University Studies

University Studies

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Bachelor of University Studies

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Interdisciplinary learning across multiple fields of study

02

Flexible curriculum designed around your prior coursework and your career goals

03

Critical thinking and problem-solving for real-world challenges

04

Professional communication in academic and workplace contexts

05

Leadership and ethical decision-making in diverse environments

Core
Skills

  • Interdisciplinary knowledge across multiple areas of study
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving in complex situations
  • Written and oral communication for professional settings
  • Integration of prior learning into career-focused applications
  • Adaptability and self-directed learning skills

Sample
Jobs

  • Client Services Specialist
  • Program Coordinator
  • Administrative Manager
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Communications or Marketing Coordinator

Brag
Points

  • Design your own path: choose emphasis areas that align with your career goals and create a customized curriculum that fits your professional ambitions.

University Studies

Bachelor of University Studies

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Begin coursework at a community college or 4-year university. Complete foundational general education courses (7–8 courses). Explore academic interests and start coursework in a potential major or career field.

2nd Year

Continue completing general education course requirements. Begin or continue coursework in your intended major or area of interest. Take electives that support your academic and career goals.

3rd Year

Begin upper-division coursework in the Bachelor of University Studies program. Take required courses in the emphasis areas you select. Work with your academic advisor to build a schedule that fits your goals and personal commitments. Continue completing remaining General Education courses as needed. Evaluate Prior Learning Recognition opportunities to potentially shorten your path to graduation.

4th Year

Complete remaining upper-division coursework in your emphasis areas. Work closely with your advisor to ensure you are on track to meet the 120-credit graduation requirement. Wrap up any outstanding General Education or elective requirements.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Explore part-time jobs or internships in the field of your choosing. Develop skills through course projects or hands-on learning. Practice professional communication and collaboration in class assignments.

2nd Year

Apply for internships, co-op programs, or part-time work in a field of your choosing. Build your portfolio by saving high-quality class projects or documents that demonstrate your professional and technical skills.

3rd Year

Engage fully in course-based experiential learning, such as simulations, team projects, and mock interviews. Apply what you’re learning to your current job, internship, or volunteer work, if applicable. Start identifying skills you want to strengthen based on course feedback and self-reflection.

4th Year

Use course assignments to build a professional portfolio that showcases your strengths and skills. Fill in any experience gaps through volunteering, part-time work, or additional training. Consider participating in employer networking opportunities or informational interviews to explore career options.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Volunteer with local nonprofits, community centers, or school offices to build organizational and interpersonal skills.
Join campus clubs, student government, or honor societies to enhance leadership and teamwork experience.

2nd Year

Seek out leadership roles in student clubs, honor societies, or community service organizations.
Participate in local business networking events, career fairs, or volunteer projects related to administration or customer service.
Mentor first-year students or volunteer for peer-led initiatives on campus.

3rd Year

Join campus or virtual student organizations related to your career interests. Look for opportunities to get involved in community initiatives or professional associations. Network with peers, faculty, and staff who can support your academic and career journey.

4th Year

Continue engaging with student or professional organizations. Seek leadership roles in volunteer or service activities related to your field.
Attend campus or virtual events that promote community building and professional connections.

Explore the World

1st Year

Attend campus or local events that explore cultural diversity and global perspectives. Take electives or Gen Ed courses with an international or cross-cultural focus, such as global studies or world history. Follow global trends through podcasts, news outlets, or student discussion forums.

2nd Year

Explore virtual events, webinars, or community college programs that promote global awareness or business trends. If possible, participate in cultural awareness weeks or events to better understand workplace diversity. Learn about international companies or global workforce demands in administrative and support roles.

3rd Year

Take electives or attend campus events that explore access, opportunity, and success in the workplace. Participate in discussions or assignments that address international trends in business and industry. Explore global or multicultural dimensions of administrative work through research or readings.

4th Year

Apply workplace skills and knowledge to real-world challenges involving global or cross-cultural perspectives. Take advantage of any study abroad or virtual international experiences if available. Reflect on the role of leadership and communication in supporting international and diverse workplaces.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Visit either your community college’s career services our our career center here at MSU to explore job shadowing or early résumé building. Create a basic résumé and start documenting skills and experience. Identify your career interests and begin exploring how your degree aligns with transfer or advancement options.

2nd Year

Update your résumé with new experience, skills, and accomplishments. Practice interview skills through mock interviews or workshops offered by your career center. 

3rd Year

Visit the Career Center to refine your résumé and begin exploring job opportunities or graduate school options. Attend networking events, job fairs, or industry panels when available. Connect with MSU alumni working in career fields of your interest to learn more about their career paths.

4th Year

Meet with the Career Center for job search support, interview preparation, and résumé review. Apply for full-time positions or graduate programs aligned with your goals. Polish your LinkedIn profile and start applying for positions that match your skills and interests.
Celebrate your accomplishments!

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

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