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What can I do with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

What you can do with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree depends a great deal on what field you specialize in. There are many fields in which a person can find work after receiving a bachelor’s degree in a field like this. Some of the most common employment fields are in health care management, construction management, and network administration. You may also be able to use the degree to find a job in computer animation or graphic design.

A Bachelor of Applied Science is a four-year degree often pursued by those interested in working in a number of technical fields. The coursework for this degree usually involves more practical work and study rather than theoretical work, and classes often use hands-on learning methods. Some schools offer a degree for those who already have an Associate of Applied Science and who wish to continue working toward a higher level degree. This degree can also be used to continue working toward a master’s degree or doctorate, though this is usually done for medical fields or those interested in teaching.

After receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a person may find work in the health care management field.
After receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a person may find work in the health care management field.

Some of the most common types of jobs found after obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Science degree are in various fields of management or medical work. Health care management positions, for example, are often filled by those with this type of degree. Office management and human resources management positions may also be a good option.

You can also use this degree to gain a job in construction management. This can be especially helpful if you are in an area with a great deal of construction work, in which there may be more competition for such positions. If you are interested in working in computer science or information technology (IT), then this type of degree can also be helpful. A BAS degree in network administration, for example, can often help you get work as a network or website administrator.

Someone with a BAS degree may find work in the technology field.
Someone with a BAS degree may find work in the technology field.

There are also fields that combine artistic ability and technical ability that you may be able to enter once you have a Bachelor of Applied Science. Computer animation, for example, is often heavily reliant on both artistic skill and computer knowledge, and many programs in computer animation grant BAS degree. You can also look for programs in graphic design or computer-aided design and drafting that will grant you the degree and experience needed to work in those industries.

Discussion Comments

anon1004227

I feel quite advantaged by finishing my BAS (Bachelor or Applied Science) because this way in 4 years, I received 2 degrees. After finishing an Associate degree, which took 2 years, I spent 2 more years finishing the Bachelors portion of the degree.

Rang

You can specialize in any approved academic or technical filed you want. Yes, even the standard traditional areas like human services and social science. The first two years of an applied science degree (AAS) is focused in the specialized minor with longer classes (4-hour classes instead of 3-hour classes), which requires lab work with academic theories attached. Most degree programs require a practicum in the subject. In other words, you work in a field that you are studying as an apprentice while going to school.

When you enter into the bachelor program (BAS,) you will do all your upper level academic work that is required in a traditional degree.

Mor

I love the idea that this can be applied in an artistic way. I know a couple of artists who are very interested in mixing science with art.

One of them is a photographer and takes a lot of photos of molds, turning them into some kind of alien landscape. The other likes to do things with robotics.

I don't think either of them has a science degree but I could definitely see how applied science might help them with their work. As it is, they both spend a long time researching what they want to do from scratch whenever they start a new project.

croydon

@pleonasm - Depending on the school, a degree in applied science can be very hands on, so at least it's better than a purely theoretical science degree when it comes to job applications.

And it can be very difficult to find entry level technician jobs, just because it isn't only high school grads who are applying for them.

But the good thing about the degree is that it opens doors, rather than closing them. There are lots of possibilities once you've got one. If you did very well, you could go on to graduate programs and even end up teaching classes. Or you could get involved in research or in pharmaceuticals. Or, like some people I know, you could end up working on the administration side of science, researching grants or doing PR for a company or something (they are always happy to bring on people who understand the science, since they can then easily convey it to others).

The possibilities are endless really.

pleonasm

Once I wouldn't have told people that they should necessarily get this degree if they wanted to be a lab technician. I had a couple of friends who went into entry level positions right out of high school and either never earned a college degree (and never felt the lack of one) or earned one through night school, funded by their employer, which is a very good deal.

They ended up having an advantage over students, because when it comes down to it, they had four years of real life experience at a job, where the students had only a few months, or none at all.

An employer is always going to go for the more experienced applicant. Particularly one with really relevant references.

But, now, I'm not so sure. Seems like, since every single person is getting degrees, it's harder and harder to compete without one. There just aren't that many entry level jobs that will accept you without a degree in science now.

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    • After receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a person may find work in the health care management field.
      By: bst2012
      After receiving a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a person may find work in the health care management field.
    • Someone with a BAS degree may find work in the technology field.
      By: Syda Productions
      Someone with a BAS degree may find work in the technology field.
    • Courses in math may lead to a BAS degree.
      By: kolett
      Courses in math may lead to a BAS degree.