Associate of Applied Science/Inverted Majors, A.A.S

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Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) and the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) are career-oriented degree programs structured on the “inverted major” concept, which builds an individually designed academic degree program around the approved technical, allied health, public safety, or occupational “major” the student already has completed. In most cases, students receive no additional training in the major from Siena Heights University; instead, they complete their Siena Heights University degree by completing liberal arts courses and other course work appropriate to their prior learning and future goals.

Traditional and non-traditional credit options are possible for the inverted major. A major may be established and/or credit may be awarded for course work completed at accredited colleges and universities as well as approved technical, trade and allied health schools, and/or for professional experience, licensure, or collegeequivalent prior learning. Options for earning prior learning credit include CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), Excelsior College Exams, Michigan Occupational Competency Assessment Exams (MOCAC), ACEPONSI (American Council on Education Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction), military and police academy certification, among other testing programs. Transfer credit is determined individually; interested students should contact an academic advisor at one of Siena Heights University’s degree completion centers.

B.A.S. and A.A.S. Degrees are appropriate for applied science majors in many areas. Several examples of qualifying applied science majors are highlighted below.

Health Care Professions

For persons trained in Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Radiation Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Massage Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Occupational Therapy Assisting, Physical Therapy Assisting, or Health Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor).

Public Safety Professions

For persons trained in Law Enforcement, Fire Technology, Paramedic Technology, or Public Safety Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor).

Technical/Trade and Occupational Professions

For persons trained in Aviation, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Automotive Technology, Climate Control Technology, Drafting and Design Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Technology, Nuclear Technology, Air Frame & Power Plant Technology, Energy Technology, Skilled Trades, or General Technology (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor).

Specialized Occupational Professions

For persons trained in Sign Language Interpreting, Administrative Office Systems, Computer and Information Systems Technology, Computer Aided Drafting & Design Technology, Culinary Arts, Legal Assisting, Media Technology, Veterinary Technology, or Occupational Studies (Contract Major: Please consult with advisor).

Inverted Majors/Applied Science Major Requirements

Associate of Applied Science degree seekers must complete sixty (60) credit hours of college level credit, at least 18 of which must be from Siena Heights University. There is no upper-level requirement. All other requirements are the same.

Value Added

The Siena Heights Liberal Arts Program with its learning outcomes is an additional way the University enhances value/additional competences to the BAS/AAS student’s personal learning history. Many students add minors, even 2nd majors, and other sequences of study to achieve additional skills, competencies, depending on their own personal, unique life circumstances. BAS/AAS students also often have completed much new, specialized training beyond the learning experiences which comprise their BAS/AAS major. Wherever appropriate evaluative means exist Siena Heights awards additional credit for such college-level learning.