Bismarck State College's bachelor of applied science (BAS) in energy management program is now available for students of the Air Force Virtual Education Center.

BSC recently received approval from the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program (AU-ABC) to provide the online program for Community College of the Air Force graduates. To be eligible, the graduates would need to have completed one of six specific associate in applied science degree programs.

"We're delighted that the Air Force has selected this Bismarck State program," said BSC President Larry C. Skogen. "The excellent reputation of our energy education programs, and our ability to deliver quality educational programs online factored into this new program approval that expands BSC's offerings for our nation's service members."

Airmen who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree will be able to learn about BSC's degree through AU-ABC. This is an initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member. The program directs airmen with associate in applied science degrees to a collection of accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities to consider when pursuing a four-year degree. Airmen who choose BSC will work directly with the college to complete program enrollment and degree requirements.

Since early in 2009, BSC has been a partner school with Community College of the Air Force to provide general education classes to Air Force members who are working on associate degrees.

BSC's BAS degree in energy management is designed to educate energy students to move into supervisory and management positions. Kari Knudson, vice president of BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence, said the BAS degree provides an opportunity for Air Force students to receive a degree in the highly demanded energy area. The BAS program was launched in January 2008 and has approximately 120 students located throughout the U.S.