Learn More & Apply
Application Deadline
Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2023.
The deadline to apply is July 14, 2023.
To apply to the Public Safety B.A.S. program, please click the button below, which will take you to the application page.
If you have questions, you can review the Frequently Asked Questions below or email public.safety.BAS@aims.edu.
The program is offered every semester.
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are based on available space.
View the application form for more information.
Applications are due according to the following timelines:
- Spring Semester – No later than January 31, 2023
- Fall Semester – No later than the second Friday in July
Space in the program is limited. It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to secure your spot.
Public Safety BAS Program Prerequisites
An associate degree is a prerequisite for admission into the Public Safety BAS program. If you have an associate degree in a public safety related field from either Aims of another accredited college, you can apply to the program. If you have an associate degree in a field unrelated to public safety, you can only apply to the program if you can provide documentation of having at least four years of experience in public safety.
Application Category Groups
Applicants to the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Public Safety must fall into one of the two category groups listed below.
Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to available space in the program.
Students who do not fall into one of the two required category groups will need to enroll and complete a public safety-related associate degree program to become eligible for the B.A.S. degree program. The associate degree will count as 60 credits toward the B.A.S. degree.
Application Category Group 1:
Graduates of an accredited institution from one of the following associate degree programs:
- Criminal Justice, A.A.S. or A.A.
- Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S.
- Fire Science Technology, A.A.S.
- Paramedic, A.A.S.
- Police Studies, A.A.S.
- Other Public Safety or Emergency Services Field, A.A.S or A.A.
Application Category Group 2:
Graduates with an A.A. or A.A.S. degree unrelated to public safety who have 4 or more years of public safety experience.
You cannot apply to the B.A.S. program as a new associate degree student. However, you can apply to the program while you are in the final semester of earning your associate degree at Aims.
Yes. You can apply in the last semester of your public safety-related associate degree program.
If you earn an associate degree in a subject unrelated to public safety, you will need at least four years of field experience to apply to the Public Safety B.A.S. program.
After you apply to the program, you will receive an email to your myAims email address informing you of your acceptance status.
If you aren’t accepted, you will be notified of any remaining requirements you need in order to apply again.
Yes. You will be placed on a waitlist and will be accepted according to your priority group status if a spot opens up.
If no waitlist openings become available after you apply, you can reapply for the semester you wish to attend.
As long as you meet financial aid eligibility requirements, the Aims Bachelor of Applied Science program is eligible.
Possibly. See the Aims Veterans Services Financial Aid page for more information.
Assuming you have an associate degree, the cost for 60 credit hours at Aims, including general education and core public safety curriculum is as follows:
- In district total = $5200.00
- In State = $7900.00
- WUE - $11,560.00
- Out of State = $28,240
Many of the BAS core classes are 3 credit hours each and run for eight weeks. The estimated cost per three-hour course is:
- In District = $255.00
- In State = $390.00
- WUE - $573.00
- Out of State = $ $1407.00
Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and subject to change, and administrative fees may apply.
See the Cashier’s Office page for current tuition and fees.
The Aims Public Safety B.A.S. program requires 120 semester hours to complete.
The first 60 of those hours are earned as an associate degree that meets one of the following criteria:
- An associate degree from Aims in one of the following subjects: Criminal justice (A.A.S. or A.A.), Emergency Medical Services (A.A.S.), Fire Science Technology (A.A.S.), Paramedic (A.A.S.) or Police Studies (A.A.S.).
- A public safety related associate degree (A.A. or A.A.S.) from an accredited school other than Aims.
- An unrelated discipline along with four years of field experience in the public safety field.
The final 60 hours required to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety are earned at Aims entirely online.
Potential transfer credits will be evaluated after admission to the program. After admission an Aims Pathway Advisor will contact you to discuss this process.
Aims has a process for assessing credit for prior learning,
Potential prior learning credits will be evaluated after admission to the program. After admission an Aims Pathways advisor will contact you to discuss this process.
The 3,000- and 4,000-level courses required to complete the Aims B.A.S. in Public Safety program are held entirely online. Some general education courses are available with either online or in-person options.
If you are new to online learning, you can get help via these resources:
Contact Online Learning Specialist Marina Rodriguez at marina.rodriguez@aims.edu or 970-821-9961.
MyAims: How to Take Classes Online
Designed with busy professionals in mind, classes are taught online and many of the courses are eight weeks long, allowing you to manage your coursework in addition to your other responsibilities.
If you are new to online learning, you can get help via these resources:
Contact Online Learning Specialist Marina Rodriguez at marina.rodriguez@aims.edu or 970-821-9961.
MyAims: How to Take Classes Online
You can find textbook information for each semester at the Aims Bookstore.
As an Aims student, you have access to multiple services and amenities, including:
- Tutoring
- Counseling services
- Advising
- Career services
- The PERC
- Library services, including computer, tablet, and hotspot rental
- Free parking on campus
- And more
As part of your application process, you will create a MyAims account. For assistance setting up your myAims account or Aims student email address, contact helpdesk@aims.edu or 970.339.6380.
Email questions to public.safety.BAS@aims.edu.