Mark Schaub, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies,
said the BAS program is distinct from most other GVSU degrees. The BAS
program recognizes most of these students’ prior higher education
credits, acknowledging their skills-intensive education, and will
integrate that prior learning and workplace experience with a GVSU curriculum.
"People who have an applied associate degree in a more technical
or specialized field may not be bringing in all their general
education classes like many students with other types of associate
degrees do," Schaub said. "We will work with what they bring
to us, and then complete their degree with Grand Valley general
education requirements, a liberal education-informed set of
future-oriented coursework."
Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and
Computing, said employers value the technical content of an AAS
degree, but also desire employees who have the background to grow into
leadership positions within their organizations. The four BAS majors
will provide that preparation through advanced courses in a specific
field complemented by professional preparation through liberal
education courses.
"This program will support students to develop high-order
thinking and problem-solving skills that are directly relevant to
employers today," Plotkowski said.
To enroll in the BAS program, students will need to meet transfer
requirements and have completed an applied associate degree, or the
equivalent. The program will be offered online, meeting the needs of
working adults. Visit gvsu.edu/bas to learn more.
