The Indiana University Board of Trustees today, Feb. 17, approved the “first of its kind for Indiana” Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree program for IU East and IU Kokomo. This will allow thousands of Hoosiers with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) to pursue a four-year degree without losing hard-earned credits.

IU East Chancellor Nasser Paydar said the new program will build on the university’s special relationship with Ivy Tech Community College.

“We are excited to partner with IU Kokomo in developing this new degree type for Indiana University,” Paydar said.  “With the close partnership we have with Ivy Tech, this program will be a benefit to both the university and the community college.”

The program allows A.A.S. graduates from Ivy Tech Community College to complete a bachelor’s degree without losing credits. Other states that offer a B.A.S. are Iowa and Minnesota.

“Indiana University continues to partner with us to ensure that together we provide a seamless higher education system here in Indiana,” said Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder. “This new degree option is going to give thousands of community college students an opportunity to continue their education without losing the credits they worked hard to obtain at Ivy Tech.”

Offering this degree through two IU regional campuses fits the vision of IU President Michael McRobbie for the campuses to be innovators and leaders within their regions, IU Kokomo Chancellor Michael Harris said.

“I believe this degree will have a significant impact on the economic well being of the state of Indiana,” Chancellor Harris said. “I’m delighted and proud to have had the opportunity to work with colleagues to be able to offer a degree that is so valuable and needed.”

Approximately 40,000 Indiana residents have earned Associate of Applied Science degrees in programs such as construction technology, windmill repair, refrigerator repair and other hands-on programs, and few of their credits would transfer to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program. That meant more time and expense to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Many have degrees in programs such as construction technology, windmill repair, refrigerator repair and other hands-on programs, and few of their credits would transfer to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program. That meant more time and expense to complete a bachelor’s degree.

The B.A.S. program is an “upside down” degree, because students will have taken specialized classes at Ivy Tech, followed by general education requirements at IU East. Up to 64 credit hours can be transferred from Ivy Tech.

In addition to general education classes, students will choose a track program in entrepreneurship and marketing or organizational management.

“The choice of tracks builds on the strong relationship between the IU East School of Business and Economics and Ivy Tech Community College-Richmond and meets specific needs in our region,” said IU East Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Larry Richards.

IU East and IU Kokomo will next submit the baccalaureate program to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for approval.

“The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is a prime example of how IU’s regional campuses can collaborate to provide opportunities for students seeking to further their education and careers,” Paydar said.  “In the end, students win and each region’s economy wins.”