Dec 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Applied Studies Major (APS), BA


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The applied studies major is designed for eligible students who change their major very late in their academic career or must move out of state, which prevents them from completing their degree. Students interested in this major should contact the Academic Resource Center, located in Student Center 236, where an advisor will discuss this major as a possible option. Declaring this major requires the approval of the Academic Resource Center dean. 

Ideally, students will complete this program within a year. Therefore, students will need to have completed at least 85 hours to apply for the major. Students must submit an application to the Academic Resource Center for approval, including a rationale for declaring applied studies and a degree plan outlining the remaining courses. 

Graduation requirements include 120 hours with an overall GPA of 2.0, a 2.0 in the primary thematic concentration area (minimum 30 hours), and a 2.0 in the secondary thematic concentration area (minimum 12 hours). The primary and secondary thematic concentrations must be different. In addition, all University graduation requirements  apply, including completing and passing 42 hours of upper-level coursework (courses numbered 3000 and higher at Harding). At least one 4000-level class or an approved 3000-level alternate that is designated by the academic advisor is also required. This requirement may be met with a capstone course. A minor is not required but allowed. This program of study may not be used as or with a second major or degree.

A summative experience is required as part of the B.A. in applied studies. This summative experience may be fulfilled through an existing primary or secondary concentration capstone course or through UNIV 4100 . Students may use 1-3 hours of an internship (UNIV 3670-3676 ) towards one of the concentration totals and may use an internship as a substitute for the capstone course with the approval of the dean.

Courses from the Liberal Arts  Program may not be used to meet primary or secondary concentration requirements. Any developmental course obligations are considered to be leveling work.

Areas of Concentration:

  • Arts and Humanities - courses from the following departments: Art, Architecture & Design; Communication; English Language & Literature; Foreign Languages & International Studies; History & Political Science; Music; Theatre
  • Behavioral and Health Science - courses from the following colleges/departments: Behavioral Sciences; Family & Consumer Sciences; Kinesiology; Pre-Professional Health Science; College of Allied Health; Carr College of Nursing
  • Bible and Ministry - courses from the College of Bible and Ministry
  • Business Administration - courses from the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration
  • Education - courses from the Cannon-Clary College of Education
  • Science and Mathematics - courses from the following departments: Biology; Chemistry & Biochemistry; Computer Science, Engineering & Physics; Mathematics.

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