I looked at other similar online programs in the current state I live in (California) and other states but the cost was either less going to us or very competitive with others in the U.S. I had a similar experience with attending a large online program years ago at University of Phoenix but my experience there was not like the great experience I had at U.C. The out-of-state fees are minimal due to it being an online program and the cost is lower and competitive with other online programs in California.
My college education started at U.C. back in the mid 80’s in an unassigned degree program but soon went into the workplace and went to school part-time. I moved to another state and tried to take college courses at other accelerated universities, but it was one to two classes per year. In the early 2000’s I got my Associates of Science degree in Interior Design but dreamed of going back to finish my Bachelor’s degree with all the college credits that I had accumulated through the years.
I have over 35 years of professional work experience in two different career paths. I worked in marketing and communication at technology companies, and own my interior design business which I have managed for the past 13 years. This experience has grounded me as a working professional.
Probably the most important reason is that the program accepted my work experience and counted up to 18 credit hours of experience as some credits towards my degree. That was “YES” for me right away because it was such a win-win! I thought, “This program took many of my previous college credits and gave me credit for work experience too, ‘sign me up’!”
The professional studies foundations course was simply amazing! I can’t sing enough praises to the instructors, instructional designers, and the professors of this course. It’s the crux of the program and an essential piece of the online BAPS program. I was so impressed with the course design and the spacing of the modules throughout the semester. The Professional Studies Foundations Course is a lot of work, but it does not feel overwhelming because it becomes your unique roadmap for moving forward in the program.
Throughout the course, I always knew there was someone I could reach out to with questions and get a prompt response. You can collaborate with your peers in discussion boards which never makes you feel isolated or alone. These discussion boards are led so brilliantly and let others provide their insight. Help is just a click or phone call away. The faculty and staff care about your success and follow up their claims with actions.
My main concern was the time commitment. Like most students at UC Online, I have a busy schedule with managing my design business, clients, and our family’s schedule. The other concern was coming back to college after being away from school for many years. Being in my 50’s, it was intimidating to come back to school online, but I am glad that I made it a priority because you are never too old to get your degree!
If you are on the fence about returning to finish your bachelor’s degree like I was, please take the leap and do it, because you will not regret it. Even with the busiest work schedules, you can make the time because you are worth the time to complete the degree that you want.
I cannot stress enough how amazing this online program is, as are the professionals connected to it. They want each of their students to succeed and show that they do through their actions. Everyone has been so helpful and kind, and I believe that I found this degree at the right time. If the program seems too good to be true, it’s not! My education dream came true with this BAPS program. Thank you to U.C. and this new program!
I was part of the first cohort to participate in this program, and it has been the conversation within my friend group for a full semester now. I’m not just a student. I am a valued member of my cohort and I’m using my time to network with other professionals. We are bouncing ideas off of each other and inspiring growth. We are reflecting and growing at the same time and it’s a true bonding experience.
I have had the privilege of carving out an alternative path to success. A little over 12 years ago, I received an associate’s degree with a certificate in massage therapy. I worked for myself for 3 years, then went on to own and operate a boutique spa in the downtown of a well-known metropolis. I sold my business to travel around the world for two years. Now that I’m back in America I am finally getting a bachelor’s degree while I do my time on the corporate side of spa.
Fast and easy acceptance, willingness to take credits from ten years ago. UC Online had two programs that piqued my interest. I decided to go with the program that allowed me the most flexibility in class selection.
I thought the foundations portion of the course was only going to be centered around carving out my plan to graduate. It was so much more!
The foundations course was the highlight of my first semester. I was exposed to some concepts that became the conversation of my friend group, and I also learned some terminology about some concepts that I had already been attempting to express but lacked the verbiage. Even if I wasn’t going to finish, I’m glad I took the foundations course.
This program calls on you to reflect on, and evaluate your past experiences, while simultaneously exposing you to a growth mindset. The subjects we discussed during the first semester were so captivating and stimulating that since the semester has ended, I have pursued further independent learning.
For any professionals thinking about going back to finish their degree, I cannot recommend this program enough! The learning has been immediate and impactful!
Depending on each student’s life experience and prior college experience, the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies (BAPS) can be completed in as few as 4-6 semesters. Your unique education track will be determined during the foundations course in the first semester.
The Bachelor’s in Professional Studies is designed around the Industry Recognized Credentials that employers are looking for. This means that your unique education experience will be built around your goals and will be tailored to help you succeed in your industry.
Popular Career Paths Include:
Here are some average annual salaries for popular career paths with a Bachelor’s in Professional Studies. All data is from the U.S. Department of Labor – See the BAPS Careers Page for more details!
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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