2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Applied Science, BAS


Banner Code: UN-BAS-APLS

Administration

Academic Director: Rick Davis, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Administrative Program Director: Andrew Flagel, Dean of Admissions
Program Administrator: Darren Troxler, Director of Admissions Operations

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is an undergraduate liberal arts degree program. 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 associate 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, and the student’s area of specialization will not be formally identified on the transcript. 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 receive 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, of George Mason’s general education requirements.

Degree Requirements


BAS students must fulfill George Mason’s general education requirements, along with the requirements for an approved area of specialization. These requirements must be met along with completion of George Mason’s required amount of upper-level coursework (45 credit hours).

Admitted BAS students will work with a program adviser to plan their course of study including completion of general education, the BAS area of specialization, and any remaining requirements. Contact the Office of Admissions (admissions@gmu.edu, 703-993-2400) for information.

The minimum credit requirement will be 120 hours; however, fulfilling all general education requirements, 45 hours of upper level coursework, and an academic specialization is likely to require most BAS students to complete at least 63-66 credit hours at George Mason, and a total of 123-136 credit hours in order to receive the degree. While there is some variation between areas of specialization, in general the BAS requirements are fulfilled in three ways:

General Education


Some may be taken during AAS degree, others while enrolled at George Mason. All general education requirements must be met with either George Mason courses or transferrable equivalents.

Area of Specialization


The Area of Specialization is 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. As a new degree program, the BAS is adding areas of specialization on a regular basis. Each area of specialization will be approved by an interdisciplinary curriculum committee and will include the full participation of the academic unit home for that area of specialization.

Currently approved Areas of Specialization include:

Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Specialization (minimum 18 credits)


For students holding the AAS in Management: the BAS with a specialization in Interpersonal Conflict Resolution or Community/Organizational Conflict Resolution, in collaboration with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Community/Organizational Conflict Specialization (minimum 18 credits)


Communication Specialization (21 credit hours)


For students holding the AAS in Administration of Justice: the BAS with a specialization in Communication, in collaboration with the Department of Communication.

Electives


A number of courses from the AAS degree will come into George Mason as block credit that can be counted only toward electives in the BAS degree. In addition, a number of upper-level electives will often be required in order to fulfill George Mason’s 45 upper-level credit hour requirement. BAS students should work with program advisers and area of specialization faculty to plan best use of elective credits.

Total: 123-136 credits