Professional Studies, B.S.
Program overview:
This is a degree completion program designed especially for adult and other non-traditional learners. The Professional Studies program provides students with the flexibility to tailor their educational experience to meet both personal and professional objectives. At the same time, the program provides sufficient academic structure to maintain the high standards of a St. Francis College bachelor's degree.
Candidates for admission to the Professional Studies program are typically working adults who have previously undertaken significant coursework at other postsecondary institutions.
Professional Studies students have the option of designing, with faculty advisement, their own individualized undergraduate degree programs. Included in the Professional Studies program is a sequence that fulfills the general education requirement in traditional majors.
In the interest of achieving an additional dimension of educational depth, students in this program may select a minor offered by another department and complete the requirements as described in the catalog. A maximum of two minor concentrations can be noted on student transcripts as a way of recognizing that they have, in addition to the required major program, also concentrated in one or more additional areas.
Since adults obtain knowledge in many ways, including traditional college classes, online courses, work experience, and community activities, Professional Studies students have a variety of opportunities to earn credit for college-level learning undertaken elsewhere. In addition to transferring a significant number of credits from other institutions, students can also participate in the College's Experiential Learning Program, which assists students in earning credit through standardized college-level examinations, portfolio review, and professional training programs.
Program Director: Michelle Steven, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Graduate, Online, and Professional Studies
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Think critically and creatively in organizational problem- solving.
PLO 2: Demonstrate effective presentational skills to enhance personal and organization communications.
PLO 3: Understand, articulate, and develop the key functions and competencies to be effective in today's workforce.
PLO 4: Utilize effective writing skills to enhance personal and organizational communications.
PLO 5: View the diversity of world cultures and peoples through multiple perspectives.
PLO 6: Optimize position in the work force.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Requirements | 34 |
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI1 | Writing | 3 |
OC1 | Presentation | 3 |
QR1 | Mathematics | 4 |
MAT-1105 | College Algebra |
|
DL | Digital Literacy | 3 |
IT-1001 | Computer Tools |
|
ALC | Arts and Literature across Cultures | 3 |
NSS | Natural Sciences | 3 |
EP | Ethics and Philosophy | 3 |
SSS | Social Sciences | 3 |
HGP | Historical and Global Perspectives | 3 |
FH | Personal Wellness | 2 |
RS | Religion | 3 |
| Select six Liberal Arts courses | 33 |
| General Electives | 54 |
| Total Credits | 121 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Through St. Francis College's Experiential Learning Program, students pursuing a B.S. in Professional Studies can apply prior academic, professional, military, and life experiences toward degree completion. Eligible credit sources include:
• Transfer credits from another accredited postsecondary institution (up to 68 credits)
• Professional work and life experience, including corporate or industry training, licenses, certifications, and community or volunteer service
• Credit by examination (e.g., CLEP, ACE, DSST)
• Military education and training
• Foreign language proficiency
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A B.S. in Professional Studies is intentionally broad, so career opportunities depend on the student's concentration, electives, and work experience. Generally, graduates pursue roles in business, government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, education, and public service.
Here are common career opportunities:
• Project Coordinator or Project Manager
• Operations Manager
• Human Resources Specialist
• Business Development Representative
• Customer Success Manager
• Administrative Services Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Training and Development Specialist
• Sales Manager
• Marketing Coordinator
• Healthcare Administrator
• Government Program Analyst
• Public Service Administrator
• Compliance Specialist
• Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner
• Graduate Study Opportunities
A B.S. in Professional Studies can also prepare students for graduate programs such as:
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) (with prerequisite coursework)
• Master's in Organizational Leadership
• Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA)