Applied Studies

Laurie G. Dodge, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies is designed for students who desire to build upon their technical/occupational background and transition into administrative, leadership, or supervisory roles. The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies integrates applied development courses throughout the curriculum, advancing the student's career and educational goals. This degree provides a generalists' view of organizational strategies, information technologies, leadership, cultural business perspectives, and sociological development utilizing coursework from liberal studies, organizational leadership, computer information systems, and sociology.

The BA in Applied Studies is unique and known in higher education as an "upside down" degree whereby students receive their specialized training at the community college level first and then complete a broad overview of cross- disciplinary coursework. This program is designed as a degree completion program. The capstone experience gives students an opportunity to showcase their expertise and mastery of learning outcomes. In addition, the elective credits permit students to customize their degree program.

The BA in Applied Studies provides students with a background in multicultural perspectives, sociological change, technological advances, and leadership theory which help prepare them for promotions in the workplace, greater efficiency and effectiveness in the workforce, and enhanced self-assessment and inquiry.

Learning Outcomes

Communication: Demonstrate ability to write, speak, and listen effectively
Ethics and Social Responsibility: Examine one's personal ethical position within an organizational context
Multicultural Awareness: Compare and analyze the various cultural perspectives in the business environment
Self-Assessment and Inquiry: Develop one's critical analysis skills as applied to the classroom and the workplace
Interpersonal Dynamics: Assess relational strategies of leadership and supervision in actual and virtual situations

Admissions Requirement

Students must complete an Associates of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degree from a regionally accredited community college/university in the United States prior to seeking admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies.


Foundation Courses (24 credits)
LBSU 305	Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Development	3
OLCU 301	Supervision and Leadership	3
OLCU 350	Leadership and Professional Ethics	3
CSCU 315	Organizational Information Systems	3
SOCU 415	Sociology of Organizations and Institutions	3
SOCU 453	Sociology of Social Conflict, Analysis, and Resolution	3
OLCU 425	Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations	3
LBSU 495	Applied Studies Senior Capstone Portfolio/Project	3
Electives (12 credits) (Must be upper division)
Students may select courses from the following disciplines: Communication, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Food Science & Nutrition, Health Services Management, History, Human Resources, Humanities, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Organizational Administration, Organizational Leadership, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Science, or Sociology
Total Units for the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies		36