Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, BTAS

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 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 Technical Writing OR BA 2030 - Effective Business Communication 
• COMM 3060 - Interpersonal Communication for Non-Majors OR COMM 2050 - Business and Professional Speaking 

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).

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

Students will complete the following concentration specific courses in addition to the TAS courses listed above and elective hours.

• ACCT 2210 - Accounting and Business Concepts I 
• BA 1500 - Understanding Dynamics of Business 
• BAT 2050 - Total Quality Leadership 
• BAT 2100 - Social Media Strategy for Small Business 
• BAT 3350 - Introduction to Business Analytics for Small Business 
• BAT 3100 - Innovation Strategies in Small Business 
• BAT 3200 - Asset Allocation for Small Business 
• BAT 3300 - Managing People in a Small Business Environment 
• BAT 3400 - Data Mining and Management for Small Business 
• BAT 4200 - Sales Strategies for Small Business      
• BAT 4100 - Public Relations for Small Business 
• QS 3710 - Six Sigma Overview 

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. 

Information Technology Support The Information Technology Support concentration provides the flexibility to prepare students for positions that require a broad range of technical duties. In most organizations, it is common for an employee to support both the users of the technology and the technology itself. The ITS concentration courses gives students a wide range of skills in programming, operating systems, virtual machines, databases, networking, security, project management, and forensics. The concentration is offered 100% online. However, some BTAS degree professional courses must be taken in person.

Program Benefits

Every course in this concentration leads the student toward both an enhanced understanding of the current technology topics covered but also toward current industry recognized certifications. With further review and concentrated study, the students in the concentration can qualify for industry certifications in CCNA Security, Cloud Technologies, LPI/Linux+, computer forensics, server technology, and computer machine virtualization. Focus within all courses includes the soft skills that employers are seeking in new and continuing employees such as oral and written communication, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, and work ethic.

Program Requirements

Students will complete the following concentration specific courses in addition to the TAS courses listed above and elective hours.

• CST 2850 - Network Security Principles 
• CST 3200 - Advanced Command-Line Utilities 
• CST 3520 - Advanced Help-Desk Support 
• CST 3700 - Introduction to Computer Forensics 
• CST 3800 - Advanced Server Operations 
• CST 4100 - Advanced LINUX Systems 
• CST 4210 - Scripting for Network Administration 
• CST 4400 - Cloud Technologies 
• CST 4800 - Virtual Machine Configuration and Administration 
• CS 2010 - Programming Fundamentals 
• QS 3710 - Six Sigma Overview  

Learning Outcomes for the Degree 

• Analyze user requirements and design Information Technology-based solutions.
• Evaluate current technologies and their applicability to address user and organization needs.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in project teams to develop and/or implement Information Technology-based solutions.
• Develop and communicate Information Technology implementation plans for management review and approval.