Program Overview
What our online Bachelor of Applied Science offers you
Continue on your path to success with the online Bachelor of Applied Science degree program from Northwest Missouri State University. The B.A.S. offers you a flexible degree completion pathway after pursuing a vocational or technical degree such as a technical Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or certificate from a regionally accredited community college.
The 100% online bachelor’s of applied science enables you to maximize the transfer of vocational and technical courses toward a four-year degree, thus minimizing the number of Northwest core (general education) courses required. This applied science program gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your individual and professional goals with curriculum designed around your choices within a specific discipline area.
Our experiential learning format prepares you with relevant knowledge and skills applicable to your career upon graduating. The undergraduate-level curriculum goes beyond theory and encourages you, as a student, to think critically and act decisively. Plus, the profession-based learning aspect of the curriculum is influenced by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, allowing you to apply your studies to real-life contexts. The Board, composed of industry professionals, meet annually to discuss the job market, workforce skill gaps and needs and provide information to Northwest faculty, so they may incorporate it in their course learning outcomes.
During the application process for the B.A.S. program, you will select an area of emphasis from the following:
Business Management
Gain the critical thinking, communication, and management-related skills you need for real-world situations with a business management B.A.S. This degree can help you earn an advanced role at work,, pursue a new profession, or apply to graduate schools.
Potential careers for graduates:
- General Manager
- Project Manager
- Sales
- Management Director
Gain the critical thinking, communication, and management-related skills you need for real-world situations with a business management B.A.S. This degree can help you earn an advanced role at work,, pursue a new profession, or apply to graduate schools.
Potential careers for graduates:
- General Manager
- Project Manager
- Sales
- Management Director
Computer Business Applications
Learn how to apply spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and applications that relate to office procedures with a computer business applications degree. This online B.A.S. program focuses on advanced computer skills and business concepts that can be applied in nearly every industry.
Potential careers for graduates:
- Software Developer
- Business Analyst
- Programmer
- Systems Analyst
Learn how to apply spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and applications that relate to office procedures with a computer business applications degree. This online B.A.S. program focuses on advanced computer skills and business concepts that can be applied in nearly every industry.
Potential careers for graduates:
- Software Developer
- Business Analyst
- Programmer
- Systems Analyst
Criminology
Acquire the knowledge and understanding essential for pursuing a profession dedicated to addressing crime in society. This online B.A.S. program offers a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. You'll explore the causes and consequences of crime while gaining practical skills in research and analysis. This program prepares you for diverse career paths in law enforcement, corrections, social services, and beyond.
Possible job opportunities:
- Crime Analyst
- Victim Advocate
- Juvenile Case Manager
- Security Specialist
- Law Enforcement
- Youth Services
- Community Outreach
Acquire the knowledge and understanding essential for pursuing a profession dedicated to addressing crime in society. This online B.A.S. program offers a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. You'll explore the causes and consequences of crime while gaining practical skills in research and analysis. This program prepares you for diverse career paths in law enforcement, corrections, social services, and beyond.
Possible job opportunities:
- Crime Analyst
- Victim Advocate
- Juvenile Case Manager
- Security Specialist
- Law Enforcement
- Youth Services
- Community Outreach
General Studies
Tailor your studies to your personal and professional goals with a general study B.A.S. degree online. This degree is designed to give you a strong educational foundation and provide transferable skills for a wide variety of industries and careers.
Work in settings such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Business and Finance
- Management
- Software
Tailor your studies to your personal and professional goals with a general study B.A.S. degree online. This degree is designed to give you a strong educational foundation and provide transferable skills for a wide variety of industries and careers.
Work in settings such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Business and Finance
- Management
- Software
Information Technology
Explore how information technology supports businesses, research, and communication and prepare for an in-demand career with our online information technology B.A.S. Choose from three pathways:
- General: Develop creative problem-solving techniques while gaining advanced technical, logical, and critical thinking skills.
- Possible career opportunities are:
- Technical Support Specialist
- Computer Operator
- IT Specialist
- Possible career opportunities are:
- Data Analytics: Prepare to model, synthesize, analyze, and present large data sets for businesses by bringing together data analytics and object-oriented programming in this emerging field.
- Data analytics job opportunities include:
- Computer Programmer
- Data Scientist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Data analytics job opportunities include:
- Cybersecurity: Learn to solve complex security challenges by gaining a comprehensive understanding of IT security principles through expert instruction and hands-on experiences.
- Cybersecurity job opportunities include:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Security Auditor
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Cybersecurity job opportunities include:
Explore how information technology supports businesses, research, and communication and prepare for an in-demand career with our online information technology B.A.S. Choose from three pathways:
- General: Develop creative problem-solving techniques while gaining advanced technical, logical, and critical thinking skills.
- Possible career opportunities are:
- Technical Support Specialist
- Computer Operator
- IT Specialist
- Possible career opportunities are:
- Data Analytics: Prepare to model, synthesize, analyze, and present large data sets for businesses by bringing together data analytics and object-oriented programming in this emerging field.
- Data analytics job opportunities include:
- Computer Programmer
- Data Scientist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Data analytics job opportunities include:
- Cybersecurity: Learn to solve complex security challenges by gaining a comprehensive understanding of IT security principles through expert instruction and hands-on experiences.
- Cybersecurity job opportunities include:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Security Auditor
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Cybersecurity job opportunities include:
Marketing
Understand the science behind consumer behavior and the critical role that marketing plays in all organizations and businesses with this online bachelor’s degree in marketing. In this program, you will learn how to influence buyer behavior, analyze markets, develop marketing strategies, interpret market research, set appropriate pricing levels, and more.
Work in marketing fields such as:
- Social media marketing
- Brand management
- Product management
- New product development
- E-commerce
- Sales Management
- Advertising
- Marketing consulting
Understand the science behind consumer behavior and the critical role that marketing plays in all organizations and businesses with this online bachelor’s degree in marketing. In this program, you will learn how to influence buyer behavior, analyze markets, develop marketing strategies, interpret market research, set appropriate pricing levels, and more.
Work in marketing fields such as:
- Social media marketing
- Brand management
- Product management
- New product development
- E-commerce
- Sales Management
- Advertising
- Marketing consulting
Political Science
Introduces the student to the decision-making processes that guide, direct, ad determine a society’s behavior. This program prepares students for multiple employment opportunities in public service and private sectors. Courses focus on the politics and administration of government and factors involved in the competition for political power. Students may select between a BS in Political Science with the following concentrations: General, Public Administration, Global Affairs, or American Institutions.
Work in settings such as:
- Government
- Criminal Justice System
- Municipal Planning
- City Management
- Urban Affairs
- Education
- Nonprofit Administration
- Campaigns & Elections
- Public Policy Analysis
Introduces the student to the decision-making processes that guide, direct, ad determine a society’s behavior. This program prepares students for multiple employment opportunities in public service and private sectors. Courses focus on the politics and administration of government and factors involved in the competition for political power. Students may select between a BS in Political Science with the following concentrations: General, Public Administration, Global Affairs, or American Institutions.
Work in settings such as:
- Government
- Criminal Justice System
- Municipal Planning
- City Management
- Urban Affairs
- Education
- Nonprofit Administration
- Campaigns & Elections
- Public Policy Analysis
Psychology
Develop a solid understanding of scientific research and human behavior while gaining critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This online B.A.S. Psychology program builds on your technical, vocational, or military education to help you advance professionally or pursue graduate study in psychology or related fields.
Possible psychology job opportunities:
- Career counselor
- Case Manager
- Social Worker
- Research Assistant
- Market Researcher
Develop a solid understanding of scientific research and human behavior while gaining critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This online B.A.S. Psychology program builds on your technical, vocational, or military education to help you advance professionally or pursue graduate study in psychology or related fields.
Possible psychology job opportunities:
- Career counselor
- Case Manager
- Social Worker
- Research Assistant
- Market Researcher
Public Relations
Learn the power of persuasion and how it's beneficial to the people or business you’re representing with this online bachelor’s degree in public relations. This program will prepare you with the necessary skills to communicate visually, orally, and through the written word in traditional and digital mediums across any industry.
Possible PR career opportunities:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communications Manager
- Public Affairs consultant
- Copywriter
Learn the power of persuasion and how it's beneficial to the people or business you’re representing with this online bachelor’s degree in public relations. This program will prepare you with the necessary skills to communicate visually, orally, and through the written word in traditional and digital mediums across any industry.
Possible PR career opportunities:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communications Manager
- Public Affairs consultant
- Copywriter
Accreditation:
Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Also available:
Northwest offers a variety of specialized online education program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.
Accreditation:
Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition
Look forward to affordable tuition
Our Bachelor of Applied Science online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Applied Science | $334* | $1,002 |
Important Refund Information
| 2nd day of class | Last date for 100% refund for dropped course |
| 4th day of class | Last date for 75% refund for dropped course |
| 6th day of class | Last date for 50% refund for dropped course |
| 8th day of class | Last date for 25% refund for dropped course |
Transfer Your Credits for Lower Tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Northwest record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Check out these important dates
Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working students, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/13/25 | 12/19/24 | 1/2/25 | 1/7/25 | 1/8/25 | 2/28/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/18/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/3/25 | 3/5/25 | 4/25/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/5/25 | 4/15/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 4/30/25 | 6/20/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/23/25 | 6/2/25 | 6/6/25 | 6/13/25 | 6/17/25 | 8/8/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/5/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/20/25 | 10/10/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/30/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/15/25 | 12/5/25 |
Now enrolling:
earning your degree?
Admissions
These are the steps to being admitted into our online applied science degree
At Northwest, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them. The requirements include:
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
To apply for this program, you must meet the requirements for one of the sections listed below.
Transfer Criteria
- Students with 24 or more transferrable credit hours:
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Students with less than 24 transferrable credit hours:
- Follow freshman admission requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Transfer students from non-regionally accredited institutions will also be considered a freshman; credit cannot be transferred into Northwest from a non-regionally accredited institution
Returning Students (previously enrolled as degree-seeking at Northwest)
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA in any coursework completed since last being at Northwest (on 4.0 scale)
- A probation essay (if returning after being suspended or put on probation) explaining previous time at Northwest, what they've been doing since and how they plan to be successful when they return
Bachelor of Applied Science
Only students who have earned approved vocational or technical certificates or degrees, or military credit are eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Applied Science program. Eligible students will have completed:
- A one-year technical certificate from a community/junior college
- A two-year technical certificate from a community/junior college
- An Associate of Applied Science degree
- An Associate of Science degree (eligible technical or vocational programs only)
- Military/Joint Services Transcript credit - 24 to 59 hours
- Military/Joint Services Transcript credit - 60 or more hours
Students who have earned a one-year certificate will complete a minimum of 39 hours of coursework at Northwest in their chosen emphasis area. Students who have earned a two-year certificate, A.A.S., or eligible A.S. will complete a minimum of 24 hours of coursework at Northwest in their chosen emphasis area (30 credit hours total at Northwest).
Official transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:
Office of AdmissionsNorthwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001
Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.
Click here for State Authorization information.
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Courses
Choose your program direction with our flexible applied science courses
The completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science degree requires:
- A minimum of 24 semesters hours in courses numbered above 300
- A minimum of 30 semester hours completed in residence, with the last 10 hours of academic work completed at Northwest
- A minimum total of 120 earned academic hours
- A minimum overall and Northwest grade point average of 2.0
Still undecided?
Check out our other undergraduate online degree programs.
*Tuition and fees are based on current rates. Textbooks and laptops are not included with tuition. A one-time fee of $20.50 will be charged for remote proctoring of required Assessment of Core Proficiencies.
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