Applied Leadership, B.A.S.

In Tennessee, the Drive to 55 and Tennessee Reconnect initiatives highlight the need for more opportunities for adult learners to earn a degree. Many potential students have already earned some college credits but have not completed their degree due to time and geography constraints. Tennessee has limited opportunities for adult learners to earn a bachelor’s degree in a flexible way that meets working adults’ needs. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Leadership will provide an online, flexible program for adult learners seeking employment or advancement in the workforce that requires a bachelor’s degree.

The BAS program will prepare students for a wide variety of careers by focusing on innovative and effective applied leadership. Specifically, the coursework and experiences will help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to solve problems, communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and assess effectiveness in diverse environments. While the program’s focus is on cultivating the ability to influence the leadership process at any level, individuals will also develop and refining applied skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, motivating and empowering others, and communicating effectively and persuasively.

Program Outcomes

Analyze the styles and processes to articulate and practice leadership
Explain the need for ethical, responsible leadership
Apply leadership approaches in diverse contexts
Implement effective approaches to organizational change
Apply communication skills to influence the leadership process with a variety of audiences in various contexts
Explore and analyze decision-making processes that result in the application of ethical practice.

General Education (31-33 hours)

(see General Education for list of approved courses)

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Leadership only requires 2 courses/6 hours of Humanities and Fine Arts and 1 course/3 hours of Behavioral and Social Science.

Program Requirements

Core coursework (30 hours)

Additional Information and Notes

Electives (57-59 hours):

Elective hours may come from Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), military service credit, transfer credits, or other related areas. An advisement appointment should be scheduled as early as possible.

Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio

Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio Credit is a method in which a student must provide evidence of acquired college-level learning (i.e. certificates, training program, etc.). To learn more about the procedure for earning credit for prior learning, visit the website.

Military Service Credit

Students may be awarded up to 60 hours of PLA credit for Military Service. Military Service courses and/or experiences are evaluated and equated following the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. Office of the University Registrar personnel evaluate the Military Service work with the support of ACE guidelines and the appropriate academic department. Credit not equated by ACE may be awarded departmental elective credit or Military Service Elective credit as appropriate.

120 total hours required.

Minimum 39 hours at the 3000-4000 level.

2.0 GPA in all required major and related courses.

See Degree and Graduation Requirements for additional requirements.

ClearPath for Advising

The ClearPath for Advising provides students with an opportunity to see program requirements defined in a semester-by-semester format. The ClearPath for Advising guides also provide students with important tips, pointers, and suggestions for staying on track with progress toward the degree. Your ClearPath is available through the Advisement website.