The Bachelor of University Studies degree is a baccalaureate degree program offered through the College of University Studies. Each degree is individually tailored to meet the unique needs of a particular student. On the average, NDSU grants between 20 and 30 such degrees annually. Each degree plan is designed by the student with assistance from an academic adviser and is later approved by a committee composed of campus-wide representation.

The goal of the Bachelor of University Studies degree is to provide a unique, nontraditional major for students whose goals and objectives cannot be met via a traditionally established academic major or minor. The program allows flexibility in designing a degree, allowing students to meet unique personal and career goals. This degree is not designed to replace any existing NDSU major, and all students should seek an existing campus major when such a major is available. Upon graduation, no major, minor, option, or area of concentration is shown on the transcript or the diploma of a BUS degree student. Students are advised to visit with BUS adviser as soon as possible.