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Have you decided to pursue higher education, but are not sure where to start? Perhaps, you have prior college credits or an associate degree, but you don't have a clear career path in mind. On the contrary — maybe you are working in your field of choice and have finally decided to complete your degree and pursue exciting new roles within your industry.
At UMass Global, we understand that fitting classes and coursework into your already busy life can be overwhelming. We also know that education is never wasted — higher learning can unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. If this speaks to you, an applied studies degree might be right for you.
What Exactly is an Applied Studies Degree?
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies is a career-focused degree that teaches practical, foundational skills to prepare students for a number of professional fields. After gaining real-world experience in communications, writing, and ethics, you can choose one of the three concentration areas that align best with your interests and aspirations. Not only does this online BA in Applied Studies provide flexibility for busy adult learners — it offers a well-rounded learning experience and the ability to narrow your focus based on your career goals. The versatility of this degree also allows you to apply prior earned college credits more easily than you would to a single discipline, potentially earning your degree faster.
BA in Applied Studies Concentrations
The interdisciplinary nature of this degree allows for a broad range of career options based on these three foundational concentrations:
- Applied Communication - Emphasizes learning in media, professional writing, and technology for public relations, social media, journalism, and diverse communications career tracks.
- Applied Humanities - Delves into the principles of history, ethics, writing, art, and modern technology applicable to various people-oriented career goals.
- Leadership - Focuses on team building and management, fundamental organization skills, and public speaking, tailored to careers in law enforcement, EMS, firefighting, and other community-driven professions.
No matter which concentration path you choose, you can expect to gain valuable professional experience that is real-world applicable and often results in increased earning potential and a more competitive position in the job market.
What Can You Expect From the Courses and Curriculum?
Instructor-Led Sessions
This BA in Applied Studies program is compromised of eight-week, instructor-led sessions that offer flexible start dates throughout the year — ensuring our classes are always ready whenever you are. You can even take a session off, without penalty, as you make your way through the B.A. program. At UMass Global, we want you to achieve your dreams — on your terms. Our program offerings are carefully designed to fit into your life, allowing you to participate in online lectures, peer group discussions, and structured assignments to keep you on track.
Personalized Support
From the moment you begin your journey at UMass Global, you are never alone. From your initial call with an enrollment coach and navigating the admissions process to completing coursework and preparing for graduation, we are here for you every step of the way. Once enrolled, your academic advisor will guide you through selecting the right program, signing up for classes, and ensuring you are on track for graduation. Personalized, flexible resources are available to you at every stage — whether it's financial aid, academic advising, or career guidance — we are committed to your success.
Career-Aligned Coursework
The modern workplace continues to evolve. That's why we use a "backwards course design" to address the current needs of the job market. Utilizing industry trends and with input from our own faculty and academic professions, we reverse-engineer our programs to ensure the skills you gain are directly relevant to your career goals and the current state of the industry you're in or seek to be in. Each program is designed to be employer-aligned, focusing on practical skills that will propel your career to the next level.
Is a BA in Applied Studies Right for You?
If you're seeking a broad-based degree program that covers a variety of career paths with real-world skill building and support for hard-working adult learners, our BA in Applied Studies could be for you. Whether you have prior college credits, an associate degree, or are a recent high school or GED graduate, our admissions team can help you navigate the application process and get started. It's never too late to pursue your educational dreams and achieve the lifestyle and career you've always wanted. Ready to get started or want to learn more about the program? Request information here or call us at (800) 746-0082 to begin your journey today!