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Online applied science degrees: Understanding the AAS vs. BAS

As more adult and nontraditional students are earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), an Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) or an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC), the need for additional higher education is abundant.

Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science (BAS) is designed to provide substantial opportunities for you to apply credits from your AAS or technical certificate to continue your higher education.

What is an AAS?

An AAS is a two-year applied science degree that prepares you to enter the workforce quickly by learning and developing technical skill sets for specialized roles in areas such as digital media, information security, nursing, 3D animation or veterinary technology.

Applying your credits toward a bachelor’s degree opens the door for learning more about your field and possible research opportunities.

Holding a four-year degree also gives you the option to earn a graduate-level degree.

By applying your credits to Boise State’s flexible, high-quality online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science, you can complement your current or future career goals while gaining real-world experience.

Customize your applied science degree

Another advantage to continuing on to a bachelor’s degree in applied science is the array of emphasis and concentration options available at Boise State.

You will create your own relevant degree plan to align with your career aspirations and learn in a supportive academic environment, in either a 100% online format or hybrid option.

The seven in-demand Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science emphasis areas are:

  • Business Administration: Prepare for success in any career field by gaining practical skills in leadership, product sales and development and investment measurement and management.
  • Cyber Operations Essentials: Focus on cyber skills you need to design processes and programs that protect valuable information systems and organizational networks relevant to most any industry.
  • Early Childhood Education: Prepare to become an educator who supports early childhood development and family collaboration through best practices, along with children’s inquiry and development, and solidify your leadership and advocacy skills.
  • Health Administration: Discover the knowledge to combine economic and political forces, support evidence-based practice through research and provide patient care. Also gain a thorough understanding of the environmental, social and cultural factors that influence health.
  • Project Management: Develop your skills in project plans, timeline management, working with stakeholders and executing strategic goals. Prepare for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Public Health: Learn to assess public health needs in diverse settings, improve systems, address health threats and navigate legal and policy challenges to make an impact on your community.
  • Resort and Hospitality Management: Gain the skills, tools and knowledge to forge a long-term career in the recreational and hospitality industry.

Add a concentration to your degree

In addition to the core coursework, you can choose one or more concentrations to personalize and maximize your applied science degree.

They include:

  • Business and Leadership: +Business, Applied Leadership, Business Creation, Community Impact, Leadership and Human Relations and Project Management
  • Communication, Innovation and Design: Communication Management, Conflict Management, Content Production, Innovation and Design, Media Content Management, Public Relations, UX Design and User Experience Research: UX Professional
  • Cyber: Cyber for All and Cyber Operations
  • Education: Inquiry-Based Early Childhood Education
  • Healthcare: Public Health
  • Custom: Create your own concentration by choosing from more than 800+ online courses at Boise State.

In addition to enhancing your degree to meet your specific needs and goals, the online Bachelor of Applied Science will connect you with students from different industries across the globe, enhancing your learning experience.

You will also build relationships with your classmates through technologies that support online discussions and group work.

Want to learn more about earning an applied science degree?

Join us for an online information session or connect with a student success coach.

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