Bachelor of Applied Science

100% Online Degree

Flexible. Customizable.

The Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at East Tennessee State University offers a Bachelor of Applied Science.  

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree offers students with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in technical fields the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree by using more of their AAS credits than usually may be transferred to traditional majors. 

Take Control of Your Education

BAS students, in consultation with the BAS advisor, design an individualized program of study that best meets the student’s needs for professional development and career enhancement. The program of study should include one of three current concentrations.

The degree is not intended for students with degrees in health-related fields or for students who have earned AAS degrees in subject areas where articulation agreements with ETSU already exist.



Students must have an Associate of Applied Science degree to be eligible to enroll in this program. Students who have previously earned a four-year degree are not eligible to enroll in the BAS program.

Concentrations

  • Culinary Leadership

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are focused around Culinary Leadership.

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

     

  • Industrial Leadership

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are focused around Industry Leadership.

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

  • Professional Development

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are student-chosen (with Advisor approval) to further their professional development and learning opportunities.

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

 

Specialize Your Studies

A woman smiles and crosses her arms in an industrial kitchen. She is wearing a white smock.
A man smiles and crosses his arms. He is wearing construction gear that implies he is the supervisor.
A woman poses for the camera. She is in an office setting and wearing a tailored grey skirt suit.

Apply your AAS credits to a bachelor's degree with ETSU's flexible and customizable degree! 

Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Bachelor of Applied Science and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

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Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  eRate (Out of State, 100% online) All International
$441 per credit hour $469 per credit hour $569 per credit hour $507 per credit hour $1202 per credit hour

- Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students
- This amount may not include program-specific fees

*First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only
**Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs.

The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    The Division offers more than a typical degree-completion degree; the program of study is framed within a liberal arts context. This combines lifelong learning and intellectual flexibility with professional preparation and career skills. Students have opportunities to apply what they've learned in an outside setting. All programs include a capstone or closing project that equips students with the skills necessary to apply what has been learned to an internship, service learning project, or independent study opportunity.

    This Bachelor of Applied Science is specifically for students who have received an Associate of Applied Science through an accredited community college, but what makes this program unique is the concentrations offered:

    • Culinary Leadership (specifically for students who have received an Associate of Applied Science in a culinary program)
    • Industrial Leadership
    • Professional Development
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?
    This program allows students to build upon their existing AAS degree. 
  • Is this program accredited? 

    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).





  • What are my job prospects with this degree?

    It depends on the concentration.

    Those with a Culinary Leadership concentration will be able to manage food establishments or even start their own—one of our students opened up a food truck after graduating from this program!

    An Industrial Leadership concentration will help students build on their existing business management skills to move up in their current company or to help those gain a better management position.

    The Professional Development concentration is a self-designed list of courses that will help students choose their academic direction. For example, for students who desire a hospitality or tourism position, we select courses that will support that career choice.

  • Do I need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites?
    You must have an Associate of Applied Science for this degree. For the Culinary Leadership concentration, the AAS must be in Culinary Arts.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    Both synchronous and asynchronous courses are offered for this program, and the program itself can be completed 100% online. In addition, there are no on-campus requirements!

  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 
    While an internship is beneficial, it is not required for this program.
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
    Yes! Since the program can be completed 100% online, students may tailor their schedules to fit with their work and home life. The degree completion timeline depends on the number of transfer credits applied and the number of courses/credits taken each semester.
  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?
    Unlimited.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?
    Although scholarships are not available through our department, there are other ETSU scholarship opportunities. However, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships. Learn more on their website.