Online Bachelor’s in Professional Studies

Fully online, with coursework customized to your individual needs

GET THE SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

The Online Bachelor’s in Professional Studies Online degree program develops the transferable skills that today’s employers need — skills that are applicable to virtually any industry. But what if you want to apply these skills in your current job or transition to a new field?

The Professional Studies program has you covered with broadly defined industry focus areas. The program’s four-course requirement is intentionally flexible to meet your individual needs. Regardless of the path you choose, you should think of these four courses as an opportunity to:

Examine large issues and trends in your current or future field
Sharpen skills learned in the BPS Core Courses
Develop new skills to complement or strengthen your personal growth
Work collaboratively in diverse groups across subject areas on a real-world problem

BECOME A T-SHAPED PROFESSIONAL

Research shows that employers are looking for professionals with a T shape — having the depth in your area of interest and the breadth to see and think from different perspectives. Employers say these skills are lacking in today’s workplace, so the Professional Studies program was designed to develop them. You’ll build on existing knowledge in your field while gaining skills that apply to any workplace and any role.

COURSES THAT BENEFIT ANY CAREER

Six core courses will develop key skills that you will use throughout the Professional Studies program. These courses build on each other, teaching you how to identify patterns, interpret data, work with others to solve problems, and make informed decisions — skills that will help you in any career.

In the Professional Studies program, you will develop breadth through a hands-on curriculum of core courses such as Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Understanding Data. This builds a foundation of transferable skills that you will utilize throughout the program and beyond. Upon graduation, you will be able to:

think critically
analyze and interpret data
use empathy to solve problems
collaborate across cultures and organizations
adapt to changing environments
show leadership potential

In addition to the core courses, you’ll choose courses in an area of focus that connects to your goals, the stem of the T. This allows you to build deep knowledge by practicing the skills and processes you learn in the core of the Professional Studies program. You will do this through the following:

selecting an industry focus area
exploring electives that support your career goals
producing a self-defined capstone project

Demonstrate what you’ve learned in the Professional Studies program by creating an electronic portfolio in the IPS 410 Capstone course. You will integrate skills learned in the six core courses in a self-designed, real-world project of your choosing.