Applied Undergraduate Studies Programs: Pathways to Success

The Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) offers a unique approach to higher education, catering to the needs of "post-traditional" students. These students include transfer students, adult learners, military veterans, active duty military personnel and their families, and individuals who have taken at least one semester off after high school. DAUS, part of NYU’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), empowers these learners to earn an NYU degree specifically designed for applied learning.

Who DAUS Serves

DAUS recognizes that not everyone can follow a traditional four-year college path. It welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and various stages of their academic journey. Many are transfer students aiming to complete a bachelor’s degree, while others are adult learners balancing work and family responsibilities. DAUS also accommodates students who prefer online or hybrid learning formats and those who reside outside of New York City.

Garfield Benjamin, administrative director, emphasizes that DAUS offers a practical and accessible route for students needing flexibility and a pathway to a full bachelor's degree.

Flexibility and Accessibility

DAUS prioritizes flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of its students. Programs can be completed fully online or on-site, with full-time or part-time enrollment options. Students can even begin their studies in the spring semester. This flexibility allows students to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments.

Online and On-site Options: All degrees can be completed fully online or on-site.
Full-time and Part-time Enrollment: Students can attend full-time or part-time.
Spring Start: The option to start an NYU associate degree in the spring.
Credit Transfer: Generous transfer credit policies, accepting up to 80 credits for a bachelor's degree and 30 toward an associate's degree.

Applied Learning: A Cornerstone of DAUS

Applied learning is central to the DAUS philosophy. The curriculum integrates academic rigor with essential career development, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce. DAUS designs its degrees to equip students with the emerging skills and experiences that employers seek.

Practical Experience

Practical experience is a cornerstone of DAUS. Students can earn academic credit through internships, co-ops, work-study programs, and paid opportunities that complement their coursework. Many DAUS students have interned with prominent organizations such as Bank of America, CNN, Goldman Sachs, and the United Nations.

Workplace Learning Lab

The Workplace Learning Lab connects students with employers and community-based organizations, creating opportunities to gain work experience and develop future-proof skills. DAUS partners with organizations across the public and private sectors to develop opportunities for students to gain work experience and future-proof skills in the classroom and through work-based learning before they enter the job market.

Faculty Learning Community

Thrilled to share the successful completion of the first inaugural Faculty Learning Community session at NYU School of Professional Studies. This FLC will be engaging in meaningful discussions around high-impact practice because they deepen pedagogical inquiry, strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration, and drive intentional course design that ultimately elevates student learning and success.

Personalized Support and Community

DAUS recognizes that students often balance school with careers, families, and other responsibilities. Therefore, the program prioritizes both support and community.

Personalized Advising: Students receive personalized advising to transfer credits, manage scheduling, and plan their degree paths.
Community Building: DAUS fosters connection through collaboration and shared experiences, even in online and hybrid courses. Small class sizes encourage meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates.

Examples of Success

Loris van Vlodrop, a Leadership and Management Studies major, exemplifies the DAUS student. As a lifelong soccer player, Loris balanced playing professionally in New York and Spain with his education. He chose DAUS because it allowed him to compete, work full-time, and pursue his degree. Loris credits DAUS for providing both flexibility and community.

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Maung Sawyeddollah, a Social Sciences major, represents the inclusive mission of DAUS. As a member of the Rohingya community, Maung was denied access to higher education in Myanmar. He founded the Rohingya Student Network to support other displaced youth. DAUS resonated with him because it welcomes students with diverse life experiences and provides a pathway to higher education.

Degrees Offered

The Applied Studies degree is designed to meet the needs of individuals whose educational objectives cannot be met through traditional degree programs. This program is especially convenient for students who transfer with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in an occupational field.

Comparably priced to community college-and with no out-of-pocket tuition for students eligible for NYS TAP or the Pell Grant-our flexible associate degrees can be earned in just two years, with the option to transfer up to 30 credits.

All associate’s degrees can feed into bachelor’s pathways, allowing students to continue their education without interruption.

Transfer Opportunities

DAUS recognizes the value of what students have already accomplished. You can transfer up to 80 previously earned college credits toward a bachelor’s degree (or 30 toward an associate’s) and even earn credit for professional experience, military training, or exams such as AP and CLEP. Want to know how your previous college credits will transfer before you apply? Request an unofficial evaluation of your transcripts by one of our professional advisors. Fill out the form below with your major and the semester you'd like to start, and attach your transcripts. Please allow 5-7 business days for your transfer evaluation.

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Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics

Applied and computational mathematics and statistics use modeling, simulation, and data analysis to produce solutions to real-world problems. A Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics offers preparation for careers in fields like engineering, business, and actuarial science. The Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS) offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics. Computational skills, which are often required to solve real-world problems, will be developed continuously throughout the curriculum. For many students, significant work in an area of application will complement their core studies. Applied and computational mathematics knowledge and skills are found in numerous departments. Faculty currently using applied mathematics study topics such as blood clotting, tumor growth, option pricing of stocks, high-performance fuel pumps, and flow patterns in coastal seas. ACMS students and faculty solve real problems by building a mathematical model of a phenomenon in biology, physics, engineering, economics, and so on. Those models are used to explain relationships and to simulate how the phenomenon will behave. Real problems have complex solutions. Models must be built and examined using computational methods - special methods that are executed by computers. We learn about phenomena (e.g. gene sequencing, climate change, and stock price trends) by collecting data.

Master of Applied Professional Studies (M.A.P.S.) at UNC Chapel Hill

The master of applied professional studies (M.A.P.S.) is an interdisciplinary graduate program in The Graduate School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. M.A.P.S. serves students who need a graduate degree tailored to meet their unique career goals. At the core of the M.A.P.S. Applicants must meet Graduate School admissions requirements, which include the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree completed before graduate study begins or its international equivalent with an accredited institution, and an average grade of B (cumulative GPA 3.0) or better. The GRE is not required. The master of applied professional studies (M.A.P.S.) is an interdisciplinary graduate program that provides students pursuing career advancement, workforce expertise, professional development, or career changes with a solid foundation and the resources needed to create a comprehensive degree that is individualized to meet unique career goals. The program of study includes 30 credits of academic coursework, including an introductory course in professional studies, applied professional skills curriculum, elective courses from two programs and tailored based on academic and professional interests, and a capstone experience. Students may choose to enroll full-time or part-time and will have five years to complete the degree, using a combination of in-person and online courses. The curriculum, designed by the student and the master’s program director, is intended for students who wish to focus on professional development and skill attainment tied to industry needs through specific learning tracks. At the core of the M.A.P.S. program is a series of courses in leadership and business fundamentals designed to provide students with essential professional skills. All students are required to complete an introductory course in professional studies (GRAD 757) and a capstone experience (GRAD 992). Students are also required to complete nine hours in Graduate Studies courses and 15 hours of electives in two or three programs, with a maximum of 9 credits from one program.

Core Courses

GRAD 757 MAPS Introduction (3 hours)
Complete 9 hours from the following:
- GRAD 712 Leadership in the Workplace
- GRAD 713 Applied Project Management: Frameworks, Principles and Techniques
- GRAD 714 Introduction to Financial Accounting
- GRAD 715 Business Communication
- GRAD 718 Start the Startup: Bringing Ideas to Market
- GRAD 725 Build Your Professional Brand: Develop Job Search Skills and Materials to Make Employers Notice You
- GRAD 726 Executive Perspective: Business Fundamentals
- GRAD 727 Team Collaboration
- GRAD 755 Fundamentals of Technology Commercialization
- GRAD 756 Research to Revenue - University Startups
- GRAD 758 Managing People and Professional Relationships
Electives: 15 hours
Thesis/Substitute or Dissertation: GRAD 992 Master's (Non-Thesis) (3 hours)
Minimum Hours: 30

Course Descriptions

GRAD 757. MAPS Introduction. 3 Credits. MAPS: Introduction to Applied Professional Studies explores and expands upon the student's goals and intentions in relation to their career objective and its impact on the workforce.
GRAD 712. Leadership in the Workplace. 1.5 Credits. Effective leadership begins with understanding your capacity to influence others and galvanize them around positive change. This course examines your current leadership behaviors and addresses the relationship of those behaviors to leadership development opportunities including influencing team dynamics, building productive relationships and managing change as a professional and a leader.
GRAD 713. Applied Project Management: Frameworks, Principles and Techniques. 1.5 Credits. This course focuses on practical project management principles and techniques, demonstrating their effectiveness in the workplace. Key topics include frameworks and methodologies, planning and monitoring projects, risk management, stakeholder management, managing your team, and time and cost management. This course will include group work.
GRAD 714. Introduction to Financial Accounting. 1.5 Credits. This course will teach the basics of Financial Accounting, including the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, and the Statement of Cash Flows and Budgeting. The final presentation will incorporate financial skills and knowledge that can be used to support a future project proposal to business managers in an organization.
GRAD 715. Business Communication. 1.5 Credits. Business Communication is a 7-week course and development series designed to provide Carolina graduate students strategies and tactics for: (1) clearly, concisely, and convincingly communicating their ideas in business settings; and (2) operating with a client (eg, internal, external) focus. Students will explore some of the fundamentals of business writing, including practices for writing common business documents.
GRAD 718. Start the Startup: Bringing Ideas to Market. 3 Credits. Do you have an idea for a startup company? Would you like to explore the feasibility of launching a business? Start the Startup (STS) gives graduate students the opportunity to test and validate a new business idea using the Lean Startup methodology. Don't have an idea but want to learn the process? You can join a team going through the course. Teams will receive coaching as well as a final recommendation from an expert panel.
GRAD 725. Build Your Professional Brand: Develop Job Search Skills and Materials to Make Employers Notice You. 1.5 Credits. Building effective job search strategies, materials, and a strong online presence is essential for career success inside and outside the academy. Interactive sessions will provide the setting to develop/refine your materials and your career approach.
GRAD 726. Executive Perspective: Business Fundamentals. 1.5 Credits. This seminar series will introduce students to many of the topics essential to the workplace including the structure and culture of a variety of organizations, interpersonal skills in the workplace, and more. Broadly, the series will reinforce concepts taught in the GRAD business fundamentals/professional skills classes by placing them in the context of career paths that are of interest to students.
GRAD 736. Venture Capital Practicum. 1.5 Credits. In this experiential course, students will explore the activities and tools needed to make actual investment decisions for emerging companies. The course is offered in collaboration with Carolina Research Ventures (CRV), which supports companies engaged in commercializing technologies and other assets emanating from the University and UNC Health. Students will learn principles of rigorous and reproducible due diligence and market research; learn key components to the conduct of thorough due diligence on early-stage companies.
GRAD 737. Journey to Entrepreneurship: Building Your Start Up Skillset. 1.5 Credits. Provides a skill-driven curriculum for trainees interested in the fundamentals of launching and financing startups, including university spinouts. Led by a different subject matter expert each week, course topics will include fundraising strategies for your startup, preparing for due diligence and how to effectively pitch to your investors. Insights and skills gained from this course will enable students to work effectively with startup companies and entrepreneurs.
GRAD 751. Consulting Fundamentals For Adv. Professional Degree Graduate Students. 1.5 Credits. The course covers the fundamental skills required in consulting: defining the problem, gathering relevant information, analyzing data, synthesizing findings, drawing conclusions, developing recommendations, and communicating those recommendations.
GRAD 755. Fundamentals of Technology Commercialization. 1.5 Credits. This course provides an overview of the fundamental first steps of technology commercialization, with a specific emphasis on university technology commercialization (aka technology transfer). The course will cover the following topics: Market Assessment, Intellectual Property, Technology Development, Licensing, Commercial Development, and University Startups.
GRAD 756. Research to Revenue - University Startups. 1.5 Credits. Universities are rich sources of ideas and innovation. As such, they provide the springboard for launching high growth startups. These startups emanate from a variety of university sources, ranging from students with disruptive business models to faculty and graduate students with innovative research discoveries. This course explores the latter: university startups developed as part of the university research engine. The course builds on the concepts of GRAD 755-Fundamentals of Technology Commercialization.
GRAD 770. Executive Perspective: The Digital Revolution and its Impact on Business. 1.5 Credits. The Digital Revolution is transforming the way we live and work - from technology-driven to human-centered; from point solutions to end-to-end; and from fragmented to integrated. The course is designed to provide an overview and introduction to transformational principles for individuals, organizations, and industry ecosystems.
GRAD 992. Master's (Non-Thesis). 3 Credits.

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