Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies

BGSU Firelands

The Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS) at BGSU Firelands is a degree program designed to respond directly to specific regional workforce needs. Students complete a series of Technical and Applied Studies (TAS) courses along with courses in an area of concentration designed to develop concrete workplace skills in the areas of health care leadership, small business enterprise, or technology.

Entrance into the degree program will require an associate's degree. Students who have not yet earned an associate's degree will be advised through an associate degree completion program before transitioning into the BTAS. Students who have already earned an associate's degree, through BGSU Firelands or elsewhere, will enter directly into the BTAS program. The vision of the program is to develop workers who possess both the "soft-skills" (communication, critical thinking, and professionalism) and career specific skills (corresponding to degree concentration) that are needed in today's employment market.

Curriculum

All BTAS students will take a common set of program specific courses:

• TAS 3000: Introduction to Technical and Applied Studies
• TAS 3010: Understanding Data
• TAS 3030: Community-Based Learning Seminar
• TAS 4010: Project Development
• TAS 4030: Senior Capstone Field Experience
• ENG 3880: Introductory Trechnical Writing
• COMM 3060: Interpersonal Communciation

Students will then take a series of courses specific to their selected areas of concentration. These courses will address specific workplace needs.

All students will participate in a field experience in a professional setting relating to their area of concentration.

Areas of Concentration

Small Business Enterprise The concentration in Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is an in-depth examination of small businesses built on a foundation of continuous innovation, lean principles, asset management, labor effectiveness, promotion, social media and communication. The Associate of Applied Business (AAB) will work seamlessly into the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS). Additionally, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Technical Study degree holders will be prepared for the BTAS in Small Business Enterprise (SBE).

Students will spend an entire semester working on one business project that will lead to Lean certification focusing on customer value. The degree will be available entirely and exclusively at BGSU Firelands, and the degree will have no affiliation with the College of Business in Bowling Green or an impact on the AACSB accreditation of that college.

Program Benefits

This degree will provide the following benefits:

• Gain knowledge and skills to become a successful small business owner.
• Be prepared to work in a small business as over 50% of the population works in a small business.
• Learn about intrapreneurial innovation and become part of the most rapidly growing sector in business.

Program Requirements

The BTAS in Small Business Entreprise requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. A total of 60-62 hours from an associate degree in business or other associate degree program may be applied toward the BTAS. Students will complete the following concentration specific courses in addition to the TAS courses listed above and elective hours.

BA 1500: Overview of Business Administration (3)
BAT 2050: Total Quality Leadership (3)
BAT 2100: Social Media Strategy for Small Business (3)
BAT 2400: Introduction to Business Analytics for Small Business (3)
BAT 3100: Innovation Strategies in Small Business (3)
BAT 3200: Asset Allocation for Small Business (3)
BAT 3300: Managing People in a Small Business Environment (3)
BAT 3400: Data Mining and Management for Small Business (3)
BAT 4000: Special Topics Relating to Small Business Environments (3)
BAT 4100: Public Relations for Small Business (3)
QS 3710: Six Sigma Systems (3)

Learning Outcomes for the Degree

• Planning: Demonstrate ability to manage cash flow, labor, operations, and promotion.
• Decision-making: Recognize elements of decision-making as related to cash flow, labor, operations, and promotion.
• Intrapreneurial innovation: Demonstrate an understanding of Lean principles to innovate by using qualitative and quantitative methods to support conclusions.
• Values and vision: Recognize new trends. 

Fall 2019 course requirements