Bachelor of Science in Applied Management Degree
Work To Become an Impactful Leader with a BS in Management Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Management degree is built around the needs of working professionals who wish to continue their education and work in management.
Bachelor’s in applied management students are trained to make decisions about future business performance. As a student, you will be taught to develop marketing strategies that take consumer data into consideration. Within the applied management program, you can learn how to direct all aspects of projects at each level of management.
The undergraduate applied management program also focuses on soft skills in the areas of communication and leadership. You will be taught what it means to operate diverse business environments. In this program, you will work to become a strong problem-solver and agent of positive change. You can also use faith-integrated management practices that highlight employee input and satisfaction.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare you for all types of management roles. At GCU, the undergraduate applied management degree program is centered around these core ideas:
- Organizational behavior
- Business management
- Servant leadership
- Marketing concepts
- Managerial accounting
- Effective oral and written business communication
In addition, the bachelor’s in applied management program includes a course in servant leadership. This teaches you how to become an ethical leader who will hold yourself accountable to your employees, customers and business stakeholders.
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Paths for Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management
Graduates of the BS in Applied Management degree can apply their coursework to different types of management roles in public and private sectors, as well as for government organizations. Managers are needed in just about every industry, so personal interest can play a role in where applied management grads look for work.
Generally, though, applied management graduates can find work as a:
- Compensation, benefits and job analysis specialist
- Construction manager
- Entertainment and recreation manager (except gambling)
- Facilities manager
- General and operations manager
- Human resource manager
- Industrial production manager
- Personal service manager
- Project management specialist
- Sales manager
- Social and community service manager
- Training and development manager
BS in Applied Management Degree FAQs
If an applied management degree sounds right for you, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about earning a degree in this field.
There are a few differences between a BA and BS degree. Business degrees can be both Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, depending on your focus. A BA degree will focus more on general business knowledge and others generally applicable topics, such as communications. A BS degree focuses on more hands-on, science-related areas and topics, such as finance, statistics and business analytics.
A degree in applied management can provide you with knowledge that can help you pursue positions in the business world. Specific salary expectations will vary depending on your role; however, we can look at a few examples.
As of May 2021, project management specialists had a median annual wage of $94,500,1 and social and community service managers had a median annual wage of $74,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Those with an applied management degree can be equipped with a comprehensive business education, as well as knowledge in several areas of management, such as project management, organizational behavior and management and sports retail management. The degree curriculum can prepare you to be able to apply the skills taught in your program to various management positions in the workforce. You may explore management jobs in different industries, such as an entertainment and recreation manager, project manager or construction manager.
If you are interested in working in management, an undergraduate degree in applied management may be the right path for you. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Applied Management degree at GCU by filling out the form on this page.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Project Management Specialists, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 18, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as project management specialists. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 18, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic domestic and global markets including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course focuses on effective change strategies and communication skills required in modern organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive communication at all levels of an organization, including analyzing the need for change and overcoming communication barriers. Students will also learn how to negotiate and convey important information leading to the facilitation of organizational change in today's dynamic workplace.
Course Description
This course focuses on servant leadership and ethical leadership, explores how servant leadership is different from other styles of leadership, and examines how this connects to ethics, accountability, and being a responsible leader.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of the financial reports and tools used by managers to make decisions and analyze the performance of a business entity.
Course Description
This course surveys the global business environment with an emphasis on international markets and the global supply chain that impact all organizations and consumers. Students learn about basic international trade and currency issues and strategies to enter global markets successfully. Students focus on communication tools and negotiation tactics to enhance their cultural competence and business acumen.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course teaches students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, developing and testing hypotheses as they learn to create a new product or service.
Course Description
This course is a study of the challenges associated with managing projects within the context of the overarching management framework of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis is placed on balancing competing priorities related to human resources, time constraints, and physical resources/materials, as well as managing and controlling project scope.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, students investigate challenges facing contemporary organizations and recommend solutions based on research and critical analysis. Students integrate major concepts learned throughout their program to formulate problem statements, employ quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and communicate recommendations that satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.