The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree

2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog

The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree. This unique degree is created for students who have graduated from a regionally accredited, two-year college with an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree.  The B.A.A.S. degree program, with its high standard of quality, offers a structure of coursework that builds on the initial two years of coursework to provide the baccalaureate degree.   If the A.A.S. degree is not directly related to the B.A.A.S. field of study, additional leveling courses will be required. It is important to realize that none of the B.A.A.S. degree programs will lead directly to teacher certification.  

The following B.A.A.S. degree programs offered at UTSA are in the areas of 

• Children, Family, Community
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Language & Literacy Studies
• Mexican American Studies

The minimum number of hours for the B.A.A.S. degree is 120.  For the B.A.A.S. degree option only, the maximum number of semester credit hours applied from a community college is 78. 
(Other UTSA degrees will only apply 66 hours maximum from community colleges in transfer.)

  Requirements include:

• 36 semester credit hours in an organized technical program from an accredited two-year college
• 39 credit hours of upper-division coursework to include a focused program of study & upper-division support work
• 42 semester credit hours of Core Curriculum courses
• 3 semester credit hours of IDS 3713 Investigative Inquiry

 
To apply for the B.A.A.S. degree, follow the procedures and requirements for admission at www.utsa.edu/admissions/ .  UTSA requires confirmation of an earned Associate of Applied Science degree from a regionally accredited institution for the B.A.A.S programs, and students are admitted conditionally to the B.A.A.S. program until confirmation of the A. A. S. degree is received.   An official transcript listing the confirmation of this degree must be submitted for final acceptance into the B.A.A.S. degree program.   However, the admissions process can begin prior to the earning of the degree and a period of concurrent enrollment in both programs is allowable.

The application is the Texas Common Application, which is accessible at www.applytexas.org .
The B.A.A.S. degrees are at the bottom of the list under the “Vice-Provost Downtown.”  Click on “Transfer Student” then “VP Downtown” for both drop-down menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree

Q.  What if I have not completed or am not following a program that leads to an A.A.S. degree?
A.  The B.A.A.S. degree at UTSA is designed specifically for students who have earned an A.A.S. degree.   However, you could consult the B.A.A.S. advisor to ascertain the appropriate degree plan for your interests, needs, and background.  You may apply for B.A.A.S. and begin courses as a conditional B.A.A.S. student while completing the last requirements for the A.A.S. 

Q.  When should I apply for admission to UTSA?
A.  We recommend the beginning of the last semester for your A.A.S. degree completion.   You can still be in the process of completing the degree when you begin the process.   Consult our website for the admissions procedures and deadlines.     http://www.utsa.edu/admissions/index.htm   

Q.  What if the A. A. S. degree I earned does not cover related background work required for the B.A.A.S. program?
A.  You may be required to take leveling or prerequisite course work determined in consultation with the B.A.A.S. advisor.

Q.  What is the maximum number of hours I can transfer to UTSA from a community college?
A.  Seventy-eight (78) hours is the maximum number of hours that will transfer and the 36 hours block credit of technical courses count toward these hours.   However, if over 78 hours have been earned, the courses that best fit the B.A.A.S. degree plan will be reviewed by the B.A.A.S. advisor and considered for use in the program.

Q.  Can I earn any credit for work experience?
A.  Currently, UTSA does not award or recognize any academic credit for work experience.

Q.  Will the A.A.S. degree replace the core curriculum?
A.  No, the full core curriculum is needed.   However, any academic college credits earned will be reviewed for credit toward the core.  If a student transfers as core complete from a Texas public community college, then the UTSA core will be considered complete.

Q.  If I am currently following another Transfer Plan with UTSA, can I move to the A.A.S. degree?
A.  That decision should be made after consultation with the B.A.A.S. advisor.

Q.  What if I am interested in Child Development?
A.  The Early Childhood Language & Literacy major emphasizes the study of Reading and Early Childhood Education. Although it does not lead directly to Teacher Certification, students who graduate with this degree may return to UTSA to complete teacher certification requirements as a post-baccalaureate. This program typically entails 21 or more additional credit hours.

Q.  Will the B.A.A.S. degree be understood and appreciated by employers like the B.A., B.S., or B.B.A. degree?
A.   Many B.A.A.S. degree holders continue to work in the same career field and bring a deeper understanding of theory and practical application to the job.   In general, employers are looking for the best-qualified individual regardless of the degree held.  Only positive feedback has been received regarding the B.A.A.S. degree qualifying for graduate study and Law School.

Q.  May I pursue a B.A.A.S. in a business major as outlined in the 2004-06 catalog?
A.  Initially with the fall 2004 rollout, there were five programs in business areas of specialization.  These areas are no longer available to entering students or students within UTSA wanting to change majors as of May 2005. After a careful assessment of the new AACSB – International Management Education standards, the College of Business concluded that the B.A.A.S. programs in business would have to be expanded significantly in hours/coursework to meet these standards.  Therefore, the College of Business has requested that prospective students be advised to pursue the B.B A. degree programs, which do not require or accept technical credits of an A.A.S. program, and no further acceptance of students into these previously advertised areas are allowed.