Applied Science in Business
Program Overview
The West Liberty University Bachelor of Applied Science in Business (BAS) is designed specifically for students who have completed a two-year technical or applied degree and are ready to advance their careers through business knowledge and leadership development. This degree completion program builds on students’ existing technical expertise by adding critical business competencies such as management, finance, communication, and strategy – skills that are essential for career growth, supervisory roles, or entrepreneurship.
In today’s workforce, technical expertise alone is often not enough for advancement. Organizations seek professionals who can lead teams, manage operations, and make informed business decisions. This program prepares graduates to step into leadership roles within their current field or pursue new opportunities, including starting or acquiring a business, by combining practical experience with a strong business foundation.
Who This Program Is For
- Technical Professionals Advancing – Individuals with an associate degree seeking leadership or supervisory roles.
- Entrepreneurial Builders – Students interested in starting and managing their own business or an apprentice looking to purchase and continue an existing firm.
- Career Elevators – Those looking to increase earning potential and expand career opportunities.
- Skilled Trades Leaders – Professionals in technical fields aiming to manage teams, projects, or operations.
- Returning Adult Learners – Individuals returning to complete a bachelor’s degree for career growth and mobility.
What You'll Learn
- Applied Business Foundations for Professionals – Understand key business concepts including accounting, finance, and operations.
- Management & Leadership in Practice – Learn how to lead teams, manage people, and drive organizational performance.
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business Strategy – Explore how to start, grow, or acquire and manage a business.
- Technology & Modern Business Tools – Gain insight into systems, data, and tools that support business decision-making.
Skills Learned
- Leadership & Team Management – Supervise teams, manage workflows, and improve organizational effectiveness.
- Business Decision-Making – Apply financial and operational knowledge to real-world business situations.
- Communication & Professionalism – Communicate effectively across teams, clients, and stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial Thinking – Identify opportunities, assess risk, and develop strategies for business success.
Curriculum Overview & Program Structure
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Business at West Liberty University is structured as a degree completion program that builds on students’ prior technical education. The curriculum integrates foundational business knowledge with applied management coursework to create a balanced and career-focused educational experience.
Program Components Include:
- Transfer & Technical Foundation – Prior associate degree coursework provides the technical base for the program.
- Business Foundations – Courses in accounting, communication, legal environment, marketing, and management establish core business knowledge.
- Applied Business Management – Advanced coursework in areas such as information systems, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship-focused topics.
- Capstone & Strategic Integration – Coursework that integrates learning into real-world business strategy and decision-making.
Program Value & Career Trajectory
The BAS in Business provides a clear pathway for technical professionals to transition into leadership and management roles. Graduates are positioned for career advancement within their current industry or to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, with long-term potential for growth into senior leadership or business ownership.
Career & Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for advancement within their current technical field or transition into business-focused roles, including management, operations, and entrepreneurship, with opportunities for leadership and long-term career growth.
Career Opportunities Include:
- Operations Supervisor or Manager
- Small Business Owner or Entrepreneur
- Project or Team Leader
- Business Development Coordinator
- Technical Services Manager
- Industry-Specific Management Roles
ROI of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business
This program provides a direct pathway for technical professionals to gain the business knowledge and leadership skills needed to advance their careers. Graduates are equipped to lead, manage, and grow organizations while leveraging their existing technical expertise.
Time to Completion & Program Structure
The program requires a minimum of 120 total credit hours, including transfer credits, with at least 30 upper-division credits and 30 credits completed at West Liberty University. Students entering with an associate degree can typically complete the remaining coursework in approximately two years of full-time study, depending on transfer credits and course load.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to balance academic progress with work and personal responsibilities.
Admissions & Program Entry
Admission to West Liberty University follows standard undergraduate transfer admissions requirements. Students must have completed an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet transfer eligibility criteria, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Students may enter the program upon acceptance and begin completing upper-division business coursework, providing a streamlined and accessible pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree and advancing their career.
Why Choose West Liberty University
At West Liberty University, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business offers a flexible, career-focused pathway designed specifically for working professionals and transfer students seeking advancement.
Students benefit from:
- Degree Completion Design – Built specifically for students with associate degrees in applied or technical fields.
- Career-Focused Curriculum – Emphasis on practical business knowledge and leadership skills.
- Experienced Faculty – Faculty with both academic and real-world business experience.
- Applied Learning Approach – Coursework grounded in real-world business scenarios and applications.
- Support for Career Mobility – Designed to enhance earning potential and professional advancement across industries.