Professional Studies Degrees and Certificates

Program overview

The professional studies programs offered by the KU School of Professional Studies represent several degrees and graduate certificates with a focus on employability and occupational success. These programs teach students at the undergraduate and graduate levels vital knowledge and skills applicable to the workplace. 

 

Bachelor's degrees

Designed for transfer and degree completion students, KU's Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) focuses on preparing students with professional and workforce-ready skills to promote employment immediately following completion of program.

BPS allows students to tailor the degree to their career goals by choosing an area of focus from three concentrations: applied data analytics, health policy and management, and project management.

• The applied data analytics concentration includes entry-level practical and applied training in data analytics, operational analytics, research analysis, big data, and data management.
• The health policy and management concentration is for students wanting to pursue careers in health management and policy and covers organizational, management, economic, and financial structures of health care organizations, as well as the legal, ethical, and governmental policies of the health care industry.
• The project management concentration provides an opportunity for students to learn how theory and practice work together to solve real-world problems in a variety of fields.

The professional studies degree completion program is designed for undergraduate students with a strong interest in practical professional management who have already earned an associate degree or equivalent hours and are looking to complete the last two years necessary for the bachelor’s degree.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Professional Performance focuses on students who want to learn entrepreneurship, marketing (self-promotion, branding, content creation, web design), leadership, finance, and other skills to professionally promote their own brand. Known as the creator economy, it’s expected to continue growing into a multi-billion-dollar industry. This degree may also be a good choice for individuals who expect a career in performance, such as athletes and musicians, or as an influencer or podcaster.

Master's degree

The Master of Arts in organizational communication equips business professionals with the skills, tools, and methodologies needed to support a wide spectrum of organizational goals through effective communications.

KU organizational communication graduate students are mid-career corporate, government, and small business professionals seeking answers to big questions about workplace culture and employee engagement.

Graduate certificates

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Workplace Communication consists of 12-credit hours from the Master’s degree program, focusing on the skills and methodologies business professionals most need to support organizational goals.

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Management provides advanced essentials for those wanting to enter management roles or strengthen their management abilities. Topics include leading people, managing projects, finance, communication, and more.

The undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs are supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT).

Program formats

Bachelor of Professional Studies – Fully online

BAS in Professional Performance – In person on the Lawrence campus

Master's degree and graduate certificate – Fully online