Inside the Professional Studies Foundation Course: A Look at Your First Semester in the BPS

Navigating the first semester of any academic program can be daunting and the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) is no exception. However, the Professional Studies Foundation Course is designed to ease this transition by setting the stage for a successful journey through the program. This foundational course not only equips students with essential skills to ease their transition into the rest of the courses but also tailors their educational path by recognizing past experiences and prior learning to personalize the learning experience.

“Although I read the course description, I wasn’t sure what I had signed up for. I was excited about the possibility of completing this course! I’m 55 and trying to complete a path I started over 30 years ago… My biggest regret is not taking a course like this at that time. I didn’t have a clue where I was going and now I believe a course like this would have given me the tools to figure it out!” – BPS Student, Fall 2023 Cohort

What is the Professional Studies Foundation Course?

The Professional Studies Foundation Course is the cornerstone of the BPS program. This course serves as an essential starting point for all students, offering a comprehensive introduction to the various facets of professional studies. It has been designed thoughtfully to help students leverage their prior life experiences and previous college credits, potentially accelerating their path to graduation.

In this course, students are encouraged to reflect on and document their past experiences through various assignments. These assignments highlight relevant skills and knowledge that may count towards their degree. Additionally, the course fosters collaboration among classmates, helping students build a supportive network that will be extremely valuable throughout their educational journey.

“Everyone’s path in this program is different, because everyone comes with different life experiences.” – BPS Student, Fall 2023 Cohort

What Does a Typical First Semester for a BPS Student Look like?

The first semester in the BPS program is a blend of discovery, reflection, and preparation. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect.

1. Introduction to Online Learning Systems

One of the foundation course’s initial focuses is familiarizing students with the university’s online learning platforms. From navigating the learning management system to participating in virtual discussions, students gain a solid understanding of the tools and technologies that will support their studies throughout the program.

UC’s systems that are crucial for online learning that are discussed include:

Canvas: Canvas is a virtual space where lectures, assignments and grades are posted. This is the primary learning management system used by UC Online.

Catalyst: Catalyst is a resource hub used for keeping track of billing, financial aid, and academic records. This is used to manage registration in the program.

Degree Audit: Degree Audit is a function within Catalyst that updates automatically throughout a student’s time at UC. This tool is used for planning how many more credits need to be taken to graduate.

2. Navigating University Resources

In addition to navigating the online learning systems at UC, students will also get familiar with the university resources. These resources are just as accessible for online students as they are for in-person students on UC’s main campus. These include:

Academic Advising: The University of Cincinnati’s Office of Advising and Academic Services will assign a specialized advisor to each student. These advisors help to ensure each student’s classes are on-track through graduation.

Academic Writing Center: The writing center provides free writing assistance, including assigning a tutor to help with assignment review. Appointments are available online, and feedback on papers six pages in length or less can be received in less than 48 hours.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): UC’s CAPS focuses on providing effective mental health services that can be accessed at any time. This resource can be accessed anytime to ensure students are meeting their mental health goals.

The UC Bookstore: Whether you need to purchase textbooks for classes or UC gear, the online bookstore is always available. Shipping and delivery options are available for all items, and online options for textbooks are also offered.

Tutoring Services: Through the Learning Commons, UC offers centralized academic support for all students. Students have access to hundreds of peer educators who are trained to help students achieve academic success in any situation.

3. Assessment of Prior Learning and Life Experience

A significant component of the foundation course is the assessment of prior learning. Students undertake assignments that allow them to highlight their previous experiences and achievements. This process validates their past efforts and helps map out an efficient and personalized education plan. Life experience credits are a crucial piece of what a professional studies degree is and how it can be so helpful. Each student’s precise life experience amounts will be determined through these assignments, including:

• Prior College Experience
• Professional Work History
• Military Experience – Active-Duty & Veteran
• Volunteer or Leadership Experience

Prior work experience may be applied toward the co-op learning portion of the BPS program. The more that can be applied, the faster this program can be completed. Students will clearly understand their path to completing the program by the end of the course.

4. Building Essential Skills

The foundation course also emphasized developing fundamental skills necessary for academic success in the BPS program and professional success once you have graduated and entered the workforce. These include critical thinking, effective communication, and time management. Through various exercises and collaborative projects, students enhance these skills, preparing them for the demands of the BPS program.

Beyond these concepts, the coursework is designed to make students more culturally competent in the workforce and nourish a growth mindset that will help them flourish in their career. This growth mindset is meant to develop into a habit of lifelong learning, which students who have passed the foundations course have said serves them well to this day.

The core competencies that the Professional Foundations course works to develop are:

1. Self-Management and Human Relations
2. Fostering Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
3. Complex Problem-Solving and Decision Making in Groups
4. Data Literacy in Professional Contexts
5. Effective Professional Communication

These competencies are applicable to a breadth of career paths that are all expected to grow over the next decade. By focusing on these in the first semester, the foundations course is an ideal next step to a more prosperous career journey.

5. Establishing a Support Network

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the foundation course. Students engage in group discussions, peer reviews, and team projects, fostering a sense of community. Building these connections early on provides a support network crucial for motivation and success throughout the program.

The coursework also includes projects for students to refine their own professional profile by building and improving a resume and portfolio to use in job applications. Classmates in the foundation course are meant to be the first of many new professional connections.

“This course was so much more than I expected! It was more than listing out jobs I had previously, it was also thinking about which competencies I was already using and what choices got me to where I am in my career. I reflected on how this shaped me into who I am today and how I can use this to shape my future. In short, the reflection is enjoyable and helped me see how my journey so far was perfect for me!” – BPS Student, Spring 2024 Cohort

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the Professional Studies Foundation Course help reduce the time required to graduate?

The course helps by assessing and recognizing prior learning and experiences, allowing students to earn credits for what they already know. This personalized approach can significantly reduce the number of courses needed to earn the degree.

2. What kind of assignments can I expect in the foundations course?

Assignments typically include reflective essays, quizzes, and case studies. They are designed to help you articulate your past experiences and demonstrate how they relate to the skills and knowledge required for the degree.

3. Is the foundation course mandatory for all BPS Students?

Yes, the foundation course is mandatory in the BPS program. It ensures all students start with a solid foundation and a personalized plan for their academic journey.

4. Can I interact with my professors during the foundation course?

Absolutely. The course is designed to be interactive, with many opportunities to engage with professors and receive feedback on your assignments. The professors in this program are here to guide and support you.

“The advice I would give to new students to be successful in this course is to give yourself grace and ask questions if you are unsure about anything at all. The instructors are here to help you, all you have to do is ask. Don’t be afraid to post in the message boards!” BPS Student – Spring 2024 Cohort

What are the Next Steps in Professional Studies?

The Professional Studies Foundation Course is more than just an introductory class; it is a pivotal step towards a rewarding academic journey. By recognizing and building upon your past experiences, this course helps you chart a personalized and efficient path through the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. Embrace this opportunity to set a strong foundation for your future success.

Through the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies program, the University of Cincinnati hopes to encourage those who are considering getting further education to take the next step. There is no better time than now to advance your education. Take it from a student like Lisa, who was unsure if she’d be able to succeed in an online program at first, but now says it was a great decision.

Embark on your first semester with confidence, knowing that the Professional Studies Foundation course is designed to help you succeed. Be sure to visit the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies program page for more information or to get your application started. If you have questions, you can send our team a message or call directly at (513) 556-6459 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.