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Discover the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Office Technology, an undergraduate program designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge required for success in diverse business and administrative roles. This comprehensive program integrates theoretical business principles with applied technology skills, preparing graduates to thrive in today's dynamic workplace. Students will learn about business administration, information technology, office management, communication, and other critical areas essential for a career in business office settings.

How It Works

Designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), this degree program allows students to maximize their previously earned technical credits toward earning a bachelor’s degree. With an Associate of Applied Science from an accredited community college, students can transfer up to 60 credit hours of coursework to Mississippi State, including 15 hours of general education core and 45 hours of technical credit.

Whether you're a community college student exploring your academic options or a working professional seeking advancement in your career, this program provides valuable opportunities for growth and development.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will learn the skills to manage advanced office systems, possessing in-demand skills for today’s competitive job market. Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in office administration, healthcare management, sales management, and more.

Flexible Delivery Options

Recognizing the diverse needs of our student population, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Office Technology provides flexible delivery methods, including on-campus classes and online courses. This flexibility allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Our online offerings are administered by MS State Online and are designed to provide the same rigorous curriculum and interactive learning experience as our traditional on-campus offerings.

Efficient Timeframe

The time to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree varies depending on the program and student enrollment status. Typically, full-time students complete the program in two years (4 semesters), providing a fast-track route to career advancement.

Entrance Requirement

Students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science or Technology can enroll in this degree program. It does not matter when you earned the degree, but it must be confirmed as completed on an official transcript.

Degree Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Office Technology, students must complete the following:

  • Completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours.
    • Up to 60 credit hours from an accredited community college may be transferred, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit. Approval is required for technical credit to count toward the degree.
    • At least 60 credit hours must be completed at an accredited four-year university.
    • A minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken at MSU.
    • 30 credit hours must be upper-level (courses numbered 3000 and above) major core coursework.
  • Students must maintain a 2.00 MSU GPA and a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.

Transfer Credit

  • Up to 60 credit hours may be transferred from an accredited community college, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit.
  • Students may transfer up to 86 credit hours from an accredited four-year university.
  • For students with a combination of credits from both types of institutions, MSU will accept up to 86 hours in total, but only 60 community college hours will be counted.
  • Half of the program's total credit hours (60 hours) must be completed at an accredited four-year university.
  • Upon admission to the university, the Registrar’s Office will assess and evaluate transfer credits to determine their applicability to MSU's requirements.

Program Structure

To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Office Technology, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours.

30 Hours of General Education
+33 Hours of Major Core
+12 Hours of University Electives
+45 Hours of General Core Electives (may include approved technical credit in discipline)
=120 Hours to Graduation

Admissions Process

Admissions

If you have never attended Mississippi State University, please complete the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.

  • You will choose Applied Science (BAS) in Business Office Technology as your major and Online Education as your campus.
  • Request that official ACT or SAT scores be sent to MSU.
  • Request that your high school send your official transcript. Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
  • Submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended.
  • If you are able to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them to admit@msstate.edu.
  • If you are unable to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them via U.S. Postal Service to:
    Office of Admissions & Scholarships
    P.O. Box 6334
    Mississippi State, MS
    39762
  • All new admits will pay non-refundable application fee online.

Core Curriculum

All students who enter MSU must meet the common core curriculum requirements as set by the Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi to qualify for any bachelor's degree.

This is an overview of what you must take to satisfy the core curriculum requirement. Please consult the BAS Advisor for more specific information.

30 hours of General Education

 
English: 6 credit hours
  • English Composition I
  • English Composition II
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 credit hours
  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credit hours
  • Calculus
  • College Algebra
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry
  • Math in Your World/Quantitative Reasoning
  • Applied Business Math
Humanities: 6 credit hours
  • Foreign Language
  • History
  • Literature
  • Religion
Natural Science with Labs: 6 – 8 credit hours
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Microbiology*
  • Physical Science
  • Physics*
  • Plant and Soil Sciences*
Creative Discovery: 3 credit hours
  • History or Appreciation of the Arts

*Courses in these subject areas are not currently available online.

33 hours of Major Core

PCS 2111 Introduction to the Bachelor of Applied Science: 1 credit hour
Introduction to the Bachelor of Applied Science emphasizing the significance of merging applied and technical coursework from students' prior Associate of Applied Science degrees with upper-level coursework from the university.
Delivered Online

PCS 3003 Professional Collaboration and Technology in the Workplace: 3 credit hours
(Prerequisite: EN 1113 English Composition II) Explores the fundamental technical documentation, interpersonal skills, and collaborative strategies necessary for effective workplace interactions at the supervisory, middle management, and executive levels.
Delivered Online or Starkville

PCS 3103 Professional Leadership Strategies: 3 credit hours
Tailored to empower adult learners currently active in the workforce, and students with proficiency in technical fields by equipping them with practical expertise to elevate their leadership capabilities.
Delivered Online

BIS 3233 Management Information Systems: 3 credit hours
A survey of the components, functions, and processes of Information Systems as they relate to managing modern organizations for increased efficiency and competitiveness.
Delivered Online, Starkville, or Meridian

MGT 3113 Principles of Management: 3 credit hours
Management principles for all organizations including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
Delivered Online, Starkville, or Meridian

MGT 3513 Introduction to Human Resource Management: 3 credit hours
Development of efficient programs for managing human resources. Emphasizes equal employment opportunity, performance evaluation, selection, placement, education, training, safety, and health.
Delivered Online, Starkville, or Meridian

TECH 3133 Administrative Management and Procedures: 3 credit hours
Principles and practices of effective administrative management and procedures. Planning/directing workplace activities, systems, and technology; selecting/training employees; developing professional leadership and communication skills.
Delivered Online or Starkville

TECH 4283 Advanced Office Systems: 3 credit hours
Advanced database management and spreadsheet theory and practice as it applies to contemporary business applications.
Delivered Online or Starkville

TECH 4343 Information Technology Project Management: 3 credit hours
Concepts, skills, tools, and techniques involved in information technology project management as it applies in today's contemporary business environment.
Delivered Online or Starkville

TECH 4563 Introduction to Data Networks: 3 credit hours
Strategies in supporting the users of data networking systems and exploration of the associated networking hardware and software that are appropriate for the office environment.
Delivered Online or Starkville

TECH 4553 Advanced Information Processing: 3 credit hours
This course will examine the principles of computer hardware, software, and operating systems, including installations, diagnostics, and troubleshooting techniques.
Delivered Online or Starkville

PCS 4112 Professional Success Strategies in Applied Fields: 2 credit hours
Designed for students in their final semester of the Bachelor of Applied Science. The course focuses on equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for successful professional transition and advancement in applied fields.
Delivered Online

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12 hours of University Electives

Jr/Sr Writing Course: 3 credit hours*
PCS 3303 Workplace Communication for Professionals *This requirement is fulfilled within the Major Core, with credit hours counted only once.

Speech: 3 credit hours
CO 1013 Introduction to Communications or CO 1003 Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Computer Literacy: 3 credit hours
TECH 1273 Computer Applications (or higher)

General Electives: 6 credit hours
Any course that fulfills the general education requirements.

45 hours of General Core Electives (Technical Credit)

Technical content transfers from the Associate of Applied Science in a related area.

Academic Advising

Advising Guidelines

  • Upon university admission, reach out to your advisor to determine the appropriate courses.
  • Your advisor will email course recommendations to your MSU email account two months before the upcoming semester.
  • Mississippi State University relies on email as its official means of communication for all MSU students.
  • Check your MSU email daily for important updates. Find instructions for setting up your MSU online on the student services website.

Program Reminders

  • Ensure to consult with your advisor if you intend to deviate from the program.
  • If you opt for courses outside your recommended program of study, there is a risk that the classes will not count toward the degree.
  • A student may not receive a BAS degree if the student already has a bachelor’s degree.

Contact Information

Headshot of Kali Dunlap

Dr. Kali Dunlap

Online Education

  • BAS Business Office Technology Faculty & Advisor
662-325-8029
Headshot of Lily Hudson

Lily Hudson

Online Education

  • BAS Business Office Technology Outreach Coordinator
662-325-1559