Curriculum: Online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies

Next Term Application Deadline

11.15.2025

Total Credits

120

Next Term Starts

01.12.2026

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Curriculum at a Glance

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.

View the course offerings below or in the updated curriculum map.

The BPS Foundations Course:

Every student entering the professional studies program must take the foundation course for their first semester: PD2180: Foundations. This Foundations course consists of in-depth self-evaluation assignments where students will demonstrate skills developed through past work experiences, discuss their previous college experience and transfer credits, and identify their unique career plans. After completing these assignments, the rest of the student’s education track will be outlined based on their goals and how many credits they will need. You can see the full curriculum breakdown below.

Co-op Learning and Work Experience Credits

From the core courses, your path through the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies is outlined based on your goals and work experience.

A significant component of the Foundations course is the assessment of prior learning through work experience. Students develop competency reports that allow them to highlight their previous work experiences and achievements. This process validates past efforts by awarding college credit for prior work experience and helps to map out an efficient and personalized education plan.

For students that are able to display competence through their reports, they can earn up to 18 credit hours*, allowing them to bypass the Co-op courses.

* The amount of credits earned depends on a student’s ability to show competence through their written reports.

Fire Administration Focus Track

For students that would like to pursue the focus in Fire Administration, see required curriculum below. The courses listed for the focus track are unique and are separate from the required courses to complete the Bachelor’s program. All courses listed for the focus track must be completed to earn the focus in Fire Administration.

Transfer Credits

Fast-tracking your education is easy with the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies Program. Your previous college credits will be counted toward Electives and General Education course requirements. Refer to the Admission Requirements page for additional details on which credits are accepted.

No other program at the University of Cincinnati allows for this level of education track customization!

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE

Professional Development Foundation's Course Professional Development Core Courses Professional Development Capstone Fire Administration Focus Track Curriculum

Course	Title / Description	Credit
PD2180	Professional Development Foundations Course: PD2180 Credit: 6 This foundational course is designed to lead students through an in-depth process of self-evaluation, skill assessment, and career research resulting in knowledge which they will directly apply in the creation of their unique academic and professional development/career plans. Students will gain a better understanding of themselves as both a learner and professional and will sharpen their career focus by becoming familiar with the array of professional opportunities available to them. They will become familiar with the general skills and competencies which all professionals in the future workplace will be expected to have and begin taking the requisite steps to attain professional success as they choose to define it. This course is tailored for students participating in the BA Professional Studies program.	6

Course	Title / Description	Credit
PD2190	Applied Technology in the Workplace Course: PD2190 Credit: 3 In today's evolving workplace, technology skills are essential for personal and professional success. "Applied Technology in the Workplace" caters to adult learners returning to college to complete their degrees and gain a competitive edge. The course builds upon and strengthens students’ digital literacy and explores emerging technologies to enhance productivity, effectiveness, and creativity in the workplace. Students will investigate technologies aligned with career goals, bridge digital skills gaps, and assess Generative AI's impact across various industry sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare. The course emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on activities, encouraging real-world application. In this class, students will leverage technology for personal growth and enhance workplace effectiveness, navigating the evolving tech landscape with confidence.	3
AIS4075	Diversity in Professional Settings Course: AIS4075 Credit: 3 Students will understand basic gender and diversity theories. The course will examine the effects of gender and diversity in the workplace and how to balance these issues.	3
COMM2081	Business Communication Course: COMM2081 Credit: 3 This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives.	3
PD3030	Fundamental Data Skills for the Future Workplace Course: PD3030 Credit: 3 Through this course, students will develop foundational digital literacy that will result in the ability to be conversant with data they may encounter in the workplace. Students will also build competence to contribute to teams that often include technical teammates such as software engineers and data scientists. Upon completing this course, they will have a fundamental understanding of applying digital methods to problem-solving and organizational decisions.	3
PD3070	Conflict Resolution and the Human Factor Course: PD3070 Credit: 3 This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills used to manage conflicts in various settings. It explores why conflict exists and the history of conflict resolution. Students will examine the human factors involved in conflict and practice communication skills unique to managing conflict, including in the workplace. The course will also explore the impact of different strategies and techniques for resolving conflicts.	3
PD4050	Group Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Course: PD4050 Credit: 3 This culminating course requires that students apply their broad knowledge and the skills and competencies acquired through BPS coursework and co-op to the deliberate process of group problem-solving. Students will learn the steps involved in the group problem-solving process from problem identification and analysis through the creative process of generating and evaluating potential solutions and ethically and persuasively communicating them to stakeholders to build consensus. Through working in groups, students will apply this process to a real organizational problem. The final project requires participants to articulate the process in detail, reflect on what was learned, and present a solution proposal.	3

Course	Title / Description	Credit
PD5001	Capstone Seminar in Professional Studies Course: PD5001 Credit: 3-6 The Capstone Seminar in Professional Studies serves as the culminating experience of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. This course invites students to reflect on their professional and academic journey, integrate knowledge gained throughout the program, and apply it to real-world challenges. Through a combination of personal reflection, professional communication tools, and a signature project, students will demonstrate their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively within their field. The seminar fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging students to share insights and receive feedback as they refine their professional identity and goals. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive project that highlights their readiness to excel in their chosen careers or graduate studies. This course provides a space for growth, celebration, and preparation for the next phase of students' professional lives.	3-6

*The courses required only for the focus in Fire Administration. These do no overlap with the BPS course requirements.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
FST3019	Building Construction for Fire Protection Course: FST3019 Credit: 3 The student is introduced to the principles, methods, techniques and terminology used in building construction and how building construction relates to fire protection and fire safety. The elements of construction and engineering design of structures relating to fire protection is emphasized. Structural components and structural collapse are studied as well as case studies in fire and life safety. The different classifications of buildings and how building construction and codes affect fire and life safety are discussed.	3
FST3085	Political and Legal Foundations for Fire Protection Course: FST3085 Credit: 3 This course examines the legal aspects of the fire service and the political and social impacts of legal issues. This course includes a review of the American legal system and in-depth coverage of legal and political issues involving employment and personnel matters, administrative and operational matters, planning and code enforcement, and legislative and political processes with regard to the fire service.	3
FST3092	Budget, Finance, and Effective Communication Course: FST3092 Credit: 3 This course introduces principles and practices of budget and finance, and combines them with the methods and techniques of both oral and written communication. The course is intended to prepare students for tasks and challenges related to fire service financial management, and to effectively communicate those business-related matters either through presentations or documents.	3
FST4081	Personnel Management for the Fire and Emergency Services Course: FST4081 Credit: 3 This course examines relationships and issues in personnel administration and human resource development within the context of fire-related organizations, including personnel management, organizational development, productivity, recruitment and selection, performance management systems, discipline, and collective bargaining.	3
FST5044	Leadership and Ethics in Fire and EMS Course: FST5044 Credit: 6 This capstone course will develop critical thinking, personal competency, relationship management skills, and ethical decision-making to assist the student in achieving a leadership position in a public service environment. Through this educational experience, the student will learn self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, and relationship management skills necessary to manage and lead oneself and other individuals in an ever-changing, modern, and dynamic Fire and EMS industry.	6

FAQs

How Soon Can the BA in Professional Studies be Completed?

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.
What Jobs Can You Get With a “Professional Studies” Degree?
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:
- Client Support & Sales
- Account Management
- Human Resource Specialists
- Project Management
- Reporter
- Market Research
- Event Planning
What Salaries Can I Expect With a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies
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!
- Sales Representative of Services (except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel) – $62,400
- Market Research Analysts and Market Specialists – $68,230
- Project Management Specialists – $95,370
- Sales Managers – $130,600
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists – $55,960