Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies

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Curriculum

This program consists of 180 credits.


English (9 credits)
ENGL 101Expository Writing and Reading3.00 credits
ENGL 102Persuasive Writing and Reading3.00 credits
ENGL 103Analytical Writing and Reading3.00 credits

Communication (9 credits)
COM 111Principles of Communication3.00 credits
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.00 credits
COM 270Business Communication3.00 credits

Mathematics (9 credits)
MATH 181Mathematical Analysis I3.00 credits
MATH 182Mathematical Analysis II3.00 credits
MATH 183Mathematical Analysis III3.00 credits

Science (9 credits)
Select one sequence from the following:
BIO 161General Biology I3.00 credits
BIO 162General Biology II3.00 credits
OR
CHEM 161General Chemistry I3.00 credits
CHEM 162General Chemistry II3.00 credits
OR
PHYS 182Applied Physics I3.00 credits
PHYS 183Applied Physics II3.00 credits
Select one open Science Elective

Adult Transition Seminar (3 credits)
CAT 200Strategies: Lifelong Learning3.00 credits

Social and Behavioral Sciences (18 credits)
Required Courses:
ANTH 101Introduction to Cultural Diversity3.00 credits
PHIL 105Critical Reasoning3.00 credits
PSY 101General Psychology I3.00 credits
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3.00 credits
SOC 110Sociology of the Future3.00 credits
Select one of the following:
SOC 210Race and Ethnic Relations3.00 credits
SOC 230Women & Men-Changing Soc3.00 credits
Select one of the following:
CAT 201Interpersonal Communication3.00 credits
COM 345Intercultural Communication3.00 credits

Creativity Studies (9 credits)
CRTV 301Foundations in Creativity3.00 credits
CRTV 302Tools & Techniques in Creativity3.00 credits
CRTV 303Creativity in the Workplace3.00 credits

Professional Studies Core (60 credits)
Select one of the following two courses:
EDUC 436Distance Learning3.00 credits
SOC 340Globalization3.00 credits
Required Courses:
BLAW 201Business Law I4.00 credits
BUSN 301Accounting & Finance for Nonfinancial Professionals3.00 credits
CAT 301Project Management3.00 credits
CAT 302Cust Service Theory & Practice3.00 credits
CAT 360Appl Organizational Research3.00 credits
HRMT 323Principles of Human Resource Administration4.00 credits
MGMT 260Introduction to Entrepreneurship4.00 credits
MKTG 301Introduction to Marketing Management4.00 credits
ORGB 300Organizational Behavior4.00 credits
PHIL 323Organizational Ethics3.00 credits
PRST 211Computer Applications for Professionals3.00 credits
PRST 212Creative Studies in the World Wide Web3.00 credits
PRST 330Career & Professional Development3.00 credits
PRST 440Policy Analysis3.00 credits
PRST 450Creative Leadership for Professionals3.00 credits
PRST 491Professional Portfolio I3.00 credits
PRST 492Professional Portfolio II3.00 credits

Free Electives (54 credits)
Depending on transfer credits and professional goals, students may use free electives to pursue a minor such as Business or to pursue a certificate program such as Retail Leadership. Students should see their academic advisor for details. *BIO 161 and BIO 162 are currently the only sciences offered online **Courses are not offered online, however students may be able to transfer these credits into the degree program.

Course Descriptions

ENGL 101 Expository Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' abilities to read and write expository academic discourse. Teaches students how to read with understanding; how to access print and technological sources; how to research, plan, draft, revise, and edit academic essays and reports. Requires students to write expository essay and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and study in the course.

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ENGL 102 Persuasive Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' abilities to read and write persuasive academic discourse. Teaches students to think and read critically, to evaluate and use print and technological sources effectively, and to present a written argument effectively. Requires students to write persuasive essays and research papers and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and studied in the course.

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ENGL 103 Analytical Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' skills in critical and analytical reading and writing through a study of literature. Teaches students techniques to help them understand and appreciate literature. Requires students to read, analyze, and write essays and research papers about selected works of poetry, drama, and fiction and to keep a journal to express their responses to the literature studied.

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COM 111 Principles of Communication - 3.00 credits

Explores the importance of communication in organizational settings. Includes assessment of appropriate modes of communication, including written, spoken, and electronic.

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COM 230 Techniques of Speaking - 3.00 credits

A workshop course in improving public speaking skills. Provides experience in speeches of explanation, persuasion, and argument.

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COM 270 Business Communication - 3.00 credits

Covers the writing of business letters, resumes, memos, proposals, and reports. This is a writing intensive course.

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MATH 181 Mathematical Analysis I - 3.00 credits

Covers set theory, coordinate systems and graphs, functions, linear programming (geometric approach), matrices and linear systems, and linear programming (algebraic approach). Required for architecture, business administration, and construction management students. Non-credit for engineering and science students. Fall, Winter.

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MATH 182 Mathematical Analysis II - 3.00 credits

Covers counting techniques, probability, statistics, and probability applications. Non-credit for engineering and science students. All terms.

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MATH 183 Mathematical Analysis III - 3.00 credits

Covers limits, rates of change, derivatives, applications of differentiation, exponential and logarithmic functions, integrals, techniques of integration, applications of integration. Non-credit for engineering and science students. All terms.

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BIO 161 General Biology I - 3.00 credits

A continuation of BIO 160. Topics include the endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems. Four credit hours. Prerequisite: BIO 160. Offered as needed. Note: Registration for both the lecture (BIO 161) and the lab (BIO 161L) is required.

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BIO 162 General Biology II - 3.00 credits

Continues BIO 161. Covers the mechanics of heredity, including growth, differentiation, and development. Winter.

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CHEM 161 General Chemistry I - 3.00 credits

Covers atomic structure, stoichiometry, gases, valence theory, and thermochemistry.

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CHEM 162 General Chemistry II - 3.00 credits

Covers solutions, colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Introduces organic chemistry.

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PHYS 182 Applied Physics I - 3.00 credits

Covers vectors; statics, kinematics, and classical dynamics, including Newton's laws, torque, projectile motion, and circular motion; work; power and energy; impulse and momentum; and rotation, in a non-calculus-based course. Fall.

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PHYS 183 Applied Physics II - 3.00 credits

Covers fluids; elasticity; vibration, including simple harmonic motion; sound waves and acoustics; thermodynamics of temperature; heat; thermal-expansion; phase change; and heat transfer, in a non-calculus-based course. Winter.

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CAT 200 Strategies: Lifelong Learning - 3.00 credits

Strategies for Lifelong Learning. This course introduces students to the skills necessary for successful lifelong learning. Theoretical and practical aspects of learning are explored. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, study skills, analytical reading, effective writing, reasoning, problem-solving, time management and strategies for management necessary to support learning in a college environment.

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ANTH 101 Introduction to Cultural Diversity - 3.00 credits

Examines the diversity that exists in human culture. Uses lectures, films, and discussions to examine and illustrate the relationship between humans and their social/cultural systems.

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PHIL 105 Critical Reasoning - 3.00 credits

Introduces and develops the skills involved in reasoning effectively about experience, and being able to distinguish strong arguments form weak ones.

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PSY 101 General Psychology I - 3.00 credits

Students are introduced to the scientific study of human behavior. Special attention is given to the biological, psychological, and social processes underlying human behavior within the framework of modern psychological research. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits

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SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology - 3.00 credits

Examines principles underlying human interaction in simple technological societies, including learning and development of social roles; development and meaning of culture and social organizations; and special institutions in the society, such as the family, class structure, and power structure.

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SOC 110 Sociology of the Future - 3.00 credits

Examines ideas, values, and methods of the world's leading futurists (e.g., Bell, Henderson, Kahn, and Tofler). Focuses particularly on the energy challenge, the information revolution, and postindustrial scenarios.

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SOC 210 Race and Ethnic Relations - 3.00 credits

Examines practical ongoing or proposed reforms for local, national, and global problems. Assesses realistic techniques for countering prejudice, tension, discrimination, and backlash.

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SOC 230 Women & Men-Changing Soc - 3.00 credits

This course seeks to develop the sociological imagination through the examination of the way in which dominant societal ideological values are materially represented and depicted in both historical and contemporary film. Offered spring. 3 creidts

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CAT 201 Interpersonal Communication - 3.00 credits

Interpersonal Communication. Interpersonal communication will be studies from the perspective of emotional intelligence. Particular emphasis will be placed on emotional intelligence in the workplace and in leadership. The main objective is to make students aware that intelligence and technological expertise are not enough to be successful in the workplace. This is a writing intensive course.

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COM 345 Intercultural Communication - 3.00 credits

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of intercultural communication. Drawing from traditions in anthropology and communication, intercultural communication is the study of the effect of differing cultural norms and beliefs upon communication between speakers. Through a wide range of readings, journal writing assignments, and participative and experiential activities, students will develop both their understanding of and skills in inter-cultural communication. A final project and presentation draws together participative experiences and the readings and class discussions.

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CRTV 301 Foundations in Creativity - 3.00 credits

This course provides a foundation in creativity including leading creativity theorists and their ideas, and introduction to creativity in many fields. Students will explore basic creative characteristics including originality, fluency, flexibility, elaboration, resistance to premature closure, and tolerance of ambiguity. Sets the foundation for acquiring tools and applying creativity.

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CRTV 302 Tools & Techniques in Creativity - 3.00 credits

This hands-on course provides tools for enhancing creative strengths including role-play, simulation, brainstorming together with synectics, and creative problem solving. A second focus is the role of inspiration in how creativity, personal maturity, and spirituality inter-relate and how this interaction expands our repertoire of tools and techniques in creativity.

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CRTV 303 Creativity in the Workplace - 3.00 credits

This course focuses on how creative ideas happen and how they become innovations to reveal a set of principles for infusing creativity into every aspect of an organization. Examples from a wide range of settings demonstrate how to build systemic creativity at the individual, team, and leadership levels.

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EDUC 436 Distance Learning - 3.00 credits

This course is intended to address issues surrounding distance learning and pedagogy, and help teachers become more intelligent creators of, more informed participants in, and all-around better users of distance education tools.

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SOC 340 Globalization - 3.00 credits

This course investigates the causal factors for the emergence of what is known as globalization, global economy, global village, etc. It covers the effects of global changes on national political systems, on ecology and on local cultures. The role of the US and reactions to the new world order will also be considered.

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BLAW 201 Business Law I - 4.00 credits

Covers scope and classification of business law and the field of contracts.

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BUSN 301 Accounting & Finance for Nonfinancial Professionals - 3.00 credits

A study of the accounting process and financial evaluation to enable nonfinancial professionals to work effectively with accountants and financial specialists in order to understand financial responsibilities within their profession and to make sound financial decisions. Basic accounting principles, financial statements, and financial analysis techniques will be emphasized.

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CAT 301 Project Management - 3.00 credits

Project Management. This course offers instruction on design, appraisal, planning, and implementation of a project. It provides in-depth discussion and analysis of approaches to managing projects in both the public and private sectors.

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CAT 302 Cust Service Theory & Practice - 3.00 credits

Customer Service Theory and Practice. This course focuses on the theory of customer service and the practices that best in class companies apply to differentiate themselves from the competition. The course includes practical information and activities designed to teach students how to respond to customers, resolve problems, and provide quality customer service.

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CAT 360 Appl Organizational Research - 3.00 credits

Applied Organizational Research. This course presents a systematic approach to managerial methods of conducting organizational research and analysis. Students will undergo the managerial research process of specifying the problem; translating the problem into specific research questions; designing the data collection and methodology; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and reporting research results and recommendations.

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HRMT 323 Principles of Human Resource Administration - 4.00 credits

Covers the underlying principles of personnel administration used in organizations by personnel departments and often by line managers. Uses case studies and exercises to illustrate the practical implications of various principles.

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MGMT 260 Introduction to Entrepreneurship - 4.00 credits

The course focuses on entrepreneurship as a generic activity, including start-ups and corporate entrepreneurship. It explores the opportunities and challenges faced by individuals starting up new ventures and the probable paths of career development for the students pursuing entrepreneurship.

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MKTG 301 Introduction to Marketing Management - 4.00 credits

Provides a conceptual and applications-oriented framework for marketing decision-making in a dynamic environment. Emphasizes satisfying target customers and achieving organizational objectives through skillful blending of strategies in product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

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ORGB 300 Organizational Behavior - 4.00 credits

Provides conceptual understanding of various principles of management and organizational processes and the opportunity for skill-building in the areas of individual, interpersonal, and intergroup organizational behaviors. This is a writing intensive course.

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PHIL 323 Organizational Ethics - 3.00 credits

This course focuses on the application of ethical theories and principles to organizational systems and decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on how ethical principles affect and are applied to organizational policy-making, leadership behavior, systems of communication, technology use, and other systems of organization.

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PRST 211 Computer Applications for Professionals - 3.00 credits

Through lecture-demonstrations, hands-on labs, independent study assignments, and case study analysis, students are challenged to use critical-thinking, data analysis and problem-solving techniques to develop cost-efficient and effective solutions to realistic professional problems using computer-based business application software. Students should possess a basic level of computer proficiency before taking this course.

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PRST 212 Creative Studies in the World Wide Web - 3.00 credits

This course prepares professionals with an understanding of the process of developing creative, functional Web sites. Concentrating on the creative flow of the design process, the course uses Adobe Dreamweaver as the medium for development. Students should possess a basic level of computer proficiency before taking this course.

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PRST 330 Career & Professional Development - 3.00 credits

This course explores the literature of careers including preparation, organizational entry, orientation, nontraditional careers, and early, mid, and later career issues. The course provides students with opportunities for assessment of interests and capabilities, initiation and implementation of a personal development plan (PDP), and feedback on personal and career development.

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PRST 440 Policy Analysis - 3.00 credits

The course analyzes the entire process of policy agenda-setting, initiation, decision-making, implementation, evaluation and assessment. Students will be equipped with tools to analyze and understand the entire process of policy formation in any public or private enterprise. The skills developed in this course can be used in many professional fields.

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PRST 450 Creative Leadership for Professionals - 3.00 credits

This course presents leadership as a collaborative focus for transforming change. Topics include the leadership crisis, differences between leadership and management, how leaders create and change culture, and ways in which leaders build creative, enduring organizations. In addition, the course is designed to help students develop their own leadership potential.

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PRST 491 Professional Portfolio I - 3.00 credits

The professional portfolio is a two-course capstone project that provides Professional Studies majors with an opportunity to demonstrate achievement in their major and to engage in self-reflection. Components include reflective essays and carefully chosen samples of academic and relevant professional work completed during the college experience. This is a writing intensive course.

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PRST 492 Professional Portfolio II - 3.00 credits

Requires completion of the professional portfolio begun on PRST 491. Components of Professional Portfolio II include creative expression, future directions, and reflect on the major and the experience of creating a portfolio. This is a writing intensive course.

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