Applied Professional Studies, Economic Development, B.I.S.

B.I.S. In Applied Professional Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Applied Professional Studies prepares graduates with core competencies necessary for successful careers in for‑profit business. Combined with solid training in communication and writing skills, these competencies include basic understandings of economics, finance, statistics, decision sciences, management, and marketing. Beyond these core competencies, students may craft a specialization to fit their future career goals or choose to receive training in one of five areas of specialization: Advertising, Allied Health Leadership, Economic Development, Financial Administration, or Office Administration.

Similar to other majors within the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program, the BIS in Applied Professional Studies is intended for those interested in obtaining a highly relevant and practical degree that provides advancement opportunities in their current employment, and for those who are starting or interested in changing their professional careers. The program of study for the BIS in Applied Professional Studies consists of four components: General Education Requirements (44 hours); Core Requirements (24 hours), Track Requirements (15 hours), and Electives* (37 hours).

Major in Applied Professional Studies

General Education: 44 Sem. Hrs.

See General Education Program  for available options in each category.

• ENG 1050. Composition I (3 credits)
• ENG 1060. Composition II (3 credits)
• Fine Art (3 credits)
• Literature (3 credits)
• History (3 credits)
• Philosophy and Religion (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (9 credits)
• Natural Science (6 credits)
• Mathematics (3 credits)
• Physical Education (2 credits)
• General Education Electives (6 credits)

Major-Specific General Education Requirements

Please note that many majors have specific general education requirements.  Please see a faculty advisor in your department if you need further clarification. You will be required to take the following courses to meet your general education and applied professional studies requirements including:

• ECN 2030. Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
• MAT 1070. College Algebra (3 credits)
• MAT 2100. Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
• SOC 1020. Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

Core Requirements: 24 Sem. Hrs.

• DSC 2090. Spreadsheet and Database Management (3 credits)
• ECN 2020. Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)

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• ENG 3580. Professional Writing (3 credits) or
• MGT 3030. Business Communications (3 credits)

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• FIN 2400. Foundations of Finance (for Non-Business Majors) (3 credits)
• MGT 3060. Organization and Management (3 credits)
• MKT 3120. Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
• SOC 3000. Sociological Writing/Rhetoric (3 credits)
• SOC 4250. Organizations in Society (3 credits)

Track: 15 Sem. Hrs.

Economic Development Track:

• ECN 3010. Managerial Economics (3 credits)
• ECN 4080. Development Economics (3 credits)
• SOC 3180. Community Development (3 credits)
• SOC 4180. Voluntary Associations and Non-Profit Organizations (3 credits)
• SOC 4420. Community Resource Development (3 credits)

Electives*: 37 Sem. Hrs.

*Students entering the BIS Program with an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Arts degree from a two-year institution recognized by an accepted institutional accreditor may receive up to 30 hours of transfer credit towards Electives upon verification of such degree.  Accepted institutional accreditors include but are not limited to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).  Other US Department of Education recognized national accreditors which are not listed above may also be considered acceptable.

Total: 120 Sem. Hrs.