About
The KU School of Professional Studies (SPS) is dedicated to serving the needs of working professionals, adult learners, and transfer students. These demographics represent a growing sector of post-secondary enrollment for higher education across the country, and in the Kansas City metro area. SPS also offers course on KU’s Lawrence campus for undergraduate students.
There are a variety of disciplines, course formats, class schedules, student services, aid and resources available to meet the needs of students who may work full-time, have considerable commitments outside of the classroom, have prior college-level education, or otherwise need a different approach to completing their degree.
Mission
To bring high-quality education programs to serve diverse workforce, economic, and student needs. We provide academic programs, research activities, and engaged learning initiatives that address the educational needs of our students and the greater community.
Vision
To increase social mobility through academic experiences and professional skill-building.
"The KU School of Professional Studies is an important advancement for the evolving workforce needs of the Kansas City region, and is in direct alignment with the Edwards Campus’ mission to serve these diverse needs as well as that of the local economy and community. This school allows us to directly serve adult learners and transfer students with timely, relevant programs allowing them to advance their career while equipping employers with highly skilled talent. We continue to build this school with our commitment to inclusion, professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.”
History
The back-to-school season in the fall of 2020 looked a little different for some new and returning KU students. They were not only starting a new semester, but they also made up the first class in the new KU School of Professional Studies.
KU created the School of Professional Studies in December 2019 to focus on innovation and serving adult learners with timely, relevant, workforce-oriented education.
Relationship with the Edwards Campus
The KU tradition of excellence spans more 150 years. In the 1970s, it shared that tradition with greater Kansas City by providing courses to working professionals. In 1993 the university opened another location in Overland Park, Kansas — the KU Edwards Campus — to provide permanent growth and education in the Kansas City community.
In the past two decades, it has contributed more than $400 million to the Johnson County economy. In 2008, the Edwards Campus became proud partners in the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT).
SPS was born in part from the development, relationships, and successes of the Edwards Campus and is headquartered there. However, not all programs at the Edwards Campus are in SPS. SPS also offers programs and courses at the Lawrence Campus and online.
Give to the School of Professional Studies
One of the most effective ways you can support the SPS is through your donations. These funds help us to provide programs, resources and services, as well as scholarships to support the needs of our students.
Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center
The School of Professional Studies is the academic home for the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). Every year, the statewide training authority for local and state law enforcement graduates hundreds of new officers, provides statewide continuing education to hundreds more, and oversees the training conducted by other schools and agencies. It's primary campus is located near Hutchinson, Kansas. Learn more about KLETC.
SPS Employment
To attract and retain great people, and help them perform at their highest level, KU offers a warm environment, invests in professional development (including limited free tuition), encourages individuals to expand into new methods and areas, and offers competitive compensation, benefits, and perks.
SPS Courses
We have a variety of undergraduate, minors, graduate and certificate programs, and flexible class schedules to help our students balance the responsibilities of work and family. Courses taken online or at the KU Edwards Campus earn the same credit as those taught on the Lawrence Campus.
Learn more about our academic programs
SPS Locations
Our flagship campus overlooks the historic city of Lawrence, and the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park serves students in the Kansas City area. The academic programs within the School of Professional Studies offer students the flexible schedules they need to complete their education.
Depending on the academic program you have chosen, your classes may meet on campus all or part of the time (hybrid). Other SPS degree and certificate programs are offered 100% online — giving you the option to learn anywhere at any time.
SPS Staff
Full School of Professional Studies Staff
