Bachelor of Science in University Studies Online

Already have college credit or military training? Put it toward a personalized degree built around your goals – and graduate prepared for new career opportunities faster than you think.

Apply by: 12/21/26
Start class: 1/11/27
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Program Overview

Finish your degree your way with a Bachelor of Science in University Studies

The Bachelor of Science in University Studies online program lets you build a degree plan around your goals and experience, rather than follow a single pre-set major. It's designed for returning students, career changers and busy professionals who want a structured, streamlined path to graduation. Fulfill your 120 credit hours with courses across the university.

This flexible bachelor’s of university studies degree program lets you apply prior coursework toward completion: Transfer up to 90 credits and graduate in as few as 24 months. Whether you're advancing a civilian career or pursuing a military promotion, a Bachelor of Science in University Studies online program can help you gain valuable credentials to advance your career.

As a student of this online B.S. in University Studies program, you will:

  • Engage in continuous learning and intellectual growth, demonstrating career readiness
  • Apply learning in a variety of professional environments, incorporating knowledge from across fields and disciplines
  • Utilize critical, creative and strategic thinking to holistically examine problems and provide solutions to those problems
  • Integrate learning and skills, including digital literacy, across disciplines
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply complex problem-solving skills
  • Utilize ethically and socially responsible behaviors in a landscape that involves increasing diversity
As a student of this online B.S. in University Studies program, you will:+
  • Engage in continuous learning and intellectual growth, demonstrating career readiness
  • Apply learning in a variety of professional environments, incorporating knowledge from across fields and disciplines
  • Utilize critical, creative and strategic thinking to holistically examine problems and provide solutions to those problems
  • Integrate learning and skills, including digital literacy, across disciplines
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply complex problem-solving skills
  • Utilize ethically and socially responsible behaviors in a landscape that involves increasing diversity

What career opportunities are available with a bachelor’s in university studies from SIU Carbondale?

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Customer Success/Customer Service Representative
  • Human Resources Assistant/Coordinator
  • Operations Coordinator
  • Sales Representative
What career opportunities are available with a bachelor’s in university studies from SIU Carbondale?+
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Customer Success/Customer Service Representative
  • Human Resources Assistant/Coordinator
  • Operations Coordinator
  • Sales Representative

Also available:

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers specialized degrees that can help you grow personally and professionally. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Also available:+

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers specialized degrees that can help you grow personally and professionally. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Per Credit Tuition $327.75
Transfer Credits Up to 90
Credit Hours 120

Accreditation

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Need More Information?

Call 855-741-0087

Call 855-741-0087

Tuition

Get more value from affordable tuition

At SIU, we believe that education should be accessible to all, and that’s why the tuition for the B.S. in University Studies program is budget-friendly and paid by the course.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course*
B.S. – University Studies $327.75 $983.25


Potential Expenses Per Year*

Tuition** Fees*** Food and Housing Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment Personal Expenses Transportation Total with Tuition
$39,330 $80 $13,067 $780 $1,761 $1,300

*Published tuition costs may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities. As a SIU Carbondale Online student, you will only ever be billed for applicable tuition and fees. All other costs listed are estimates per academic year required by the federal government to help you budget for your education.

Tuition per Year based on 18 semester hours per year (Fall, Spring + 3CH Summer): $5,899.50

***The fee amount in the financial aid budget is based on the maximum fees assessed to students based on full-time enrollment.

For further information regarding program tuition and fees visit the Financial Aid website.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $327.75

Calendar

Start when the time is right for you

Our bachelor’s in university studies online program is delivered in a 100 percent online format, giving you the freedom to fulfill professional and personal responsibilities while enrolled. Choose the start date that best suits your schedule.

View full calendar +

TermStart DateApp DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlineTuition DeadlineClass End DateTerm Length
Spring A1/11/2712/21/2612/28/261/10/273/5/278 weeks
Spring B3/15/272/22/273/1/273/14/275/7/278 weeks
Summer6/7/275/17/275/24/276/6/278 weeks

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 12/21/26
Start Class 1/11/27

Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?

Apply Now

Admissions

Get started on this online university studies degree program

Apply to the Bachelor in University Studies online program and prepare to unleash your potential, discover your passions, and create a future that reflects your unique aspirations.

View all admission requirements +

For admission into the B.S. in University Studies online program, you must meet the streamlined requirements below.

Students with 12 or more transferable credits or 18 quarter hours:

  • Submit online application and $40 non-refundable application fee
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), as calculated by transfer institution grading policies
  • Current, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended

Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to the Articulation and Evaluation office.

Email address:[email protected]

Mailing address:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Articulation and Evaluation
1263 Lincoln Drive MC 4725
Carbondale, IL 62901

Students with fewer than 12 transferable credits:

Students who transfer with less than 12 transferable credits must meet both the transfer admission standards and first-year admission standards.

  • Transfer admission: GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • First-year admission: Applicants meeting any of the following criteria will be admitted:
    • A high school GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
    • An ACT score of 23 or higher (or equivalent SAT score)
    • A ranking in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class
  • Current, official transcripts from high school and all colleges or universities attended

Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to the Undergraduate Admissions office.

Email address:[email protected]

Mailing address:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Undergraduate Admissions
1263 Lincoln Drive MC 4710
Carbondale, IL 62901

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • 2.0 GPA

Courses

Explore the courses you'll take for your bachelor’s degree in university studies

For the Bachelor of Science in University Studies online program, you must complete 39 credit hours of university core courses (13 credit hours of foundation skills, 23 credit hours of disciplinary studies and three credit hours of integrative studies). If you have completed an associate’s degree satisfying the Illinois Articulation Initiative’s General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC)* in a baccalaureate-oriented program in an accredited Illinois two-year program, you will be accepted with junior standing and will be considered to have completed the university core requirements. In addition, you must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of 300- or 400-level courses and 39 credit hours of electives approved by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts to complete this 120-credit B.S. degree program.

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Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours at the 300-400 level within the College of Liberal Arts at SIU, and up to 39 credit hours of electives as approved by the College of Liberal Arts to meet the 120 total credit hour undergraduate requirement.

Students will work with their advisors to determine appropriate courses to satisfy those requirements.

University core curriculum requires a total of 39 credit hours distributed across three general areas:

  • 13 credit hours of foundation skills in English composition (6 CH), foundations of inquiry (1 CH), communication studies (3 CH) and quantitative reasoning (3 CH) designed to strengthen students' writing, oral and mathematical skills
  • 23 credit hours of disciplinary studies in fine arts (3 CH), human health (2 CH), humanities (6 CH), science (6 CH), and social science (6 CH) designed to introduce students to the universe of human knowledge
  • Three credit hours of integrative studies designed to increase students' respect for and appreciation of human diversity

The following list presents all available courses that meet the requirements shared above:

 

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Rhetorical foundations for demands of academic and professional writing, including recognition and deployment of strategies and processes for effective written products in various contexts and for various purposes. Class discussion and readings focus on the function and scope of professional literacy. To receive credit in the University Core Curriculum, a student must earn a C or better.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The second course in the two-course sequence of composition courses required of all students in the University. Using culturally diverse reading materials, the course focuses on the kinds of writing students will do in the University and in the world outside the University. The emphasis is on helping students understand the purpose of research, develop methods of research (using both primary and secondary sources), and report their findings in the appropriate form. Prerequisite: English 101 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C. To receive credit in the University Core Curriculum, a student must earn a C or better in English 102.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Elementary mathematical principles as they relate to a variety of applications in contemporary society. Financial mathematics, probability and statistics, graph theory, voting, and other concepts. This course does not count towards the major in mathematics. Prerequisite: high school Geometry and Algebra 2 with a grade of C or better.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course covers the algebra of functions (polynomials, rational, exponential, and logarithmic), graphing, and solving equations, including systems. Credit is given for only one of MATH 108 and MATH 106. Prerequisite: Three years of college preparatory mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, AND a satisfactory placement score. A course fee not to exceed $60 is assessed to residential students, which will cover additional instruction. Additional supplemental software is required. The platform is used for assessment and provides online access to learning aids and the e-textbook.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Set concepts and operations, combinations, permutations, elementary probability theory including Bayes Formula, linear systems of equations, matrix algebra, row reduction, introduction to linear programming and simplex method. This course does not count toward the major in mathematics. Prerequisite: MATH 108 with grade of C or better or satisfactory placement score. Satisfies UCC Quantitative Reasoning in lieu of 110 or 101.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides theory and practical application relevant to students' development of basic oral communication competencies appropriate to a variety of contexts as situated in a culturally diverse world.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
The first-year seminar supports the transition of first-year students as they enter our research university. Special attention will be given to what it means to be a Saluki by exploring the richness of our history and traditions. In addition, upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors critical for academic and personal success.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
This seminar develops general skills that students need for success in the workplace, and enables students to connect their college experience to a professional work setting. Topics include: goal setting, money management, stress management, understanding the job market, networking, personal branding, preparing a resume and cover letter, interviewing, and workplace diversity. Satisfies the UCC Foundations of Inquiry requirement for students who have not successfully completed UNIV 101. Restricted to students with 3rd Year or 4th Year class standing.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Through lectures, in-class individual and group activities, readings, and discussions, students will learn to place musical works in their historical and cultural contexts by understanding the development of western art music. Students will also learn the listening skills necessary to perceive various fundamental aspects of any work of music.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to critical tools for analyzing moving images, featuring screenings of important and innovative films and video art, from early cinema to social media. Formal and technical aspects of various screen media and genres are examined in cultural and historical context. Emphasis on the relationships among aesthetic expression, media technologies, and social formations. Screening fee: $30.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
This course integrates nutrition and promotion of health through prevention of disease and will answer questions found daily in the media regarding nutrition. Topics emphasized are functions of basic nutrients, impact of culture, gender, ethnicity, social environments and lifestyle on nutrition and health.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of select issues in societies of the world from pre-history through the 20th century, with a focus on primary source interpretation. Some sections of this course may be limited to History majors. Please consult with advisor and/or instructor.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
What distinguishes humans from other animals? This course addresses how language is a uniquely human phenomenon by exploring issues in language and society and psychological aspects of language use. Topics include language in conversation, differences between speakers of different ages/genders/regions/social groups, first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, language meaning and change, and the relationship between language and culture.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines human interaction with geologic processes and hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and flooding; occurrences and availability of geologic resources, such as energy, water and minerals; and human impacts on the environment including global warming, waste disposal, and pollution. Two lectures per week. Must be taken concurrently with or upon completion of Geology 112 or 113. If Geology 111 is dropped the laboratory course must also be dropped. Credit Hours: 2 GEOL112 - Geology and the Environment Laboratory Learning (University Core Curriculum) [IAI course: P1 908L] Laboratory to accompany Geology 111. Hands-on and inquiry-based learning in topics such as earth materials, topographic maps, stream dynamics, floods, coastal processes, landslides, groundwater, earthquakes, volcanoes, and human impacts on the environment. One laboratory session 2023-2024 Academic Catalog 480 per week. Must be taken concurrently with or upon completion of Geology 111. Lab fee: $10. Credit Hours: 1
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A scientific introduction to the physical processes responsible for weather and climate and the application of fundamental scientific skills to address aspects of weather and climate that are of particular importance to society at large. Lab fee: $20.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to fundamental biological concepts for non-life science majors interested in learning about interrelationships of human, plant and animal communities. Integrated lecture and laboratory cover topics that include structure and function of living systems, reproduction and inheritance, evolution, biological diversity and environmental biology. Laboratory applies scientific methods to the study of living systems. Lab fee: $20.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the variables related to the origins and modifications of human behavior using the viewpoints and techniques of contemporary psychology.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the sociological perspective on human behavior, the structure and processes involved in social relationships, social stratification and inequality, social institutions, and social change. A survey of major areas of interest in sociology. Required of majors and minors in Sociology.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of businesses, consumers, and the government and their effects on prices, output and income distribution. Current economic problems will be used as illustrative examples. Prerequisite: satisfaction of the University Core Curriculum quantitative reasoning requirement. Satisfies the University Core Curriculum Social Science requirement in lieu of Economics 113.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of how society's social structure influences the processes involved in and the definitions of crime and justice and the likelihood of being an offender and victim of crime. The differential influence of the operations and outcomes of the criminal justice system on groups in U.S. society is emphasized.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examination of factors affecting the full utilization of women, racioethnic minorities, older workers, disabled workers and workers with nontraditional sexual orientations in the workplace. Individual processes, such as group identities, stereotyping, prejudice; group processes such as intergroup conflict; and organizational processes such as structural barriers and informal integration will be studied. The class utilizes a lecture and small discussion-section format with in-class, team, and individual exercises and projects.

Many courses from colleges and universities from within and outside of the United States qualify for transfer credits towards university core curriculum requirements. Visit the Transfer Equivalencies page for more information, or contact Transfer Student Services.

Students completing an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree satisfying the Illinois Articulation Initiative's General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC)* in a baccalaureate-oriented program in an accredited Illinois two-year institution will be accepted with junior standing and be considered to have completed the university core curriculum requirements.

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