Bachelor of Applied Science in Business (BAS)
Build on the technical skills you’ve already earned with the business, leadership, and management expertise needed for career advancement, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership. Designed for students with a two-year technical, applied, or transfer-focused degree.
Turn technical expertise
into leadership opportunity.
Today’s workforce demands professionals who can do more than perform technical tasks. Organizations need leaders who can manage people, oversee operations, make strategic decisions, and drive growth. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Business helps students build on their existing education and experience while developing the business skills needed to move into supervisory, management, and ownership roles.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
Total Credits: Minimum 120 Credit Hours (including transfer credits)
Outcome: Preparation for leadership, management, operations, and entrepreneurship opportunities
Format: Flexible transfer-friendly degree completion program
Program
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Business is a degree completion program designed for students who already possess technical or applied expertise and want to expand their career opportunities through business education. By combining prior technical training with coursework in leadership, management, finance, communication, and strategy, students develop the skills necessary to lead organizations, oversee teams, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Who This
Program Is For
Technical Professionals Seeking Advancement
Individuals who have completed an associate degree and want to move into supervisory, leadership, or management positions within their current industry.
Entrepreneurial Builders
Students interested in starting a business, growing an existing venture, or acquiring and managing an established company.
Career Advancement Professionals
Individuals looking to increase earning potential, expand career opportunities, and gain credentials that support long-term growth.
Skilled Trades & Technical Leaders
Professionals in technical, industrial, healthcare, technology, or service fields who want to manage people, projects, and operations.
Returning Adult Learners
Students returning to college to complete a bachelor’s degree while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.
What
You’ll Learn
Students gain practical business knowledge that complements their existing technical expertise while developing leadership, communication, financial, and strategic decision-making capabilities. The curriculum focuses on helping professionals apply business principles within real-world organizational settings.
Business Foundations for Working Professionals
- Understand core concepts in accounting, finance, marketing, and operations
- Apply business principles to organizational challenges
- Support effective decision-making across functional areas
Leadership & Management Development
- Manage teams and improve organizational performance
- Develop leadership styles and communication strategies
- Navigate workplace challenges and organizational change
Entrepreneurship & Strategic Thinking
- Evaluate new business opportunities and risks
- Understand entrepreneurship and small business management
- Develop strategies for long-term growth and success
Curriculum
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Business builds on students’ prior technical education while providing a strong business foundation. Coursework integrates management, leadership, finance, marketing, legal concepts, information systems, and strategic decision-making to prepare graduates for advancement into leadership roles.
Program Structure
- Transfer & Technical Foundation – Prior associate degree coursework serves as the technical and professional foundation for the bachelor’s degree.
- Business Foundations – Core courses in accounting, communication, management, marketing, business law, and organizational operations.
- Applied Business Management – Advanced coursework in strategy, finance, information systems, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Capstone & Strategic Integration – Courses that integrate business concepts through strategic planning and applied decision-making.
Required Prerequisites Include:
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a regionally accredited institution
Admission Requirements
Designed as a transfer and degree completion program, the BAS in Business requires students to bring prior college-level coursework into the program before completing upper-division business requirements.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to advance within their current profession or transition into broader business leadership roles. The degree combines technical expertise with business knowledge, creating opportunities across a wide range of industries and organizational settings.
- Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager
- Small Business Owner or Entrepreneur
- Project Leader or Team Supervisor
- Business Development Coordinator
- Technical Services Manager
- Industry-Specific Management Positions
The BAS in Business provides practical business knowledge designed to complement technical skills, helping graduates qualify for higher-level positions, increased responsibility, and long-term professional growth across a variety of career paths.
Admission
Requirements
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Business is a transfer-focused degree completion program designed to help students maximize previous college credits while earning a respected bachelor’s degree that supports career advancement.
Requirements:
- University transfer admission
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Meet all West Liberty University transfer admission requirements
Application Deadline: Follow West Liberty University undergraduate transfer admission deadlines.
Transfer applicants are evaluated according to university transfer admission criteria. Upon acceptance, students begin upper-division business coursework designed to build upon previously earned credits and professional experience.
Academic advisors are available to review transfer credits, develop degree completion plans, and help students achieve their educational and career goals.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University as a transfer student
Step 2: Submit transcripts from all previous colleges and universities
Step 3: Meet with an academic advisor to review transfer credits and build a degree completion plan
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.