Curriculum: Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies

The Only Customizable Curriculum is the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies

All coursework for the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies will be completed online. There are 120 total credit hours needed to complete this degree, and each student’s curriculum track will be uniquely designed around their career goals.

Professional Studies Core Courses

While this program is highly customizable, there are core courses that every professional studies student will be required to take. These courses help determine the rest of your education track by defining your goals and exploring your past life experience. They include: the Professional Studies Foundation Courses, six Professional Development Core Courses, and a Capstone Course.

Co-Op Learning and Life Experience Credits

From the core courses, your path through the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies is outlined based on your goals and life experience. “Life experience” can refer to:

• Professional work history
• Volunteer experience
• Military service (either active duty or veteran)
• Leadership experience

There are six competencies that can qualify life experience toward your co-op credits. These competencies have been identified as essential for the modern working environment. These include:

1. Taking initiative, personal responsibility, and exhibiting professional integrity
2. Managing projects, tasks, and time
3. Managing conflict and interpersonal communications
4. Exhibiting emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusion in the workplace
5. Using professional networking strategies and digital technologies
6. Adapting to organizational change and emphasizing personal growth.

Chances are, with at least four years already in the job market, you may be able to illustrate these competencies through your past experience and bypass the Co-Op section of the Professional Studies curriculum! If not, you will need to complete the Co-Op Courses that are still required for graduation.

Transfer Credits

Fast-tracking your education doesn’t stop at Co-Op learning! Through the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies, your previous school credits will also be counted toward the other core areas of the curriculum, including: Electives and General Education. Refer to the Admission Requirements page for additional details on which credits are accepted.

This means that you’ll only be responsible for courses that are either part of your unique education track or are courses that genuinely interest you for further learning. No other program at the University of Cincinnati allows for this level of education track customization!

We are here to support you!

The process of mapping an education track based on life experience can take months at other institutions. Through this program, the process will likely be completed in a single semester. Our world-class faculty and staff will guide you throughout the process to ensure that you are on the right path and will accomplish your career goals.

The University of Cincinnati wants to give you the chance to graduate as efficiently as possible. What you bring with you will determine your journey, so reach out now to get started!