take courses they are specifically interested in
- A personalized degree that allows for matching various skills with a specific desired career
- The opportunity to graduate within four years
- Flexible career readiness
Join clubs and organizations to get involved on campus and in your major.
Mark Zinke
Read more about MarkVCSU alumnus Mark Zinke ’16 spends his days teaching in the gym and coaching on the field. By night he is busy designing and selling gear to people who are proud to represent their North Dakota roots.
“Never be timid or afraid to chase a dream or idea; you will have regrets if you never try to live it out. If you ever have any setbacks, find the positives and keep going. In the words of Mike Stud, “You learn more from falling than watching your step.” “
Where you'll study
Plan of Study
- English Composition (Gen Ed)
- Mathematics (Gen Ed)
- Speech Communication (Gen Ed)
- Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)
- Wellness (Gen Ed)
- Viking Voyage
- Art and Music (Gen Ed)
- English Composition (Gen Ed)
- Lab Science (Gen Ed)
- Lower Division
- Social Science (Gen Ed)
- Lab Science (Gen Ed)
- Literacies (Gen Ed)
- Additional Social Science (Gen Ed)
- Social Science (Gen Ed)
- Lower Division courses
- Upper Division courses
Meet the advisor
Academic Affairs, Learning Center
- McFarland Hall 322B
Accreditation
A college education is an investment in yourself. Making sure your education is high-quality can be difficult, but not at VCSU. We are proud to be accredited by numerous institutions, and with that accreditation comes the assurance you’re receiving the highest quality education that will prepare you for your career.