Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the BAS in General Business Program
| 5 Min Read
You have earned a technical credential, completed vocational training or served in the U.S. Armed Forces and built employable skills. But certain doors stay closed without a bachelor’s degree. The online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in General Business program from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) was developed for aspiring professionals like you who are looking to qualify for advanced roles.
According to a 2025 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC), Some College, No Credential (SCNC) Student Outcomes, the national SCNC population totaled 43.1 million as of the 2023-24 academic year. Programs like the online General Business BAS from NMHU are designed to help SCNCs finish their education, affordably and on a flexible schedule. Its streamlined admission requirements enable students to transfer 30 credits based on prior education or previous occupational and vocational training, closing the gap between what workers know and what the formal education system acknowledges.
The path to enrolling in NMHU’s online BAS program involves a series of simple steps. This guide will walk you through each step, from checking your eligibility to what to expect after applying.
Who Is This Program For?
Unlike traditional degree programs, the online BAS in General Business program from NMHU is designed for adults who have completed occupational or technical training and are ready to build on that foundation. That distinction removes many of the hurdles that stop working adults from going back to school. You may be eligible if you hold one of the following:
- At least 30 technical or vocational credits from a community, vocational or technical college
- A certificate in a technical or vocational area
- An associate degree
- Occupational or vocational training completed through U.S. Armed Services schools
NMHU’s program is 100% online with asynchronous coursework, meaning no fixed class times and no campus visits. Students can study at their own pace while balancing professional and personal responsibilities and complete the program in as few as 21 months.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
One of the more welcome aspects of NMHU’s online program is what is not required. SAT or ACT scores are not part of the process, removing a significant barrier for adult applicants who have been out of school for years. The focus is on where you are now and where your existing training can take you. The core admission requirements for domestic applicants are:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or institutions
- A $25 non-refundable application fee
These straightforward requirements reflect NMHU’s commitment to making higher education accessible to working adults at every stage of their career. If you meet these criteria, you are ready to take the next step toward earning your Bachelor of Applied Science in General Business entirely online.
How Do You Transfer Your Credits?
Think of your transfer credits as the price of admission you have already paid. NMHU requires 30 technical or vocational credits for admission, and those same credits can apply directly toward your degree. The training you completed in the military, at a community college or through a vocational program, is coursework credit that helps you finish faster.
Up to 30 transfer credits may count toward your degree requirements, shortening your path and reducing tuition. Enrollment advisors can review your transcripts and clarify exactly how your credits apply before you submit a single form.
How Do You Submit a Strong Application?
The application is completed online, and the steps are manageable once you know what to gather. Confirm your GPA meets the 2.0 minimum and identify every institution where you earned credits, including military training schools. Here is the full sequence:
- Request official transcripts from all prior institutions early
- Complete the online application through NMHU’s admissions portal
- Pay the $25 application fee
- Upload or mail all required documents, including transcripts and supplemental materials
If anything is unclear, contact an enrollment advisor to clarify requirements, answer questions about your background and help you avoid common delays. Most questions can be resolved in a single conversation before you ever submit your application.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application and supporting documents are submitted, NMHU will review your materials and notify you of their decision. After acceptance, you will complete enrollment confirmation steps before your first term begins.
NMHU offers five start dates throughout the year, so you do not have to time your application to a single deadline or wait months to begin. Faculty advisors and online student services are available from day one, and small class sizes mean personal attention.
Jumpstart Your Career With an Online BAS in General Business From NMHU
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as workers’ educational attainment rises, unemployment rates decrease and earnings increase. The median annual wage for business and financial occupations reached $80,920 in May 2024, compared to $49,500 across all occupations, with employment projected to grow faster than the national average through 2034.
Earning your online BAS in General Business from New Mexico Highlands University transforms the skills and training you have already invested in into a credential that opens doors to a range of careers that offer higher earning potential and long-term career advancement. Once enrolled, you can tailor the program to suit your goals and interests through 16 elective options. With a flexible format, affordable tuition and a straightforward path to completion, the online BAS program from NMHU makes it possible for you to finish what you started and build that future you have long envisioned.
Learn more about NMHU‘s online BAS in General Business program.