According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employees with a four-year degree earn an average weekly salary of $1,543, while those with a high school diploma earn around $930 per week. Working professionals who may think going back to school for another four years is unrealistic can save time and money by receiving credit for work experience and noncollegiate training through the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) program from Texas State University.
Students in the program can tailor their coursework to align with their industry, personal goals and schedule by choosing an Organizational Leadership or Workforce Ready focus. The program is an ideal option for professionals looking to qualify for advanced opportunities in their chosen field.
Why Pursue an Applied Arts and Sciences Degree?
What sets Texas State’s online B.A.A.S. program apart from traditional bachelor’s degree programs is its flexible admission requirements. Rather than starting from scratch, students can earn up to 24 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits based on their personal and professional experience — whether in technical, vocational or other fields — and transfer up to 90 additional credits.
The program’s online format enables students to study at their own pace while balancing personal and professional commitments. Graduates emerge with in-demand skills and knowledge and a credential from a recognized, accredited university.
What Career Paths Can You Pursue With a B.A.A.S.?
Graduates of Texas State’s online B.A.A.S. program typically pursue specialized management and administrative positions. Those who choose the Organizational Leadership track qualify for a range of public sector management roles including organizational development specialist, policy analyst, public administrator, nonprofit program manager and public sector human resources manager.
Students who opt for the Workforce Ready track are prepared for specialized roles in business and corporate settings such as human resources coordinator, public relations associate, health promotion specialist, training and development specialist, and corporate communications specialist.
Management roles offer premium compensation. While salaries vary based on industry and location, BLS reported an average annual salary of $122,090 for management occupations in 2024, which was higher than the median annual wage of $49,500 for all occupations.
How Do Employers View B.A.A.S. Degrees and What Skills Do Students Develop in the Program?
Research from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) shows that many employers are moving away from a strict degree requirement and focusing on what a person and their life experiences can bring to the organization. The Texas State online B.A.A.S. program offers a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates to employers a candidate’s readiness to lead, collaborate and contribute across a wide range of industries.
The credential offers added value by signaling to an employer that a candidate has the skills and training necessary to handle more responsibilities. The program curriculum is designed to build on a student’s strengths, experience and education. The in-demand skills and competencies they develop in the program include:
- Strategic planning
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Human resource management
- Workplace ethics
- Business administration
Beyond skill-building, the program gives students an opportunity to network with professionals across industries, which can help support long-term career growth. Earning the degree online also tells an employer a candidate has the discipline it took to complete a degree while still working, which is a trait many companies admire.
Take Your Career to the Next Level With an Online B.A.A.S. From Texas State
For many people, earning a degree provides a safety net. People with a bachelor’s degree have lower unemployment rates — about 2.3% — compared to 4.5% for those with just a high school education.
The online B.A.A.S. program at Texas State University offers students a path to earning their degree that’s fast, flexible and values their life experiences.
Earning the degree online enables working professionals to stay in their current job while studying at their own pace. Equipped with the skills and training employers value, graduates complete the program qualified for upper-level roles that might have previously been out of reach — within or outside their current organization.
Learn more about Texas State University’s online B.A.A.S. program.
