Earning a University of Iowa Bachelor of Applied Studies degree allows you the opportunity to select a variety of courses in thematic areas called Distribution Areas, instead of earning a major or minor. Optional pre-designed Emphasis Areas and Certificates are also available if you who want additional focus within your BAS degree.

In order to graduate from the University of Iowa with your Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) you must have at least 120 semester hours from all sources with a maximum of 60 semester hours, including career-technical course work, from your associate degree or two-year institution.

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Your 120 semester hours must include:

• Completion of the BAS core general education requirements
• Completion of the Distribution Area requirements
• 45 semester hours of upper-level course work
• After admission to the University of Iowa, one of the following residence requirements must be met—at least 90 s.h. completed at the University of Iowa, or 45 of the final 60 s.h. completed at the University of Iowa, or the final 30 s.h. completed at the University of Iowa.

You must also have a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.00 in the following calculations:

• Overall GPA (combined transfer and UI work)
• University of Iowa GPA
• Upper-Level GPA

BAS students admitted prior to Fall 2020 must also have a Post-BAS Admission minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA.

Focus your studies with an Emphasis Area or Certificate

The BAS offers four optional Emphasis Areas for students wishing to focus their studies:

• Creative Writing
• Human Relations
• Justice Studies
• Political Science

You also have the option to supplement your degree with an online certificate program which provides for a more targeted course of study.