** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

DRAFT University Studies Degree
Bachelor of Arts in University Studies
Dr. Eric Romero, Director
505-454-3009
E-mail: ericromero@nmhu.edu

Major in University Studies (BA)
The Bachelor of University Studies Program is designed for students who choose to complete a course of study without having declared specifics major or minor. Students can design programs of study in alignment with particular career skills, areas of personal interest or creative  compositions of content knowledge. This interdisciplinary and integrated design for study equips students with a variety of learning opportunities and develops a range of transferable skills applicable to all disciplines and to the work force.

A Track 1 Plan begins with FYEX 1111 course that describes the program and develops an understanding of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). Students will then determine a personal plan of study that identifies 45 credit hours completion: They may choose 30 credit hours in one specific theme area and 15 credit hours in three separate themes. Students may also choose a three (3) thematic area specialization of 15 credit hours in three separate themes.

Students will meet with an academic adviser to design a personal plan of study (POS) to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. This
Track 1 Option will be attractive and viable for entry-level students that have not determined a particular Major/Minor plan of study.

The UNST 4000 Capstone course will finalize student’s specialization in their thematic areas of choice. The Capstone will emphasize a pragmatic service-learning or civic engagement projected that intends to align student learning with actual areas of employment, service and personal growth.

A Track II Plan allows transfer students to similarly design a plan of study that emphasizes the five University Studies Outcomes Objectives. Transfer students will begin their planning with a UNST 3000 level University Studies course that sets the foundations for engaged learning and degree planning. Track II students will also have the options of 30 credit hours in one specific theme area and 15 credit hours in a second theme area or may choose three (3) thematic area specialization of 15 credit hours in three separate themes. Many transfer students have already developed thematic specialization that can be considered as part of the 45 credit hours content areas. This option would be viable to NMHU
Center students that have limited selection of onsite and online course availability.

In addition to the concentration and/ or emphasis area course requirements, all other University requirements for a bachelor’s degree must be met. The minimum total credit hours required for graduation is 120. Forty-five of the 120 credits hours must be upper-division credit hours (3000-4000). The final year must be completed as a Highlands student with a declared BUS Plan of Study form completed and approved by the BUS Coordinator. An overall GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

Track I
FYEX 1111 Introduction to University Studies (3)
Thematic Area 1 (30)
Thematic Area 2 (15)
UNST 4000 Capstone
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 153

OR

FYEX 1111 Introduction to University Studies (3)
Thematic Area 1 (15)
Thematic Area 2 (15
Thematic Area 3 (15)
UNST 4000 University Studies Capstone (3)

Major Total: 51 credit hours
Proficiency Total: 6 credit hours
Core total: 45 credit hours
Extended core: 5 credit hours
Electives to 120: 5 credit hours*
Total for degree: 120 credit hours

*A minor is not required. Additional credit hours may be required to meet the 120-credit degree requirement of proficiency or the required
courses are waived for content only. The English and math proficiency courses do not count towards the university’s 120-unit degree. The
university requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.

Track II
UNST 3000 University Studies Program Planning (3)
Thematic Area 1 (30 credit hours)
Thematic Area 2 (15 credit hours)
UNST 4000 University Studies Capstone (3)

OR

UNST 3000 University Studies Program Planning (3)
Thematic Area 1 (15)
Thematic Area 2 (15)
Thematic Area 3 (15)
UNST 4000 University Studies Capstone (3)

Major Total: 51 credit hours
Proficiency Total: 11 credit hours
Core Total: 35 credit hours
Electives to 120: 5 credit hours
Total for degree: 120 credit hours.