The Bachelor of Applied Science program offers a unique degree-completion curriculum that is designed for students who are typically in the workforce and wish to return to college to further their advancement opportunities. It is also perfect for veterans looking to expand upon their skills gained while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Designed with the adult-learner in mind, but open to students of all ages, the BAS degree offers a flexible learning experience for students.
General BAS Requirements:
No matter which concentration you choose, you must meet the following base criteria.
- Conferred Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree applicable to the BAS concentration of choice.
- All students are required to complete the BAS Admissions Agreement during the application process. You will be presented with this document in the online application: BAS Admissions Agreement
- Importantly, students are required to have their AAS degree completed before their first day of classes at Mason. Students cannot co-enroll at Mason and the community college to complete their AAS requirements while beginning Mason courses. If AAS course completion is delayed, students must un-enroll from Mason, return to the community college to complete the AAS coursework, and then re-apply to Mason for a future term
- A competitive cumulative grade point average.
- Completion of English Composition with a grade of C or better before application to Mason
- Recommended, but not required: A course equivalent to ENGH 101.
- VCCS Preferred Course: ENG 112
- Recommended, but not required: A course equivalent to ENGH 101.
- Recommended, but not required: Completion of Math equivalent to Mason Core Math with a grade of C or better before application to Mason.
- Course must be equivalent to MATH 106, 108, 110, 111, 113, 125 or STAT 250
- VCCS courses that satisfy this requirement include: MATH 154, 261, 181, 182, 245, 273, and 286.
NOTE: If English is not your native language, the Admission Committee will require demonstrated English language proficiency before application to Mason. Proficiency may be satisfied by proficiency exams or by completing VCCS ENG 111 and 112 with grades of C or better. Several VCCS AAS degrees do not require ENG 112 (ex: Cybersecurity). Consult with your advisor early in your program to meet the English requirement before application to Mason.
Concentration-Specific Requirements
Some concentrations have specific requirements that must be met, in addition to those above. Select your concentration here to view those requirements.
Cloud ComputingThe AAS degree must be in a related field.
In order to be eligible for the BAS in Cyber Security, students must meet the following criteria:
- Earned an AAS in Cyber Security or an AAS in Information Systems Technology, with a Cyber Security Career Studies Certificate.
- Suggested AAS Cybersecurity technical courses:While not required prior to admission, students are strongly encouraged to take equivalent courses to the following. Doing so will ensure timely degree progression at Mason. Students who transfer without these courses will not be able to take upper-level IT courses at Mason until these requirements are met.
- IT 104 (VCCS equivalent: ITE 119 or ITE 152)
- IT 105 (VCCS equivalent: ITN 100 + ITE 221)
- IT 223 (VCCS equivalent: ITN 260 + ITN 266)
Beginning with the Fall 2022 admissions cycle, students are no longer required to present specific courses taken at the community college (i.e. ITN 261, 262, 263, etc.). However, to ensure timely degree progression at Mason, students should present with at least 60 transferable credits. Each college-level course must be graded with a “C” or better to be considered for transfer. At least half of these classes (30 credits) should be technical classes.
The AAS degree must in in Paralegal Studies.
The AAS degree must be in a field such as Human Services, Health Information Management, Hospitality Management, Nutrition Management Specialization, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Respiratory Therapy.
The AAS degree must be in a technology or business-related field.
All applicants should note the following:
Some BAS concentrations may not lead to advanced studies in master’s programs. Students who wish to pursue advanced study are strongly encouraged to research master’s program requirements early.