Why earn your Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship online at CUNY SPS?

The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) gives Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree holders a flexible pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree while building the business, management, and entrepreneurial skills needed to advance in their fields. Designed for students with an AAS degree or other applied professional coursework, the program allows students to apply the maximum technical and professional credits possible toward their bachelor’s degree, helping reduce both time and cost. Students gain practical business knowledge in areas such as management, finance, accounting, marketing, economics, human resources, and entrepreneurship while preparing for supervisory, managerial, or business ownership opportunities.

About This Program

• Format: Online and Asynchronous
• Credits: 120 total  
• Transferrable Credits: 45 AAS credits; 105 overall undergraduate credits  
• Start Terms: Fall, Spring
• Tuition: Part-time students - NYS residents: $305 per credit

Why This Program

• One of the only degree programs in the U.S. that accepts AAS transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree pathway, helping reduce the time and cost of earning a bachelor’s degree  
• Fully online format offers flexibility to balance school, work, family, and other responsibilities  
• Build applied business skills in management, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship  
• Choose from two specializations: Entrepreneurship or Management
• Prepare for supervisory, managerial, entrepreneurial, or business ownership opportunities  
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   Save money with courses that use free, high-quality learning materials in our Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program  

• Learn from supportive faculty with academic and professional experience in business and related fields

Who Is This Program For

This program is ideal for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree or completed applied, technical, or professional coursework and want to apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. It is a strong fit for working adults, community college graduates, career-focused transfer students, and professionals in fields such as accounting, information systems, healthcare, human services, tourism, engineering, graphic design, marketing, hospitality, or other applied areas who want to move into management or start their own business.

Skills You’ll Gain

• Apply core business concepts to real-world workplace challenges  
• Effectively lead teams and manage day-to-day operations  
• Understand management, accounting, marketing, economics, and human resources  
• Use analytical and technological skills to support business decisions  
• Communicate clearly in professional and organizational settings  
• Evaluate ethical, social, and global issues in business  
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset for launching, managing, or growing a business  
• Connect technical or professional expertise with broader business strategy

Sample Career Outcomes

• General and Operations Manager  
• Small Business Owner  
• Entrepreneur  
• Office Manager  
• Operations Coordinator  
• Project Coordinator  
• Department Supervisor  
• Business Manager  
• Human Resources Coordinator  
• Marketing Coordinator  
• Customer Success Manager  
• Administrative Services Manager

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship program? 

Applicants must possess an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in any major from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.  If the AAS has not yet been earned, the completion of 45 credits towards the AAS will be required. Applicants not meeting the GPA requirement may qualify for admission via the Jump Start program. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, or proprietary schools attended after high school, whether or not they intend to request transfer credit. Students must also satisfy CUNY’s reading, writing, and mathematics basic skills requirements. 

What are the BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship application deadlines at CUNY SPS and how do I apply for the program?

Apply now and view application deadlines here.

How many credits can I transfer into the BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship program? 

Bachelor’s degree candidates at CUNY SPS may transfer up to 105 credits from previous education and work experience through transfer credit and credit for prior learning opportunities. For this program, AAS degree holders may apply up to 45 technical and professional course credits toward the BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship. 

Is this program designed for AAS degree holders? 

Yes. The BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship was created specifically to give AAS degree holders a pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree while applying their technical and professional credits. Unlike many traditional bachelor’s degree programs, this degree is designed to recognize the value of applied associate degree coursework and professional preparation.

What are some of the courses in the program?

The program includes core and elective courses in areas such as finance, accounting, economics, marketing, management, and human resources. Students may also choose electives that support their interests and career goals, including entrepreneurship-focused coursework. You can view the full course catalog here. 

Can I focus on entrepreneurship? 

Yes. Students can choose to specialize in entrepreneurship, which can help them identify, develop, and evaluate business ideas for an existing organization or for their own venture.  

What makes this program different from the BS in Business? 

The BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship is specifically designed for AAS degree holders and students with applied, technical, or professional credits. While the BS in Business provides a broad business degree with defined tracks, the BPS helps students build on prior career-focused coursework and professional experience while adding business, management, and entrepreneurial skills. 

Can this degree help me move into a management or supervisory role? 

Yes. The program prepares students for managerial or supervisory positions within their areas of expertise across many fields, including information systems, accounting, hospitality, healthcare, human services, graphic design, and other applied professional areas.  

Can this degree help me start my own business? 

Yes. The program includes entrepreneurship-focused coursework and helps students develop the business insight, analytical skills, communication skills, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to launch or grow a business.  

Are there textbook costs for the program? 

The BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship is offered as a Zero Textbook Cost “Z Degree,” allowing students to complete the program without purchasing textbooks. This initiative is part of CUNY SPS’s broader effort to reduce the cost of earning a degree and increase accessibility to high-quality learning materials.  

Can I continue into graduate study after completing this degree? 

Yes. Graduates may choose to pursue graduate study in business, management, leadership, public administration, or related fields. Students interested in continuing at CUNY SPS may also explore graduate programs such as the MS in Business Management and Leadership or the MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management. 

General FAQ

 

Is this program fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online. 

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean? 

There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing. 

Is this program designed for working professionals? 

Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities. 

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions? 

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start? 

You can start during the Fall or Spring term. 

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

Time to completion depends on the number of credits transferred into the program and the number of courses taken each term.

Is financial aid available?

Undergraduate financial aid options may be available to eligible students. Learn more here. 

Are there scholarships that I can apply for? 

Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here. 

What support services are available for students? 

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services. 

How do I learn more about student life? 

You can learn more about student life here, and view our list of student clubs and organizations here. 

Is CUNY SPS accredited? 

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.