Professional Studies

The Professional Studies degree programs - derived from professional, General Education, and elective courses from across the undergraduate curriculum - create a pathway for students to develop professional skills within the framework of the liberal arts and sciences. Associate and Bachelor degree options are available. Academic advisors will guide the Professional Studies major toward the capstone course; upon declaring Professional Studies as the intended major, students will gain access to the PS 495 course in the University’s online learning platform so that they may begin earning badges for each of the eight professional skills categories within the major. A professional skills badge will be earned each time the student submits an appropriate artifact (e.g., a paper, project) and related reflection. As a result of their engagement in the Professional Studies curriculum, UPIKE students will:

  1. develop themselves and their careers through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build personal and professional relationships.
  2. clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with others.
  3. identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
  4. demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures.
  5. recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve personal, group, and organizational goals.
  6. understand the context of the work environment, demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
  7. build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
  8. understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Degrees

Courses

PS-495: Professional Studies Capstone

Credits 3
This course is a culmination of the learning experiences in the Professional Studies Bachelor's degree, providing the student with the opportunity to integrate, synthesize, and reflect upon acquired knowledge and skills. The student and their capstone instructor will tailor the course to meet students' professional goals and fulfill the capstone's learning outcomes. Academic advisors will guide the PS major toward the capstone course; upon declaring Professional Studies as the intended major, students will gain access to the PS Capstone course in the University's online learning platform so that they may begin earning badges for each of the eight professional competency categories within the major. A professional competency badge will be earned each time the student submits an appropriate artifact (e.g., a paper, project) and related reflection. Prerequisites: Completion of at least six professional competency badges from the Professional Studies core and permission of the capstone instructor.