University of Iowa Bachelor of Applied Studies: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Iowa offers a Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) degree program designed to provide community college graduates with a flexible and accessible pathway to complete a bachelor's degree. This article delves into the specifics of the BAS program, covering its structure, core requirements, emphasis areas, and other essential information for prospective students.

What is the Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS)?

The Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) at the University of Iowa is a general undergraduate degree program tailored for students who have already earned at least 60 hours of college coursework, typically from a community college. It is specifically designed for community college graduates who have earned at least 60 hours of college coursework and wish to complete a bachelor’s degree online. Unlike traditional bachelor's degrees with a specific academic major, the BAS offers a customizable approach, allowing students to work with academic advisors to create a program that aligns with their individual goals and interests. The BAS is a general undergraduate degree without a traditional academic major. Instead, students work with their academic advisers to structure programs that meet their individual objectives.

The program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of on-site and online coursework, offering flexibility for students with diverse schedules and locations. The Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) is designed for graduates of community colleges who wish to complete a bachelor's degree through online education. The degree may be completed completely online or through a combination of on-site and online coursework.

Core Requirements for the BAS Degree

All Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) students must complete a set of Core general education requirements in order to graduate. These requirements ensure that students have a well-rounded educational foundation.

General Education Requirements: Students who have an Associate of Arts degree from an Iowa or Illinois two-year institution participating in articulation agreements with the University of Iowa have satisfied the BAS Core general education Requirements, except Business/Management. The applicability of transfer courses is determined by the UI Office of Admissions.

Read also: The Story of UNI Panthers Football

Values and Society: Courses in the Values and Society area focus on how culture shapes the human experience and the role of values in society, with students asking fundamental questions regarding the human experience while exploring their own values and beliefs. Students admitted after Summer 2025 will use any 3 s.h. course approved for the Values and Society CLAS General Education Program. Students also may use one of these distance education courses, which are not part of the CLAS General Education Program, to satisfy the B.L.S. Values and Society requirement:

CSED:4187/EDTL:4987 Introduction to Assistive Technology (3 s.h.)
CSED:4197 Citizenship in a Multicultural Society (3 s.h.)
SSW:3712/NURS:3712 Human Sexuality, Diversity, and Society (3 s.h.)

Students admitted prior to Summer 2025 can access a full list of courses to fulfill this requirement.

Business/Management: 6 s.h. from the course subjects below

Accounting
Business Administration
Business Analytics
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Management and Entrepreneurship
Management Sciences
Marketing

Coursework and Distribution Areas

Course Work for the BAS degree includes earning at least 12 s.h. of credit - including 6 s.h. of upper-level credit - in three of these areas: Instead of a traditional major, BAS students select courses from various thematic areas known as Distribution Areas. Coursework for the BAS degree includes earning at least 12 s.h. of credit-including 6 s.h. of upper-level credit-in three of these areas:

Humanities (e.g., literature, history, philosophy, religion)
Communication and arts (e.g., journalism, speech, drama, art, music)
Natural sciences and mathematics (e.g., geology, biological sciences, statistics, computer science)
Social sciences (e.g., geography, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology)
Professional fields (e.g., business, education, nursing, social work, library science)

Emphasis Areas and Certificates

Students have the option to further specialize their BAS degree by choosing one or more emphasis areas. Optional Emphasis Area Students may include an emphasis area in their B.A.S. program. The BAS is a general undergraduate degree without a traditional academic major. Instead, students work with their academic advisers to structure programs that meet their individual objectives. Optional pre-designed Emphasis Areas and Certificates are also available if you who want additional focus within your BAS degree. These pre-designed areas allow for a more focused approach within the broader BAS framework. Currently, the University of Iowa offers four optional emphasis areas:

Read also: University of Iowa Dentistry

Creative Writing
Human Relations
Justice Studies
Political Science

BAS students may also pursue undergraduate minors and certificates offered by the University of Iowa, providing additional opportunities for specialization and skill development.

Admission and Residency Requirements

To be eligible for the BAS program, students must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college coursework.

You also must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in the following calculations:

Overall GPA (combined transfer and UI work)
University of Iowa GPA
Upper-Level GPA

After admission to the University of Iowa, one of the following residence requirements must be met:

at least 90 s.h. completed at the University of Iowa
45 of the final 60 s.h. completed at the University of Iowa
the final 30 s.h.

Benefits of the BAS Degree

Earning a University of Iowa Bachelor of Applied Studies degree allows you the opportunity to select a variety of courses in thematic areas called Distribution Areas, instead of earning a major or minor. The BAS degree offers several advantages:

Flexibility: The customizable nature of the program allows students to tailor their coursework to their specific interests and career goals.
Accessibility: The online format makes it possible for students to complete their bachelor's degree from anywhere in the world.
Career Advancement: Working with their academic advisors, BAS students may plan programs designed to advance their careers, begin new careers, or prepare for graduate or professional study.
Personalized Learning: Students work closely with academic advisors to design a program that meets their individual needs and aspirations.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the University of Iowa with your Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) you must have at least 120 semester hours from all sources with a maximum of 60 semester hours, including career-technical course work, from your associate degree or two-year institution.

Your 120 semester hours must include:

Completion of the BAS core general education requirements
Completion of the Distribution Area requirements
45 semester hours of upper-level course work

Faculty and Staff Recognition

Each year graduating students identify faculty and staff who make a positive difference in their lives. The University of Iowa acknowledges the significant impact of its faculty and staff on student success. Our BAS and BLS advisors are making the cut! The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost recognizes those faculty and staff members who have made a difference in the lives of students. We also want to thank YOU, our BAS and BLS graduates, for your commitment to your goals and aspirations. For pushing through and completing your degree!

Seat Reservations for Online Students

Although seat reservations are not a brand new phenomenon, they are now a more frequent occurence. The University of Iowa also provides seat reservations for online degree students in specific courses. Check out the list of courses currently holding spots for you, our online degree students! This ensures that online students have access to the courses they need to complete their degree requirements.

tags: #university #of #iowa #bachelor #of #applied