Yes, you can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) completely online. However, “completely online” may mean different things depending on the program or university. It’s important to do your research on how a degree is delivered before enrolling in a program.
When comparing online BAS degree programs, you should double-check:
- Course delivery: Are courses completely online, or are some classes only offered on campus?
- In-person requirements: Are there labs, internships or other activities that may require in-person attendance?
- Accreditation: Is the university accredited by a recognized accrediting agency?
- Transfer credit: If you have previously earned credits, what type of credits does the program accept and how many can you transfer? Are transfer credits required for program admission?Schedule flexibility: Are classes asynchronous? Can you attend part time while working? How frequently do courses begin?
Understanding these factors can help you find an online program that fits your particular needs.
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science, for example, can be earned fully online, but some customization options — i.e. concentration and emphasis areas — are hybrid and require a combination of in-person and online coursework. The program has seven-week courses and six start dates a year. Transferring technical credits from an Associate of Applied Science, Intermediate Technical Certificate or Advanced Technical Certificate is required for admission.
Who is a bachelor of applied science degree for?
A Bachelor of Applied Science can be an excellent option for students who have already earned a technical associate degree, technical certificates or other college credits and want to apply that experience toward a bachelor’s degree, rather than start over with a traditional four-year program. Boise State’s online BAS program allows you to transfer up to 80 general education and technical credits and submit a portfolio to earn additional credit for prior learning.
An online BAS program can be a great fit for you if:
- You want a more flexible schedule
- You want to continue working while finishing your degree
- You want to build on existing credits
- You want to explore a career change
- You want to advance in your current career by earning a degree
What does “completely online” look like for a BAS degree?
If you have never experienced an online degree program, you may be wondering what the coursework and program expectations actually look like.
Online coursework
Your courses may include:
- Virtual lectures, both live and on-demand (asynchronous)
- Digital instruction materials or textbooks
- Virtual discussion and message boards
- Group projects and collaborative activities
- Written assignments submitted electronically
- Virtual quizzes and exams
- Virtual labs
You will more than likely use a learning management system (LMS) to access your course materials, interact with instructors and classmates, track deadlines and submit assignments. Many universities, including Boise State, use Canvas as their LMS.
Student support services
As an online student, you’ll still have access to support services, so you don’t have to navigate your degree program alone.
Depending on your program, you may have access to:
- Student success coaches
- Academic advisors
- Faculty support
- Online tutoring
- Career services
- Technical support
- Library resources
- Online student communities
Boise State’s online BAS provides all of the above.
The next step
Yes. An online Bachelor of Applied Science is as legitimate as an on-campus program — and often uses the same curriculum — as long as the program is accredited.
Accreditation is a quality assurance process that evaluates a college or university against established academic standards. Boise State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and that accreditation extends to the online applied science program.
For more information on Boise State’s online education and how online programs fit within the university ecosystem, read our blog, “Boise State Online is Boise State University: the impact of online education.”
What should you look for in an online bachelor of applied science program?
When you’re ready to enroll, here’s a handy checklist to help you compare BAS programs:
- Accreditation: Confirm that the program is accredited.
- Delivery: Determine if the program is 100% online or if there are some in-person requirements.
- Flexibility: Look for flexible options such as full- or part-time schedules and multiple start dates.
- Student support: Find out what resources are available to online students, such as advising, tutoring, career services and coaching.
- Career relevance: Review the program curriculum, including whether you can customize with concentrations, emphasis areas or certificates, and how well it fits your career goals or needs.
- Cost: Compare tuition, fees, course materials and other expenses. Also, look for financial aid opportunities and scholarships.
- Timeline: Work with program representatives to find out how your credits transfer and how many credits you’ll need to complete the degree.
Frequently asked questions about online BAS degrees
How long does it take to complete an online BAS degree?
How long it will take to earn your online Bachelor of Applied Science degree depends on how many credits you’ve already earned and whether you’re going to school full- or part-time. A traditional bachelor’s degree can take a minimum of four years to complete, but a BAS may take less time if you’re transferring credits from an associate degree or technical credits.
Learn more about potential online degree timelines in our blog, “How fast can you get a bachelor’s degree online.”
Can I earn an online BAS while working full time?
Yes. In fact, the flexibility of an online BAS is what helps many students complete their degrees while continuing to work. That said, online doesn’t mean easier, so still review the expected workload and determine when study and coursework can fit into your schedule.
What should I look for when choosing an online Bachelor of Applied Science program?
Start by looking at the program’s accreditation, delivery format, transfer-credit policy, flexibility, career relevance and cost. You can also look for customization opportunities like emphasis areas and certificates.
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science lets you create an individualized degree plan built around one or more concentrations that match your interests, or an emphasis area to help you gain specialized knowledge in a career field.
Learn more about Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science emphasis areas.
Can I transfer an associate degree or technical credits into an online BAS?
A BAS is most valuable for students who are transferring an Associate of Applied Scienceassociate degree or technical credits. At Boise State Online, eligible applied science students can transfer technical education credits from an associate of applied science or equivalent technical associate degree, intermediate technical degree or advanced technical degree. Depending on their background, students may transfer up to 80 credits. The university also offers a credit-for-prior-learning process that can potentially award credit for learning gained outside a traditional classroom.
Does Boise State’s online BAS have any in-person requirements?
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science can be earned fully online, but some of the emphasis areas are hybrid and may require a combination of in-person and online coursework.
How Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science can support a flexible path to a bachelor’s degree
Earning an online Bachelor of Applied Science from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.