That the obligation of the state to the general government, assumed by the acceptance of the land grant of July 2, 1862, may be more fully discharged, and in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life, the board of curators of the University of the State of Missouri shall prescribe and adopt a liberal academic course of study to be taught at the University of Missouri-Rolla campus, in addition to the courses now taught in said school, and may confer the degree of bachelor of science upon all students who satisfactorily complete said course.
§ 172.500, RSMo