5 Reasons Why the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies is a smart fit for adult learners with existing college credits
Your college plans may have changed. Your goal of earning a degree doesn’t have to.
There’s no timer that begins to tick away when a college student takes a seat in their very first freshman class. No one pulls a lever that initiates a strict four-year countdown to their graduation. People take breaks from college for all kinds of reasons.
The same can be said for why they decide to return.
Perhaps a bachelor’s degree stands between you and a promotion. Maybe you’re considering a different career, or finishing college is something you’ve always wanted to do for yourself. But with work, family and financial responsibilities, returning needs to make sense for the life you have now.
For those with 24 transferable college credits or more, a degree-completion program like the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies might be the perfect path toward graduation.
Here are five reasons why the UNC Charlotte Professional Studies, B.S. makes good sense for those ready to complete their college degrees:
5. Created for adult learners who need flexibility.
What makes you curious? History? Business? Psychology? Spanish? UNC Charlotte’s B.S. in Professional Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach that’s tailored to each student’s interests and career goals.
The bulk of the degree’s 30 credit hours comes from fulfilling 18 hours within a chosen minor. From Anthropology to Film Studies, Economics to Software Systems, students have over 80 minors to choose from, or they can skip the minor and select nine credit hours in one of two focus areas: Project Management or Learning & Development. It’s important to note that not all minors are offered online but are held in-person on campus.
The remaining 12 credit hours come from core requirements in both Sociology and Professional Studies. Keep reading for more about that later.
4. Save time and money with a generous college credit policy.
One of the first questions you may have is, “How much of my previous coursework will count?”
Eligible students can transfer up to 90 credits toward the 120-credit degree, potentially reducing the courses, and tuition, remaining. Depending on your transfer credits and remaining requirements, you could finish in as little as three full-time semesters.
UNC Charlotte’s Transfer Credit Advisor database can help you explore how previous courses may transfer. Understanding what counts toward your degree is an important step in deciding whether returning is manageable.
3. Gain the in-demand skills today’s employers want.
You may already have years of workplace experience. The professional studies program helps you build on that foundation through coursework in leadership, human resource management, project management and the sociology of work and organizations.
Two concentrations give you the opportunity to develop more specialized skills that align with your career goals:
- Project Management: Learn to plan and coordinate projects, manage timelines and teams, and work with stakeholders across industries.
- Learning & Development: Learn to assess training needs and design learning experiences for workplaces and educational settings.
2. Advance in your career in no time.
Getting ahead can mean many things, depending on your situation. Maybe your company’s policy is preventing you from rising any further because you don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Maybe you’re re-entering the workforce after a period of time tending to family obligations. Maybe learning leadership skills will land you that promotion. Maybe you’re changing fields entirely. No matter the reason, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies can help provide the solution, and most likely a solid salary bump as well.
1. The time commitment is reasonable.
You’re busy, either with work or any one of life’s many other obligations. The Professional Studies, B.S. is 100% online. No commute necessary.
Couple that with UNC Charlotte’s #4 ranking in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for best online bachelor’s degree programs, and you have access to not only a convenient education, but a quality one as well.
Returning to college is a significant decision. Start by finding out how your credits may transfer, which courses remain and what the time and cost should look like to you. Explore UNC Charlotte’s Professional Studies B.S. and connect with the enrollment team.