Department of Professional Studies

Bachelor of Applied Science

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree will provide students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in any discipline a seamless transition to the online B.A.S. degree.  Additionally, the program of study is appropriate for:

• Students graduating from community colleges with credentials other than an A.A.S. degree
• Degree “stop-outs” who began but never completed a bachelor’s degree
• Individuals who have accumulated hours that cannot be applied toward a specific major.

Students complete the necessary hours for the degree within a convenient yet directed scheduling format under the guidance of advisors who understand the unique needs of the adult learner.

This stackable education sequence enhances an individual's academic qualifications and increases potential career upward mobility. The degree design maximizes earned hours; a student with an A.A.S. degree must complete 66 hours to earn the B.A.S. degree (26 hours General Education/40 hours Degree Requirements).

To maximize credentialing opportunities, a student in the B.A.S. program may earn the Certificate by completing the first 15 hours of Professional Studies courses in the program. 

Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree:

• Communication: Proficiency of written communication skills for a variety of audiences.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyzing and evaluating evidence to deliver data-driven solutions.
• Analytical Skills: Developing conclusions through quantitative and qualitative reasoning.
• Ethics: Applying ethical principles in personal, professional, and societal contexts.
• Diversity: Demonstrating understanding and consideration of diverse cultural perspectives and intercultural complexities.
• Teamwork: Demonstrating teamwork fundamentals through participation and engagement.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrating proficiency in project management, computer literacy, technology, financial management, and knowledge application.
• Leadership and Management: Applying leadership and management strategies in professional settings, to include human resources management, conflict management, and conflict resolution.

Program of Study (BAS)

All bachelor’s degrees at Arkansas Tech University require 35 hours of general education coursework and a minimum of 40 hours of upper division courses, and a 120 total hours.  Additionally, at least 30 hours must be earned at Arkansas Tech University.

General Education coursework or enrollment in courses as needed:  35 hours

Required Core

COMM 3073 Group Communication
PSY 3093 Industrial Psychology
BUAD 3123 Management
OL / PS 3023 Professional Communication
OL / PS 3133 Applied Principles/Personnel Management
OL / PS 4443 Professional Leadership
OL / PS 4543 Workplace Supervision
OL / PS 4643 Occupational Globalization and Diversity OR
OL / PS 4743 Organizational Change
BAS 4253 Quality Control and Continuous Improvement
BAS 4353 Workflow Monitoring and Industrial Environments
BAS 4453 Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
BAS 4553 Workplace Health and Safety
BAS 4653 Manufacturing Systems
BAS 4751 Career Planning and Personal Development

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program. 

•  Freshman

  Fall		Spring
  ENGL 1013 Composition I1	3	ENGL 1023 Composition II1	3
  PSY 2003 General Psychology	3	Electives	12
  Electives	9
  Total Hours	15	Total Hours	15

•  Sophomore

  Fall		Spring
  Mathematics1	3	Communication1	3
  Electives	12	Electives	12
  Total Hours	15	Total Hours	15

•  Junior

  Fall		Spring
  Fine Arts & Humanities1	3	Fine Arts & Humanities1	3
  Social Sciences1	3	U.S. History/Government1	3
  Science with Lab1	4	Science with Lab1	4
  COMM 3073 Group Communication	3	BUAD 3123 Management	3
  OL / PS 3023 Professional Communication	3	PSY 3093 Industrial Psychology	3
  Total Hours	16	Total Hours	16

•  Senior
  <

  Fall		Spring
  OL / PS 3133 Applied Principles/Personnel Management	3	BAS 4353 Workflow Monitoring and Industrial Environments	3
  OL / PS 4443 Professional Leadership	3	BAS 4453 Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis	3
  OL / PS 4543 Workplace Supervision	3	BAS 4553 Workplace Health and Safety	3
  OL / PS 4643 Organizational Globalization and Diversity OR OL / PS 4743 Organizational Change	3	BAS 4653 Manufacturing Systems	3
  BAS 4253 Quality Control and Continuous Improvement	3	BAS 4751 Career Planning and Personal Development	1
  Total Hours	15	Total Hours	13

¹See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".