1. University Studies Program and the Bachelor of Science of University Studies (BSUS)
Rondall R. Rice, Ph.D.
Director

2. What is University Studies?
A Creative and Interdisciplinary degree program!
Students pursue a self-designed program of study that is not available among current ECU degrees/majors
Designed around a purposeful, specific, and academically rigorous Thematic Core
Courses in the Thematic Core complement the unique interdisciplinary theme
Purposeful – Flexible – Creative – Efficient!

3. Requirements to Declare a University Studies Major
2.0 minimum GPA at ECU to declare
University Studies
Transfer Students: ECU requires 2.5 GPA at time of transfer
Transfer GPA is for admission only
Students’ GPAs begin “anew” at ECU
60 semester hours of coursework
Students with less who desire University Studies may be “Intended” until meeting the requirements
Students cannot take intro course (UNIV 2000) until they meet the 60 hours and GPA minimum requirements

4. Transfer Students: Complete Your Degree at ECU!
Students with a AS/AA degree from NC Community Colleges will have Foundation Curriculum complete
Completed courses from other 4-year schools may transfer
½ of the major’s classes (32 hours) must be taken at ECU
Major’s classes are the BSUS Core + 48 hours of Thematic Core
60 total hours of degree work must be from a 4-year institution

5. University Studies Program Design
42 hours of Foundation Curriculum
48 hours of Thematic Core
17 hours of free electives
13 hours of BSUS Core
UNIV 2000: Proposal design
Leadership 1000 and 4000
Technology course (from approved list)
UNIV 4990: Capstone Practicum

6. The Student Degree Plan & Proposal
Completed as part of UNIV 2000
Courses Plan and Explanation (1,000 word essay)
Describes Program & Thematic Core
Relates Thematic Core to personal goals
Describes design-to-course integration
During or immediately after course, Director presents plan to Faculty Oversight Committee
Either approved as-is, with recommended changes, or disapproved with recommendations for resubmission
Must have an approved Proposal to take UNIV 4990 (Practicum)

7. What is a “Thematic Core?”
48 semester hours of specific coursework representing the “heart” of the student’s major and interdisciplinary approach
Must include 30 hours of level courses (thematic core and free electives)
May not exceed 24 semester hours from the same course prefix in the Thematic Core
Courses selected by the student, with faculty and advisor guidance, to prepare the student for a specific career objective
Previously completed/transferred coursework may be approved
Courses taken to complete a minor or certificate can count

8. The Thematic Core Thematic Core Title is very important
Approved by Faculty Oversight Committee
Must agree with thematic core coursework
Will be on the transcript, under degree title
Thematic Core Title Examples:
“Medical Services Facilitation”
“Health Advocacy for At Risk Populations”
“Child Development Through Interrelated Arts”
“Scientific Writing”
“Intelligence Studies”
“Women’s Integrated Aesthetic Studies”
“Digital Storytelling as Advocacy”
“Sound Design in Film and Game Development”
“North Carolina Public Leadership”
“Vintage Apparel and Entrepreneurship”
“Child Development Through Structured Events”

9. Academic Rigor and Career Applicability
Faculty Oversight Committee
11 faculty members; one from each college
3 from Arts & Sciences
2 from Health & Human Performance
Due to diversity of majors in these colleges
Review and approve ALL student proposals
Provide feedback on curriculum plan
Workforce Advisory Committee
Sounding board for programs
Guest speakers and mentors
May assist with internships and networking

10. Contact and Information
ECU University Studies
2421 Old Cafeteria Bulding
Exciting Program, Great Possibilities . . .

11. Launch Your Future with University Studies!