Career Paths for Applied Studies Graduates

Your experience has already taken you far. Now find out how a Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) can help you open up new career pathways. In this guide, we explore applied studies degree careers in business, technical fields, human services, public safety, and more.

A bachelor’s degree can open doors to new roles, promotions, and higher earning potential. National data shows that full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1,533 per week, compared with $946 for workers with only a high school diploma. ¹ This gap continues to make bachelor’s programs an important step for adults who want to advance and build on their existing experience.

The 100% online Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) degree from NMSU Global Campus is built for students who want a flexible way to complete their bachelor’s degree. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all major, you work directly with an academic advisor to shape a Program of Study that reflects your goals.

Along the way, you’ll take upper-division courses that build practical skills like communication, analysis, and problem-solving. These strengths apply across many careers.

Get more info about admission requirements and course options for the BAS at NMSU Global Campus.

Understand How a Bachelor of Applied Studies Degree Supports Your Goals

The BAS program is designed for students who want a personalized and intentional pathway to finish their bachelor’s degree. The customized structure is especially helpful for learners who have technical or career-focused experience and want a degree pathway that acknowledges what they’ve already accomplished.

Because the degree adapts to each student’s goals, the planning process often brings up important questions about how the program works, which credits can transfer, and how to choose the right courses. The sections below address many of the questions students commonly ask as they explore whether a BAS is the right next step.

What Degree Do You Need to Start a Bachelor of Applied Studies?

Many students who pursue the BAS come in with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or another career-focused credential. But an AAS is not the only entry point. This flexible online bachelor’s degree program is designed to meet students where they are academically and professionally.

You may be a strong candidate for an online BAS degree if you have:

• An AAS or similar applied or technical associate degree
• A different type of associate degree, such as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS)
• Prior college coursework that was never completed as part of a degree
• Military training or documented workplace certifications
• Significant on-the-job experience that informs your academic interests

Students with an AAS can often transfer a large portion of their credits toward the 120-credit bachelor’s degree requirement, which helps reduce credit loss. Students with other types of associate degrees or prior coursework may also receive transfer credit, depending on how the courses align with degree requirements.

For learners with limited or no previous college experience, academic advisors help create a clear plan that starts with foundational coursework and builds toward upper-division classes as soon as they are ready. In every case, your academic advisor helps you create a pathway that fits your experience and supports your next step.

Request More Information about Transferable Credits for Your BAS Degree

How Does the Bachelor of Applied Studies Program Work?

Unlike a traditional undergraduate major, the BAS program is personalized. The design of a BAS degree gives you flexibility while still offering structure and academic support. Your Program of Study becomes the roadmap that guides your coursework from start to finish.

Here’s how the process typically works:

• You begin with a planning conversation where you and your academic advisor review your prior education, professional experience, and long-term goals.
• You identify broad areas of focus that reflect your interests. These may include management, technology, communication studies, public safety, or other fields relevant to your goals.
• You select upper-division courses that support those interests. Courses may come from multiple departments if they contribute meaningfully to your Program of Study.
• You create a written proposal explaining how your chosen courses connect to your academic and professional direction.
• You submit your Program of Study for approval, ensuring it meets degree requirements such as upper-division credits and Viewing a Wider World coursework.
• You revisit and update the plan as needed, especially if your interests evolve or if new opportunities arise during your studies.

Academic advisors serve as guides throughout this process, helping you choose courses that build a strong, cohesive plan rather than a list of unrelated electives.

How Do You Choose the Right Courses to Fit Your Goals?

Choosing the right courses is a collaborative process that helps you shape a degree pathway aligned with your professional interests. Rather than selecting classes at random, you work closely with an academic advisor to identify the subjects and skills that will move you toward your career goals.

Here’s what that process usually looks like:

• You review your background together, including previous college credit, certifications, military training, or on-the-job experience that may influence your academic direction.
• You discuss your career interests and target roles, whether you want to advance in your current field or explore a new one.
• You identify skill gaps or areas for growth, such as leadership, data analysis, communication, technology, or other industry-specific knowledge.
• You evaluate which upper-division courses best support those needs and how each contributes to a cohesive Program of Study.

Because a BAS degree is interdisciplinary, you are not limited to a single academic department. Students often combine coursework in areas such as management, communication studies, information systems, public health, engineering technology, or social sciences. This flexibility allows you to design a plan that reflects the skills employers value most in your chosen field.

Throughout the process, your advisor helps ensure that the courses you select are academically sensible, support your long-term goals, and meet the BAS program’s upper-division and general education requirements. The result is a clear, intentional course path that supports your career aspirations.

Are All Classes Available When Building a Program of Study?

You can choose from a wide range of upper-division courses, but your Program of Study must meet degree requirements and support a clear academic or professional direction. Academic advisors help you understand which classes:

• Fit within your chosen focus area
• Meet upper-division credit requirements
• Complement your existing experience
• Strengthen the competencies needed for your intended career path

The goal is to choose courses that work together to support your intended pathway.

How the Applied Studies Degree Expands Your Technical Background

Students with an applied or technical associate degree enter the Bachelor of Applied Studies program with practical skills developed through hands-on training. The BAS builds on that experience by adding upper-division coursework that sharpens analytical thinking, deepens technical understanding, and expands professional communication.

In practice, this means you can:

• Transfer a significant number of credits from your applied associate degree.
• Avoid repeating foundational courses.
• Focus on higher-level classes that support advancement in your field.

Transferable Skills You Gain in the Applied Studies Bachelor’s Program

Employers consistently look for skills that apply across many roles and industries. A BAS helps you strengthen those abilities through writing-intensive coursework, inquiry-based projects, and interdisciplinary learning. Instead of focusing on a single subject area, you learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve problems from multiple perspectives.

BAS students develop a range of transferable skills, including:

• Written communication: You learn to write clearly and professionally for different audiences, which supports tasks such as reporting, documentation, and project coordination.
• Critical analysis: Coursework enables you to evaluate information, identify patterns, and make informed decisions backed by evidence.
• Problem solving: You practice breaking down complex challenges, exploring multiple approaches, and proposing practical, realistic solutions.
• Systems thinking: You learn to understand how different parts of an organization or process connect, which is valuable in operations, public service, technology, and management.
• Initiative and follow-through: The program’s self-directed planning structure strengthens your ability to manage deadlines, take ownership of tasks, and complete long-term goals.
• Professional collaboration: Group assignments and interdisciplinary projects help you build strong teamwork and communication skills across different settings.

These abilities can help you move beyond task-based responsibilities to positions that involve planning, coordination, supervision, or decision-making. Because they are relevant across many fields, they support long-term career growth and adaptability as workplaces evolve.

Explore Career Paths for Applied Studies Graduates

Career paths for applied studies graduates look different for every student because no two Programs of Study are the same. Many students use this degree to advance in the field where they already have experience. Others use it to pivot into new roles that require a bachelor’s degree or a broader set of skills. In essence, this degree program structure allows you to build on your experience while gaining skills that support new opportunities.

Here are some of the most common career pathways graduates explore with a BAS, along with examples of the roles, responsibilities, and work settings associated with each.

Business and Management Careers for Applied Studies Graduates

Graduates of a BAS program often move into business or administrative roles that require strong communication, organization, and leadership. These positions are a natural fit for those who want to support teams, oversee operations, or guide projects.

Salary potential varies across the business field, but many positions offer opportunities for long-term growth as you take on more responsibility.

Common Roles within Business and Management

• Office Manager: Often supports teams and daily operations. The average salary is $84,401 per year. ²
• Business Operations Manager: Manages systems, budgets, teams, and processes. The average salary is $89,033 per year. ³
• General & Operations Manager: The average salary ranges from $65,180 to $101,280 per year. ⁴

What the Work Involves

Business and management roles can vary for each organization, but many share similar core responsibilities. These responsibilities often require strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate people and processes. They can include:

• Managing departments or business units and overseeing daily workflows and resources.
• Setting goals, coordinating communication, and supervising teams.
• Using data, reporting, and process improvements to support efficiency and outcomes.

This type of work supports organizational efficiency and prepares you for roles with increasing responsibility.

Typical Work Settings

Business and management careers exist in nearly every industry, which gives you the flexibility to find a setting that aligns with your interests and experience. Many applied studies graduates work in environments such as:

• Corporate offices or regional operations centers
• Small to mid-sized firms
• Nonprofit or community organizations
• Startup or entrepreneurial environments

These settings offer a wide range of opportunities, from structured corporate roles to more flexible or fast-paced environments.

Engineering and Technical Jobs You Can Pursue with Applied Studies

Students who already work in technical environments often use the BAS to move into roles that require stronger problem-solving, communication, and systems-thinking skills. This path is well-suited for individuals who want to advance beyond hands-on technical tasks into roles that include coordination, troubleshooting, or oversight.

Your prior experience plays a significant role in shaping the opportunities available to you. Technical roles often offer strong long-term growth, especially when paired with upper-division coursework that deepens knowledge in engineering, IT, or other technology-focused fields.

Common Roles Within Engineering and Technical Fields

• Engineering Technician: Supports engineers with testing, data collection, and equipment evaluation. The average salary is $62,977 per year. ⁵
• Systems Administrator: Manages and maintains computer systems, servers, and networks. The average salary is $88,927 per year. ⁶
• Chemical Technician: Conducts lab analyses and supports chemical processes. The average salary is $56,750 per year. ⁷
• Quality Assurance Technician: Ensures products and systems meet established standards. The average salary is $50,435 per year. ⁸

What the Work Involves

Technical and engineering-support roles often require a mix of analytical thinking, equipment knowledge, and collaboration across departments. While responsibilities differ by role and industry, many positions involve the following:

• Troubleshooting equipment, systems, or technical processes
• Interpreting documentation, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance
• Working closely with engineers, analysts, managers or IT teams

This kind of work strengthens both your technical and analytical abilities, which supports advancement into more complex roles.

Typical Work Settings

Engineering and technical professionals work in settings that depend on their specialization and experience. Common environments include:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Engineering and architectural firms
• Public utilities or infrastructure agencies
• Information systems or technology departments

These settings provide opportunities to build on your prior experience while taking on broader responsibilities that support organizational operations.

Career Paths in Health and Human Services with an Applied Studies Degree

Many students design their Program of Study to support roles in healthcare, social services, or community programs. This direction is a strong fit for individuals who want to help organizations run effectively or support services that meet community needs.

Because health and human services roles vary widely, your specific coursework and experience will guide your career options. Many positions in this field value communication skills, ethical reasoning, and the ability to coordinate services or workflows.

Common Roles in Health and Human Services

• Health Services Manager: Oversees operations within healthcare facilities. The average salary is $117,960 per year. ⁹
• Medical Technologist: Performs laboratory tests and analyzes results. The average salary is $66,111 per year. ¹⁰
• Community Program Coordinator: Leads outreach and community service programs. The average salary is $53,627 per year. ¹¹

What the Work Involves

Health and human services roles combine communication, organization, and attention to detail. Core responsibilities often include:

• Managing programs, staff, or clinical workflows
• Coordinating outreach or patient services
• Overseeing compliance, reporting, or community engagement

These responsibilities strengthen your ability to support essential services and contribute to roles that involve coordination or supervision.

Typical Work Settings

Graduates pursuing health or human services roles may find opportunities in settings such as:

• Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities
• Community outreach organizations
• Nonprofit agencies
• Local health departments or public health programs

These environments enable BAS graduates to support meaningful work that enhances community well-being and operational effectiveness.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety Jobs You Can Pursue with Applied Studies

Students with experience in law enforcement, corrections, emergency response, or related roles often use the BAS to qualify for supervisory or administrative positions. This path is ideal for individuals who want more responsibility or a shift toward policy, planning, or program coordination.

Career options in this field depend on experience, certifications, and professional background. Many roles emphasize communication, critical thinking, and the ability to manage sensitive or high-stakes situations.

Common Roles in Criminal Justice and Public Safety

• Criminal Justice Professional: Supports investigations, case management, or departmental operations. The average salary ranges from $34,000 to $85,000 per year. ¹²
• Probation or Corrections Support Roles: Assist with supervision, reporting, and program compliance. The average salary is $62,965 per year. ¹³
• Public Safety Coordinator: Supports emergency planning, policy development, and inter-agency communication. The average salary is $64,458 per year. ¹⁴

What the Work Involves

Roles in criminal justice and public safety often involve a mix of communication, planning, and oversight. Core responsibilities may include:

• Coordinating public safety operations or correctional programs
• Developing policies, training schedules, or safety protocols
• Communicating with law enforcement agencies or community partners

This type of work builds experience in communication and oversight, which supports progression into roles with greater responsibility.

Typical Work Settings

Public safety and criminal justice professionals work in settings such as:

• Police departments and sheriff’s offices
• Courts, correctional facilities, or probation agencies
• Emergency management organizations
• Local and state government offices

These environments offer opportunities for advancement, especially for students who bring both field experience and a bachelor’s degree.

Applied Studies Pathways in Construction and Infrastructure Careers

Professionals in construction or infrastructure fields often start with technical training or hands-on experience. The BAS helps translate that experience into roles that involve planning, management, or oversight.

This path is ideal for students who want to move beyond fieldwork into positions that require decision-making, coordination, or project leadership.

Common Roles in Construction and Infrastructure

• Construction Manager: Oversees construction projects from planning to completion. The average salary is $100,588 per year. ¹⁵
• Field Supervisor: Coordinates daily site operations. The average salary is $50,627 per year. ¹⁶

What the Work Involves

Construction and infrastructure roles focus on planning, compliance, and coordination. Key responsibilities often include:

• Managing schedules, budgets, and project timelines
• Supervising contractors and subcontractors
• Ensuring compliance with building codes, permits, and safety standards

This work allows you to apply your technical background in roles that emphasize planning, compliance, and coordination.

Typical Work Settings

Graduates pursuing this pathway may find opportunities in:

• Construction management firms
• Engineering or architectural companies
• Infrastructure agencies
• Private contractors or consulting firms

These settings provide opportunities to move into leadership or project-focused roles that rely on both technical knowledge and higher-level management skills.

Plan Your Bachelor of Applied Studies Pathway

A central part of the BAS is the planning process. Instead of selecting a preset major, you work with an academic advisor to map out a Program of Study that aligns with your goals. This roadmap ensures that the courses you choose support your long-term direction while meeting degree requirements.

Connect Previous Experience with New Career Strengths

The BAS helps you build on your past experience and move toward your next professional step. Whether you bring technical training, workplace experience, or previous college coursework, the BAS degree allows you to organize what you already know and strengthen the skills that support advancement.

Understand Key Degree Requirements

The BAS follows the same credit structure as other bachelor’s degrees at New Mexico State University. To graduate, you must complete at least 120 total credits, though the exact number depends on the academic plan you build with your advisor.

Within those 120 credits, the BAS program requires:

• At least 36 upper-division credits (courses numbered 300–400) beyond the NMSU General Education Core
• At least 6 upper-division credits from the Viewing a Wider World curriculum
• A grade of C- or better in all upper-division coursework

These requirements ensure that your Program of Study includes meaningful advanced coursework that strengthens your academic and professional skills.

Pair Your Degree with Strategic Minors

Selecting a minor is an effective way to deepen your expertise and tailor your Program of Study. Students often choose academic minors such as:

• Communication Studies
• Information Systems
• Management
• Psychology
• Public Health

The right combination can strengthen your skill set and reinforce your intended career direction.

Choose Minors that Support Your Program of Study

Students are encouraged to select one or more approved academic minors to add depth in a specialized area. Each minor requires:

• 18 total credits
• At least 9 upper-division credits

Common minors for applied studies students include management, communication studies, information systems, public health, and criminal justice. Your academic advisor can help you choose minors that complement your background and reinforce your career goals.

How Minor Requirements Support Your Academic Plan

Together, the credit requirements and optional minors give you a balance of structure and flexibility. You complete the essential advanced coursework expected of a bachelor’s degree while tailoring your Program of Study to the skills and knowledge most relevant to your plans. This structure helps you build a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree pathway that is both academically rigorous and aligned with your direction.

Take the Next Step with the Bachelor of Applied Studies

Completing a bachelor’s degree shows that you can meet academic expectations, manage complex tasks, and continue learning as your field evolves. These strengths are valuable across industries and can help you pursue roles with greater responsibility or long-term advancement potential.

The Bachelor of Applied Studies from NMSU Global Campus is designed for students who want a flexible, personalized pathway to complete their bachelor’s degree. The BAS program helps you:

• Make the most of your previous education and experience.
• Complete a customized bachelor’s degree that aligns with your goals.

If you are exploring ways to advance your education, reviewing the admission information, degree requirements, and course options can help you understand how this program fits your next steps.

References

1. “Median weekly earnings $946 for workers with high school diploma, $1,533 for bachelor’s degree.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), The Economics Daily, 25 October 2024.

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3. “Business Operations Manager Salary in the United States.” Indeed, last updated 16 November 2025.

4. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: General and Operations Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), last updated 3 April 2024.

5. “Engineering Technician Salary.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 24 November 2025. 

6. “Systems Administrator Salary.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 24 November 2025. 

7. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Chemical Technicians.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), last updated 3 April 2024.

8. “Quality Assurance Technician Salary in United States.” Indeed, accessed 3 December 2025.

9. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical and Health Services Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

10. “Medical technologist salary in United States.” Indeed, accessed 3 December 2025.

11. “Community Coordinator Salary.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 24 November 2025.

12. “Criminal Investigator Salary.” Zippia, 8 January 2025.

13. “Federal Probation Officer Salary.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 24 November 2025.

14. “Safety coordinator salary in United States.” Indeed, 17 November 2025.

15. “Construction manager salary in United States.” Indeed, last updated 3 April 2024.

16. “Field Supervisor Salary.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 24 November 2025.