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University Studies Degree

Mississippi State University offers a 100% online Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) program, designed specifically for adult learners through the College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS). This flexible, 120-credit-hour degree program provides a clear pathway for eligible students to complete their undergraduate education and achieve their career goals.

Who is Eligible?

To enroll in the University Studies online degree, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an adult learner (at least 21 years old).
  • Have earned at least 90 semester credit hours.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have been out of postsecondary education for at least 24 months.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $435.75
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Why Choose the University Studies Program?

The BUS degree is uniquely designed for adult learners returning to college to finish their degree. The program features:

  • Customizable Curriculum: Tailored to your previous academic achievements and career goals.
  • Supportive Environment: Collaborate with a academic advisor and faculty to develop a personalized degree plan.
  • Flexibility: 100% online courses allow you to balance education with work and personal commitments.

Take the next step toward completing your degree and advancing your career. Learn more about the University Studies degree program at Mississippi State University and see how we can help you succeed!

Program Structure

30 General Education Required Hours
33 University Studies Major Core
36 Additional Required Courses
120 Hours to Graduation

Core Curriculum

All students who enter MSU must meet the common core curriculum requirements as set by the Board of Trustees, Institutes of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi to Qualify for any bachelor’s degree.

  • English Comp: 6 hours
  • Fine Arts: 3 hours
  • Humanities: 6 hours
  • Social Sciences: 6 hours
  • Mathematics: 3 hours
  • Lab-Based Natural Sciences: 6 hours
  • Public Speaking: 3 hours
  • Computer Literacy: 3 hours
  • Writing Requirement: 3 hours
    • Approved upper-level writing course
  • University Studies Core Electives: 24 hours
  • Major Core: 30 hours
    • Approved upper-level coursework taken at Mississippi State University
  • Free Electives: 27 hours

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be met to earn a Bachelor of University Studies degree:

Must pass a minimum of 120 applicable hours.

  • 60 hours must be earned at an accredited four-year university.
  • 30 hours of upper-level (3000/4000) credits must be earned at MSU.
  • The final 30 hours must be earned at MSU.
  • Up to 60 hours transferred from an accredited community college may apply toward the degree.

Transfer Credit

  • May apply up to 60 hours from an accredited community college.
  • May apply up to 90 hours from an accredited four-year university.
  • Upon admission to the university, the Registrar's Office will evaluate transfer credit to determine how it transfers to Mississippi State University.

Admissions Process

New Admissions

If you have never attended Mississippi State University, please complete the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.
All new admits will pay a non-refundable application fee.

  • Please select Undeclared as your major and reach out to your academic advisor to update your major to University Studies.

Returning Students

If you have previously attended MSU, you will need to apply for Readmission. There is no fee for readmission applications.

  • You will complete your readmission application choosing your previous major and campus.
  • Once you are readmitted, you will work with your chosen campuses Advisor to update your major and campus. 
  • As a reminder, for admittance to the University Studies program, you must not have attended any other instructions within the last 24 months.
  • Submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university you attended.
  • If you are unable to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them to admit@msstate.edu.
  • If you are unable to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them via U.S. Postal Service to:
    Office of Admissions & Scholarships
    P.O. Box 6334
    Mississippi State, MS 39762

Then, we can review your academic records, including any transfer work you may have, and advise you on what action to take to earn your degree online.

Let us help you realize your academic goals today with a degree in University Studies from Mississippi State University!

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your advisor to determine the courses that are most appropriate for you to take. Approximately two months prior to the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services. If you are having trouble accessing your MSU email account, please follow this link to get that set up: https://www.online.msstate.edu/faq/email.

Headshot of Caine Page

Caine Page

Online Education

  • University Studies Advisor
662-325-2617

Program Reminders

  • If you want to deviate from the program of study recommended for you, check with your advisor
  • If you take courses not on your recommended program of study, there is a risk that the classes will not count toward your University Studies degree.

All programs of study are subject to review by the Registrar's Office for graduation, even from a signed program of study. Courses that do not equal MSU courses exactly may or may not apply to your program as core courses. You can see these course translations through the DegreeWorks report found on myState. To access the report, log into your myState account and click on the "hamburger" icon in the top left corner in order to access the Banner tab; click or hover over the myBanner for Students tab in order to view the Academic Records column where you can click on the DegreeWorks link.

Undergraduate Catalog


Contact Information

Headshot of Caine Page

Caine Page

Online Education

  • University Studies Advisor
662-325-2617