Program Description

The BTAS is primarily intended for students who have already completed a two-year degree program from an accredited community college, regional campus, or technical college program and who seek to further their educations by completing the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. The program provides students with knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for advancement in their chosen careers, and integrates the technical skills developed within technical associate degree programs with the professional skills inculcated in a bachelor's degree program. With appropriate and extensive advising, students will take a sequence of courses that will 1) meet Ohio University's general education and baccalaureate degree requirements, 2) follow naturally from and amplify the learning experiences in their associate degree subject areas, and 3) qualify them for advancement in their workplaces.

Location of the Program

The coursework for the program will be available entirely on the Eastern Campus.

Objectives

The fundamental objective of the BTAS Degree Program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for advancement in their chosen careers and to integrate the technical skills developed within the associate degree with the professional skills, values, and dispositions of a baccalaureate degree. It is assumed that the students attracted to this program will be adult, place-bound graduates and future graduates of two-year degree programs.

Students enrolled in applied technical programs typically do not complete a substantial block of course work that will allow a smooth transition into a baccalaureate program. The proposed program is intended to provide a means by which fully employed adults holding two-year technical degrees can complete a bachelor's degree program in the equivalent of two additional years of full-time study. Thus, such programs are often referred to as 2+2.

The Appalachian region of Ohio, which comprises the major portion of the Ohio University regional campuses service areas, has a bachelor's degree attainment level of only 7.9%, well below Ohio as a state and only about half that of the nation as a whole. The proposed BTAS will offer associate degree graduates from this region an opportunity to continue their education.

Curriculum

The curriculum provides students with knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for advancement in their chosen careers through the integration of the technical skills developed within their associate degree programs with the professional skills, theoretical orientations, and dispositions that are hallmarks of a bachelor's degree. The curriculum combines oral and written communication skills with the study of applied leadership theory and practice. Three core courses designed specifically for the program are sequenced to help students make the transition from technical to professional studies (TAS 301, Introduction to Technical and Applied Studies), to learn research methods and technologies (TAS 321, Research for Technical and Applied Studies), and to synthesize and apply what they have learned through a leadership skills project (TAS 451, Technical and Applied Studies Capstone Seminar). In addition, students will improve their technological competencies and will focus on four subject areas: (1) Professional Skills; (2) Cultural, Political, and Social Issues; (3) Behavioral Sciences; and (4) Leadership and Organization. Since the curriculum is integrated and multi-disciplinary, the majority of courses required to complete the degree are already in existence and support other programs. Those courses also have minimal prerequisites, thereby avoiding hidden requirements. Careful advising will also insure that all Ohio University general education requirements are met.

• BTAS Degree Requirements
• BTAS Curriculum Paths