Some College, No Degree? How A Degree Completion Program Can Help You Finish What You Started

Considering going back to college is a huge decision. You might be wondering: How much will it cost? Will my credits transfer? Do I even have time to finish?

You’re not alone. The new Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies Program (BAS) at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University was designed with adult learners in mind. 

Why Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree?

• Advance Your Career – Professionals without bachelor’s degrees often hit an invisible barrier – finding themselves passed over for promotions because they lack a credential. With 79% of high paying jobs predicted to require a bachelor’s degree by the year 2031, finishing your degree helps you stay competitive.
• Increase Your Earning Potential – Bachelor’s degree holders make $800,000 more over their lifetime compared to people with associate degrees, and $1.2 million more than high school graduates.
• Pivot Into A New Field – If you’re looking for a change, a bachelor’s degree can qualify you for new roles that require more education.
• Qualify For Higher Education – Want to go further? A bachelor’s degree opens the door for you to pursue a master’s program, law school, or even a Ph.D.

What is a Degree Completion Program?

A degree completion program is a supportive path for adult learners who want to finish their bachelor’s degrees after a long break. 

Whether you already have an associate degree or started college but never finished, a degree completion program helps you get to the finish line.

Finishing Your Degree At Bloomfield College

• Flexibility – All classes in this program are held in person on weekends or in the evening, making it easy to balance full time work, family commitments, and school. 
• Finish Faster – You can transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions and earn up to 18 credits for prior learning outside the classroom — including professional work experience, military training and specialized certifications. 
• Affordable Tuition –  As part of Montclair State University, Bloomfield students benefit from affordable in-state tuition. With plenty of options for financial aid, Bloomfield College is one of the most affordable options in New Jersey.
• Learn With Your Peers – You’ll move through the program as part of a dedicated cohort of adult learners with similar life experiences and goals.
• Individualized Advising – Work with an advisor to ensure your credits are transferred and you stay on track to complete your degree.

What Will You Study?

• 6 credits in professional development and career planning
• 24 credits in your chosen concentration
• 30 – 33 credits of SEEDS General Education requirements (Students with an associate degree are exempt)
• Electives of your choice
• Optional portfolio development course to document prior learning

Concentration

All BAS students must complete 24 credits of a chosen concentration. Currently, the program offers one: Public Service.

Public Service Concentration

Want a career that makes a real difference in your community? 

The Public Service concentration helps you understand how the world works, how people move within it, and how you can make a difference in it. 

You’ll explore the systems that shape our world through coursework in Sociology, Public Policy, Criminology and Social Justice. Courses in Social Psychology will teach you how real people interact within — and are impacted by — those systems. 

Along the way, you’ll develop research and analytical skills that empower you to interpret the world around you, and take meaningful action.

Graduates will be prepared to step into or further a career in government, community organizing, public safety , advocacy, or human services.

Potential Career Paths:

• Public Safety Officer
• Law Enforcement
• School Safety Specialist
• Court or Criminal Justice Staff
• Community Developer
• Social Worker
• Victim Advocate
• DEI Officer
• Paralegal
• Pre-Law

Admission Requirements

Students entering the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies program at Bloomfield College must have:

• Completed at least 30 college credits 
• Earned a high school diploma or equivalent more than five (5) years before enrollment
• For the first two cohorts, admission to the BAS program requires the completion of an associate degree.

Ready To Finish What You Started?

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, plan a visit to our campus, and take the first step toward applying to be a Bloomfield Bear.