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 University College, located in Student Center 236, where a University College advisor will discuss this major as a possible option. Declaring this major requires the approval of the University College dean. 

Ideally, students will complete this program within a year. Therefore, students will need to have either completed at least 96 hours or have at least 112 hours in progress to apply for the major. Students must submit an application to the University College for approval which includes a rationale for declaring applied studies, an explanation for the required concentrations, as well as a degree plan outlining the remaining required courses. The rationale for the concentrations and the degree plan will serve as a contract for the major.  

Graduation requirements include 128 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 18 hours). In addition, all University graduation requirements  apply, including completing and passing 45 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. 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 .

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.

POSSIBLE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION:

The various undergraduate academic colleges or their academic departments within the university preferably define areas of concentration. A college may offer more than one thematic concentration; however, a class may only meet the requirement of either the primary or secondary area, not both. For students to combine courses from different colleges for a concentration, they must list the courses with a rationale statement, which must be approved by the University College.