2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Applied Science, BAS


Banner Code: UN-BAS-APLS

Administration

Academic Director: Janette Kenner Muir, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Program Coordinator, Adult Learning: Hermione Pickett
 

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is an undergraduate liberal arts degree program for adult learners. It is designed primarily to deepen student knowledge in an academic area and foster critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and an ability to synthesize information.

The BAS articulates well with specialized Applied Associate Science (AAS) degree programs, providing a streamlined path to completion of traditional academic requirements leading to the baccalaureate degree. It meets students’ professional and personal goals while developing a depth of knowledge and proficiency of skill that translates well to the workplace. However, it is not organized in the same way as a traditional baccalaureate degree. Students planning graduate study should consult with an academic advisor prior to undertaking this degree program.

Admission

As a prerequisite to enrollment in the BAS, students must be at least 7 years out of high school and have received an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from an accredited two-year institution in an approved area of specialization. The AAS degree will normally fulfill some, but not all, Mason Core  requirements. Students who do not meet the 7 year rule may be able to waive this requirement by completing a waiver form available at bas.gmu.edu/age-waiver-form/.

Degree Requirements


BAS students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees including Mason Core  requirements, to include 45 credits of upper-level course work.  All Mason Core  requirements must be met with either George Mason courses or transferrable equivalents.

The minimum credit requirement for a bachelor’s degree is 120 credits; however, while there is some variation between concentration areas, fulfilling all Mason Core  requirements and an academic concentration or specialization is likely to require most BAS students to complete at least 63-66 credits at George Mason, which may lead to over 120 credits of coursework in order to receive the degree.

Admitted BAS students will be academically advised by the appropriate BAS Program concentration Advisor to plan their course of study including completion of the Mason Core , the BAS concentration or specialization, and any remaining requirements. See bas.gmu.edu for more information.

The following degree plan is based on a student who transfers in a minimum of 30 credits from a completed AAS degree.  Some of these credits may count only towards the elective requirement within the BAS degree.

Concentrations or Area of Specialization


Concentrations are intended to provide focus for the BAS curriculum in an area relevant to the student’s AAS degree while allowing for the breadth of study associated with a liberal arts baccalaureate degree. Please note that determination of current transfer work for these concentrations may impact course requirements.

In addition to satisfying all Mason Core  requirements, students must satisfy the requirements for one of the seven concentrations listed below:

Students who do not wish to pursue a concentration may seek permission to plan a course of study in a specialization outside the concentration areas in collaboration with the program advisor.

▲Concentration in Applied Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ACAR)


This concentration is in collaboration with the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution .

Core Requirement (3 credits)

Remaining coursework (18 credits)

In consultation with their advisor, students are required to take an additional 18 credits of coursework to complete the concentration.  At least 9 credits must be from the CONF department. Please see scar.gmu.edu/undergraduate/10300#Concentration for the most recent list of approved courses.

Electives (variable)

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Conservation Studies (CNST)


This concentration is in collaboration with New Century College and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. This degree is ideal for students who have earned an AAS in Veterinary Technology. One semester of study at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation is required for completion of degree requirements. 

Concentration Requirements (28 credits)

All students must complete one of the Smithsonian Semesters listed below:

Electives (minimum 15 credits required)

Students in this concentration have a minimum of 15 required elective credit hours, selected from the courses listed below.

Please note: All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Cyber Security (CYBS)


This concentration is in collaboration with the Volgenau School of Engineering  and is only available to students who graduate with an AAS degree in Cyber Security from the Northern Virginia Community College system.

Concentration Requirements (24 credits)

Electives (minimum 15 credits required)

Students in this concentration have 15 credit hours of required elective IT or MSOM coursework, selected in consultation with their advisor.

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Health, Wellness and Social Services (HWSS)


This concentration is in collaboration with the College of Health and Human Services 

To enroll in this concentration, students must have an AAS in one of the following areas:

  • Health Information Management
  • Hospitality Management, Nutrition Management specialization
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy
Additional Concentration Requirements (9 credits)

To complete the Health, Wellness and Social Services concentration, students must complete one of the two following areas:

  • Health Care Administration
  • Physical and Mental Health Care Delivery
Electives (variable)

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS)


This concentration is in collaboration with College of Humanities and Social Sciences , New Century College and College of Education and Human Development .

Concentration Requirements (21-26 credits)

Electives (variable)

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Legal Studies (LGLS)


This concentration is in collaboration with New Century College and College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

Concentration Requirements (27 credits)

Electives (variable)

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

▲ Concentration in Technology and Innovation (TCNV)


This concentration is in collaboration with School of Business  and Volgenau School of Engineering .

Concentration Requirements (27 credits)

All courses for this concentration are available in an online format with most offered as asynchronous delivery. 

*Note

The Information Sciences and Technology  department offers 1-credit, self-paced, online review courses; ending with an in-class final exam.  Students who register for a 1-credit course and successfully pass will receive credit (not a waiver) for the corresponding 3-credit course. Students who are not successful must take the respective course at Mason to meet their degree requirements.

Review courses are available as follows:

Electives (variable)

All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. Students will work with their advisor to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements. The number of elective credits that a BAS student may have available will vary by concentration and the amount of applicable transfer coursework the student has been awarded.

 

Total: 120-126 credits