You have already done the hard work. You earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, built significant college credit, and gained real-world experience. Now it is time to turn that progress into career momentum.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies (BAS-PS) at the University of Colorado Denver is designed for working professionals with their associates degree who are ready to advance to the next level or leadership role. Offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, this flexible, transfer-friendly degree helps you increase your earning potential, strengthen leadership skills, and move forward with confidence. The BAS-PS builds on your work with the AAS degree, asking you to simply complete two CU Denver certificate programs that match your career trajectory along with the core graduation requirements. Most students gain their bachelors in an average of only two additional years.
Built for working professionals and transfer students, the BAS-PS respects what you have already earned while giving you the tools to create new momentum.
The BAS-PS combines prior coursework from your associate of applied degree with upper-division coursework focused on professional skills, leadership, and communication.
Program structure includes:
- Acceptance of 60+ transfer credits from an AAS or prior college coursework
- An average of 60 additional credits completed at CU Denver
- Embedded certificates that build career-ready skills
- Flexible pacing for full-time or part-time students
- Learn your way with online, hybrid, and in-person formats
Rather than starting over, you build on your existing foundation and gain a bachelor’s degree that supports long-term career advancement.
How It's Done
To earn your BAS-PS, you’ll need to complete two certificates at CU Denver. Each certificate includes a cluster of courses that need to be completed and count towards your total credits to complete your degree. Once you complete a certificate—even before you complete the BAS-PS— it becomes immediately available for you add to your resume and pursue career growth while still completing your BAS-PS.
You’ll work with BAS-PS program staff to identify certificates that fit your professional career needs, but some examples are:
- Data Science Essentials
- Technical and Professional Writing
- Professional Skills
- Mediation
- Strategic Communication
- Civics, Public Policy, and Equity
- Cultural Diversity Studies
- Justice, Allyship, Diversity and Equity
- Spanish for the Health Professions
- Entrepreneurship
- Legal Foundations and Consitutional Issues
- Writing and Editing with AI
Flexibility can be powerful, but it can also feel overwhelming. That is why BAS-PS students are not navigating the process alone. Fill out the information form above and the BAS-PS team will work with you—one-on-one— to map your path forward. No strings attached. No pressure. Just a casual conversation with a professional to see what’s possible.
How It All Comes Together
You’ll combine the credits from your two completed certificates, plus your 60+ transfer credits from your Associates of Applied Science degree, along with some CU Denver electives and core classes to complete your full BAS-PS degree.
That means, with a standard transfer of 60+ credits from your AAS, you're practically half way to your BAS-PS.
Did you earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and do you meet any of the following criteria? If so, the BAS-PS degree may be for you!
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Are you looking to upskill or move into a more knowledge-based and/or leadership focused role in your career?
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Are you looking for a shorter path to pursue a professional-skills focused bachelor's degree?
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Are you a part-time or working student with less time to dedicate to earning your degree?
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Are you looking to complete a bachelor's degree fully or partially online?
Our BAS-PS program is designed with working professionals in mind. The BAS-PS centers on a 30 credit hour major, and overlaps with CU Denver and CLAS graduation requirements. This makes it possible for students bringing in 15 gen ed credits from their AAS degree to complete the BAS-PS in about 60* additional credits. Furthermore, it is possible to complete the BAS degree, with the major and graduation requirements, completely or partially online, making it ideal for working or part-time students.
*60 credit hours is the average number of credits a student will earn to complete the BAS-PS. 60 credit hours assumes transfer of a completed AAS degree only. Credits earned from another institution beyond the AAS may also be eligible for transfer, though subject to evaluation. Please contact the Program Administrator, Olesia Stockhold, for more information regarding your transfer credit.
Automotive Bays to Formula 1: Designing Your Own Degree Path
See how Abby Epstein balances automotive training with university coursework while pursuing a long-term goal of working in Formula One. Her Bachelor of Applied Science program allows her to build on her technical associate degree without losing credits, while adding skills like strategic communication and global awareness.
To earn your BAS-PS degree, you must complete (or transfer in comparable credit):
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Two 12-credit hour applied/skills-based certificates – see Curriculum for certificate list
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Two 3-credit hour knowledge area courses
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All CU Denver university core requirements
For academic advising on major requirements, please contact the Program Administrator, Olesia Stockhold or Program Director, Paul Le.
olesia.stockhold@ucdenver.edu or paul.le@ucdenver.edu
For academic advising on general graduation, CU Denver Core Curriculum, and CLAS Graduation requirements, please contact CLAS Academic Advising or schedule an appointment with your assigned CLAS Academic Advisor.
303-315-7100
Making Education Work for All
At CU Denver, making education work for all means breaking down barriers so every learner can succeed. Through inclusive policies, programs, and partnerships, we’re building a culture where opportunity isn’t defined by identity but by ambition and impact. Learn more at our Office of Access and Campus Engagement (ACE)
Find your people
Campus can feel like a huge place. We help you find your people by offering the experience of a more traditional, small liberal arts program—for a fraction of the cost. We offer a variety of clubs and networking opportunities.
Automotive Bays to Formula 1: Designing Your Own Degree Path
“If I had finished my associate of applied science degree, there really wasn’t any way to apply it to another degree if I wanted to continue,” said BAS-PS student Abby Epstein, “And with the BAS program, it allowed me to finish my automotive program and then still apply all that to the bachelor’s.”