by Ugne Ulozeviciute
Daily Lobo
Although UNM offers many degrees from vastly different departments, students who can't find what they want have the option of creating their own study curriculum through the University Studies program.
A bachelor of University Studies, housed under University College, is an option where students complete all courses required in the University core curriculum and design an individual 36 plus credits-study plan leading to a bachelor's degree.
Study plans may be combined from two academic programs/departments to reflect a unique major/minor combination or they may be theme based - for example law enforcement - and draw courses from as many as four UNM departments.
Tracy Skipp, the BUS program supervisor, emphasizes, that the program is not for those looking to avoid existing department requirements.
"The BUS program is a combination of studies that don't already exist," Skipp said.
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University Studies program graduates from UNM have gone on to enter many different career fields, according to a recent survey of 5,000 graduates. Those jobs include ranching, journalism, Web site management, psychology, foreign service, architecture and politics.
Adrienne Scott Warner, a BUS program graduate, received her degree in Women's Studies with an emphasis in writing and art, focusing on ideas and their translations within those areas. After graduating, Warner served a year in the AmeriCorps.
The hard work required to obtain a BUS degree is a benefit, Warner said, adding that a University Studies degree is an excellent way to impress employers and college admissions personnel.
"It allows the employer to be drawn in," Warner said. "The BUS degree is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared to market yourself."
Like all other colleges, the BUS program has specific admissions requirements, Skipp said. Students must have 26 or more hours of earned credit applicable to the BUS program, a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and a demonstrated competence in English writing to be eligible for the program.
Each student has the additional responsibility of maintaining the quality of his or her education.
Katie Beaver, recent graduate of the University Studies program, said her goal after graduating with her bachelor's degree was to go to work in the non-profit field. She said that before discovering the BUS program she hadn't found a program at UNM that allowed her this focus.
Beaver received her business degree with a focus in communication and languages. "Immediately after graduation I was able to use my BUS degree to fulfill my goal of working for a non-profit organization," She said.
The University Studies program is an excellent way for students to explore many options and interests, Beaver said.
"I definitely recommend BUS to other students," Warner added. "If you have a penchant for non-conformity, get inspired by wonderful classes and are willing to do the work it takes to design your program, meet with an advisor. See where it can take you."
