The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree is to provide an integrated understanding of how basic and applied science benefit and impact us, from the individual to the biosphere. The online program is a degree completion option that provides an opportunity for students to complete their bachelor's degree.
Applied Science is one of the most flexible majors on campus or online - students choose almost half of the courses that they take in the degree. Students can use the course choices to broaden their studies or combine them with the free electives to add a minor in agriculture or environmental subject areas.
Faculty from several colleges and many departments offer online courses that apply to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree program. You will work with a faculty adviser to choose courses that meet your goals while helping you to complete your bachelor's degree.
Program Objectives
- Learn and use the facts and concepts of mathematics and statistics, life sciences, natural resources, physical sciences and social sciences to represent the dynamics of physical, biological and socioeconomic processes
- Demonstrate an understanding of essential concepts, both technical and economic, in areas at the interface of science and society: food and energy systems, biosecurity, environmental sustainability and biotechnology
- Explain how natural systems function using strategic thinking and analysis
- Demonstrate an understanding of the extent to which humans impact the environment
- Apply quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data
- Construct graphical and tabular summaries of quantitative data
- Analyze and solve complex problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning
- Acquire appropriate and reliable background information from the primary scientific literature
- Write effectively to communicate scientific data and information to both technical and non-technical audiences as appropriate
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 “I remember very vividly the epiphany that challenged me to return to finish my bachelors. I was extremely apprehensive and frightened but the opportunity to grow personally and professionally was overwhelming. Returning to school has been the single most influential moment in my life and has allowed me the freedom to enjoy my family. Lastly, obtaining the degree has afforded my family a great quality of life.”
Timothy A. Alvarez, Ph.D.
UNL Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
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Here is a list of what recent Applied Science graduates are doing:
EMPLOYMENT OF RECENT GRADUATES
- Answer Plot Trainee, Windfield Solutions LLC
- Crop Consultant, Self-Employed
- Director of Product Management, Cook's Ham
- Farm / Ranch Operator, Self- Employed
- Farm Loan Officer Trainee, USDA Farm Service Agency
- Farmer/Rancher, Family Farm
- Field Sales Trainee, Monsanto
- Foreman (Manager in Training), Lanoha Nurseries
- Grain Merchandiser, Gordon - Hemingford Co - Op
- Sales Representative, Dow Agro Sciences
- Service Tech 3, Syngenta
- Welder, IntoMetal Manufacturing
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION OF RECENT GRADUATES
- Masters degree in Leadership Education, University of Nebraska
- Masters degree in Ag Ed & 4H Communication, University of Nebraska
- Masters degree in Agronomy, University of Nebraska
- Masters degree in Agronomy, South Dakota State University
Academic Year 2011 - 2012
Tuition rates are effective for the academic year listed. Tuition is subject to change in August of each year.
UNL tuition is determined by a variety of factors. It is recommended students visit the UNL Tuition and Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date information.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLINE/DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES ONLY
Nebraska Resident:
| |
Tuition
|
Distance Ed. Fee
|
Technology Fee
|
Library Fee
|
Total
|
| Per Credit Hour |
$245.00
|
$25.00
|
$7.35
|
$3.00
|
$280.35
|
| 3 Credit Hours |
$735.00
|
$75.00
|
$22.05
|
$9.00
|
$841.05
|
Non-Resident:
| |
Tuition
|
Distance Ed. Fee
|
Technology Fee
|
Library Fee
|
Total
|
| Per Credit Hour |
$450.50
|
$25.00
|
$7.35
|
$3.00
|
$485.85
|
| 3 Credit Hours |
$1,351.50
|
$75.00
|
$22.05
|
$9.00
|
$1,457.55
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Note: Students will be charged a $20 registration fee per semester.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A COMBINATION OF ON-CAMPUS AND DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES
Nebraska Resident:
|
|
Tuition
|
Technology Fee
|
Library Fee
|
Total
|
|
Per Credit Hour
|
$208.25
|
$7.35
|
$3.00
|
$218.60
|
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3-Credit Hours
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$624.75
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$22.05
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$9.00
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$655.80
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Non-Resident:
|
|
Tuition
|
Technology Fee
|
Library Fee
|
Total
|
|
Per Credit Hour
|
$617.75
|
$7.35
|
$3.00
|
$628.10
|
|
3-Credit Hours
|
$1,853.25
|
$22.05
|
$9.00
|
$1,884.30
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Fees for Students Enrolled in a Combination of On-Campus & Distance Education Courses:
In addition to the above tuition and fees, all students enrolled in distance education courses will be assessed $25 per credit hour and all enrolled students (except students enrolled only in Distance Education courses) must pay University Program and Facilities Fees based on their total hours of enrollment each semester. The rates are as listed below:
Hours of Enrollment Rate
1 to 6 hours $267.60
7 or more hours $482.00
Note: Students will be charged a $20 registration fee per semester.
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Science is a foundational degree for students interested in agricultural and environmental sciences. The goal of the degree is to provide you with the science and leadership skills necessary to expand your career options, encourage life-long learning, and enrich your personal and civic life.
Core Course Categories for the Degree:
| College Integrative |
6 credit hours |
| Mathematics & Statistics (beyond college algebra) |
5 credit hours |
| Communication |
6 credit hours |
| Natural Sciences |
18-20 credit hours |
| Economics |
3 credit hours |
| Humanities & Social Sciences |
15 credit hours |
| Total Core Course Credits |
53-55 credit hours |
Required Courses for the Degree:
| AGRO 153 Soil Resources |
4 credit hours |
| ENTO/BIOS 115 Insect Science |
3 credit hours |
| AGRI 115 Biotechnology: Food, Health, & Environment |
3 credit hours |
| FDST/CHEM/NUTR 131 The Science of Food |
3 credit hours |
| NRES 108 Earth's Natural Resource Systems Laboratory |
3 credit hours |
| NRES 422 Laboratory Earth: Earth’s Changing Systems |
3 credit hours |
| AECN 265 Resource and Environmental Economics I |
3 credit hours |
| Total Required Course credits |
22 credit hours |
Within the degree there are four concentration areas requiring 30 credit hours. Students choose the courses they take within each area. A minimum of 30 hours must be completed at the 200 level or above and a minimum of 15 hours must be completed at the 300 level or above.
Concentration Areas for the Degree:
| Food, Animal, & Plant Science |
9 credit hours |
| Food Genetics, Biotechnology, & Processing |
6 credit hours |
| Ecology |
9 credit hours |
| Entrepreneurship, Economics, & Policy |
6 credit hours |
| Total Concentration Area credits |
30 credit hours |
Elective Courses for the Degree:
There are also 18 – 20 free elective credit hours that can be used for additional university courses of the student’s choice or to include transfer credits that don’t apply directly to the degree.
| Total Elective Course credits |
18 – 20 credit hours |
| TOTAL DEGREE CREDIT HOURS |
125 |
Admission Requirements
To participate in this program the student must have:
A recommended minimum of 32 accepted semester hours of college credit from an accredited four-year or two-year college, including:
- Five credit hours of math above college algebra
- Two semesters general chemistry
- One semester biology with laboratory
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale)
- Minimum C average in the last semester of college enrollment
NOTE: If you have fewer than 32 credit hours or you do not have the specific courses listed above, we will work with you to find the appropriate courses you need to complete the requirements.
Application Requirements
- Fill out the Applied Science Inquiry form. The information you send is for our use only, and will not be forwarded or sold in any way.
- Send a copy of your college transcript(s) to our degree coordinator at:
Online Degree Program Coordinator
103 Agriculture Hall
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0702
Once we've received your transcripts and inquiry form, your transcripts will be evaluated and we will contact you to discuss your options for the online degree completion program.
For more information about the online degree completion option, visit the following:
Applied Science Online Degree Completion Information webpage.
Faculty from several colleges and many departments offer online courses that apply to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree program. You will work with a faculty adviser to choose courses that meet your goals while helping you to complete your bachelor's degree.
David Aiken, J.D., Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics
Mark Balschweid, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
Steve Danielson, Ph.D., Director, Applied Science Degree Program and Associate Professor, Department of Entomology
Dave Gosselin, Ph.D., Professor, School of Natural Resources
Tiffany Heng-Moss, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Entomology
Dennis McCallister, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
Bryan Reiling, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science
Randy Wehling, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology
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