Bachelor’s Degree in
Professional Studies (Online)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- On Campus
- Online
- Hybrid
After having spent some time in the working world, you know what you want to achieve; and an undergraduate degree is the only thing you need to achieve it. We designed the Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies for people like you: people looking for the education they need to meet their career goals.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Professional Studies at Monroe’s School of Business and Accounting is a fully-accredited degree completion program for adult learners. Professional Studies majors can earn their degrees quickly by applying prior learning credits they’ve earned from real-world experiences. Not only can you apply credits from previous college courses toward your degree, but you can earn credit from work experience, military experience, and more.
We also know that adult learners have more responsibilities than students just out of high school. You have jobs; you have families; and because of that, you need flexible scheduling. That’s why we’ve made it possible to earn your degree completely online — so you can study at your own pace, on your own time.
You know what you’re capable of achieving. So do we. Read on to see how a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies can help you achieve it.
Find Out About Our On Campus Professional Studies Bachelor's Degree
Why an Online Major in Professional Studies?
A bachelor’s degree increases your employability by 43% over a high school diploma alone. Even if you’ve already completed some college, finishing your degree can increase your chances of finding a job by 36%.
You’re reading this right now because you’re looking for a way to go farther in your career. A Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies can help you do it. And by earning your bachelor’s degree online, you’ll have the flexibility you need to make it work.
You don’t have to sacrifice the present to build your future. If you’re willing to put in the work, we’ll make sure you have the tools you need to earn your degree.
Online Curriculum
Professional Studies majors come to us with a clear vision. Our goal is to help you turn that vision into a road map for success, with a career-focused curriculum that you can shape according to your specific goals. Along with 60 credits of core courses and general education requirements, the Professional Studies majors take 30 credits of open electives, as well as 30 credits in a specialization of their choice. Students can build career-specific professional skills in:
- Accounting and Business Management
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Information Technology Management
- Health Services Administration
- Hospitality Management
- Human Services Administration
- Public Health Management
As an online Professional Studies major, you’ll work hand in hand with an advisor who will help you create a curriculum that’s as unique as you are. And no matter what that curriculum looks like, you’ll graduate with skills in leadership, management, and critical-thinking that will serve you in any career.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Professional Studies Degree Online?
At Monroe, we believe that hands-on experience is just as important as what you learn in the classroom. It’s why we allow Professional Studies majors to apply up to 90 prior learning and transfer credits toward the 120-credit program. The more credits you can apply, the faster you can finish your degree. Professional Studies majors must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Monroe University — the equivalent of two (2) full-time semesters.
When we say we value real-world learning, we mean it. Our dedicated support team will help you put together a Prior Learning Portfolio based on the relevance, substance, and extent of:
- Prior college courses
- Professional work experience
- Workforce and military training
- Specialized professional certifications
- Recognized college-level examinations (e.g., CLEP)
- Prior independent research or study
- Volunteer work
- Community activities
The School of Business and Accounting also offers on-campus and hybrid programs for students who prefer at least some in-person instruction. Learn more about applying to Monroe as an adult learner.
Professional Studies Integrative Capstone Project
The Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies begins with a Prior Learning Portfolio. It ends with an ePortfolio that pulls together everything you’ve learned. In this capstone course, Professional Studies majors draw on their skills in data analysis, project management, and oral and written communication to design and execute a professionally-focused research project in their chosen field. Students can then present their project, along with an ePortfolio of their other work, to potential employers.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Professional Studies online program must submit:
- Either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
- A completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.
Applicants may also participate in an optional pre-admission interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Professional Studies Cost?
For years, U.S. News and World Report has named Monroe one of the Best Value Schools among Regional Universities North. We’re proud of that record — because it means we’re succeeding in our mission to make quality education affordable.
Earning your undergraduate degree as an adult learner demands hard work. At Monroe, we know that — which is why we do everything we can to make the burden a little bit lighter. That means offering affordable tuition and fees; manageable payment plans; and comprehensive, personalized financial aid counseling for every student.
Our financial aid office will help you secure the maximum possible aid package: a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans. And if you already work for one of the more than 400 organizations in our Corporate Partnership Program, you may be eligible for a grant that covers up to 20% of your tuition costs.
Your Professional Studies Career
Your online Professional Studies courses will prepare you for administrative and management positions in your area of focus: accounting, business, criminal justice, IT, health and human services, or public health. No matter what you specialize in, you’ll work with a dedicated advisor who will help you assemble a curriculum that matches your individual goals — not someone else’s.
Professional Opportunities
Our Professional Studies majors already have a lot of life experience under their belts — and thanks to Monroe’s emphasis on real-world learning, they can gain even more while earning their degrees. In addition to taking an optional internship, online students can join clubs and organizations related to their specializations, including:
- The Allied Health Club — Team up with students from the School of Allied Health Professions as you develop health education initiatives aimed at both your fellow students and our neighboring communities.
- The Criminal Justice Club — Listen to visiting experts share their insights with your peers in the School of Criminal and Social Justice. You’ll then apply those insights to develop programs designed to make the community around you safer.
- The Human Services Club — Members work on collaborative efforts between the Monroe community and New York City’s many human services organizations.
- The Information Technology Student Association (ITSA) — Work alongside
students from the School of Information Technology as you volunteer to support businesses in the surrounding community.
You’ll also find organizations that specialize in hospitality management, business and accounting, and more.
Discover What You Can Achieve
When you pursue an online Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies, your hard-won experience counts for something. You don’t have to start over to finish your education; you don’t even have to leave your desk.
You’ve come this far already. You have it in you to go even farther. And our online Professional Studies program can help you get there.
