Applied Studies - Associate in Applied Studies
The Applied Studies Degree is a versatile and practical program designed to equip students with a diverse set of skills that can be directly applied to real-world scenarios across various industries. This degree offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a well-rounded education that prepares them for a dynamic and evolving job market.
Graduates with an Applied Studies Degree are well-positioned for a wide range of career opportunities. They find success in fields such as business, government, healthcare, technology, education, and non-profit organizations. The versatility of the degree allows for seamless transitions between different industries, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic and resilient career path.
Associate in Applied Studies
The Associate in Applied Studies degree program is intended for those wishing to tailor an associate degree to their own specific needs. It allows students to include courses from a variety of program areas including career technical courses. It is not intended, however, to be a substitute for the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programs, which prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.
Students who have previously earned an associate degree from NMSU Grants or from any other institution are ineligible to receive the Associate in Applied Studies degree. Similarly, the Associate in Applied Studies degree will not be awarded concurrently with any other associate degree offered by NMSU Grants.
Requirements for this degree are:
- Complete a total of 60 credits (excludes noncredit courses such as any “N” suffix course);
- Complete ENGL 1110G Composition I with a C or better;
- Complete 32 - 35 credits of General Education requirements
- Achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA;
- Residency - A minimum of 15 of the total degree credits for the associate’s degree must be completed at NMSU Grants, or any other NMSU campus.
General Education requirements and elective credits must total at least 60 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Area I: Communications | 10 | |
| Composition I | 4 | |
| Professional and Technical Communication Honors | 3 | |
or ENGL 2221G | Writing in the Humanities and Social Science | |
| Introduction to Communication | 3 | |
or COMM 1130G | Public Speaking | |
| Area II: Mathematics 1 | 3-4 | |
| Area III: Laboratory Science 1 | 4 | |
| Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences 1 | 3 | |
| Either an Area III Laboratory Science OR Area IV Social/Behavioral Science Course 1 | 3-4 | |
| Area V: Humanities 1 | 3 | |
| Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts 1 | 3 | |
| General Education Elective 1 | 3-4 | |
| Electives, to bring up the total to 60 credits 2 | 28-25 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
According to the requirements outlined in the desired bachelor’s degree, it is recommended to utilize elective credit to complete any required second language courses. Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements and elective credits to total at least 60 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework. A list of General Education courses sorted by Area can be found here.
- 2
Electives may be academic courses that are 1000-2000 level or career technical courses to bring the total credits to 60. Elective credit may vary based on prerequisites, dual credit, AP credit, and/or certificate coursework. The amount indicated in the requirements list is the amount needed to bring the total to 60 credits and may appear in variable form based on the degree. However students may end up needing to complete more or less on a case-by-case basis and students should discuss elective requirements with their advisor.
Program Manager: Dr. Marlene Chavez-Toivanen
Phone: (505) 287-6641
Email: marchave@nmsu.edu
Office: Martinez Hall