Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program, B.S.

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The Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program at Neumann University is designed to provide adult learners, who may have earned previous college credits, with the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. With this program, students develop, enrich, and improve critical competencies sought by today’s organizations while moving through an accelerated format. The Program is offered in 71⁄2-week seminars, with opportunities to take classes online or in the evening with online enhancement. Students learn how to apply their learning experience to the work environment, while improving their writing, critical thinking, and communication skills. The uniqueness of this degree completion program is the accelerated format that utilizes Experiential Learning Projects (ELPs) that blend theory and practice. ELPs can be professional initiatives that enable students to further research and develop projects from places of employment, as a return on investment (ROI) for employers.

Program Outcomes

In addition to meeting the Goals and Learning Outcomes of Neumann University’s Core Curriculum, as described in the Core Curriculum - Goals and Learning Outcomes section of this catalog, and upon completion of all degree requirements, graduates of the Professional Studies Degree Program will be able to:

Demonstrate ability to think critically and creatively in organizational problem-solving;
Demonstrate effective presentational and communication skills;
Identify and describe key functions and competencies to be effective in today’s workforce;
Utilize effective writing and oral communication skills; and
Describe organizational dynamics through multiple perspectives.

Admission Criteria

Any student 19 years of age or older who has either completed high school, or earned a GED, and completed a minimum 30 credits of college course work at a regionally accredited, degreegranting institution, including English Composition I and II, may apply to the Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program. Application procedures are detailed in the Admissions Information section of this catalog.

Progression Criteria

Students in the Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 in order to progress through the program.

Division Repeat Policy

Course requirements can only be repeated once.
Failure to earn a grade of “C” or better for repeated requirements will result in dismissal from the program.

Special Features

The Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program offers many additional options for acceleration in addition to its 71/2-week seminars. These options include:

Portfolio Assessment of prior college-level learning.
Challenge Examinations.
CLEP Examinations.
Credit for course work completed through the Department of Defense/DANTES, or from corporations offering courses which have been evaluated for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Independent Study.
Cooperative Education/Internship experiences.

For additional information about any of the above options, please consult the appropriate section of this catalog; or contact an Academic Advisor in the Continuing Adult and Professional Studies Office at 610-558-5529.

Tuition Information

Tuition for all 3-credit seminar courses is calculated on a per-credit basis. For additional information, please consult the Tuition and Expenses section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the University’s general requirements for graduation, the following must be completed:

For the Bachelor of Science: A minimum of 120 credits in Professional Studies with a 2.00 minimum cumulative GPA.

Professional Studies Course Requirements: 120 Credits

In preparation for the writing requirements of all Professional Studies 3-credit seminars, a minimum of 30 transfer credits with English Composition I and English Composition II, or their equivalents, must be completed prior to registering for any Professional Studies course.

Students who have earned a minimum of 30 credits prior to enrollment must complete the Professional Studies foundations sequence (30 Credits), the major course sequence (30 credits), and a series of electives, enrichment courses, or course equivalencies, such as assessed prior learning (for a total of 30 credits) as part of their Self-Designed program of study, as determined in consultation with their advisor.

Students who have earned a minimum of 60 credits prior to enrollment must complete the major course sequence (30 credits) and a series of electives, enrichment courses, or course equivalencies, such as assessed prior learning (for a total of 30 credits) as part of their Self-Designed program of study, as determined in consultation with their advisor.

Students who have earned a minimum of 90 credits prior to enrollment must complete the major core sequence (30 credits) and, in some cases, additional coursework as determined in consultation with their advisor.

Professional Studies Foundations Sequence: 30 Credits

PSBUS 120 Professional Business Etiquette 3 Credits
PSBUS 230 Social and Ethical Responsibility 3 Credits
PSBUS 240 Managing Change 3 Credits
PSBUS 250 Cross-Cultural Communication 3 Credits
PSBUS 260 Creativity and Innovation 3 Credits
PSBUS 400 Professional Case Study 3 Credits
PSCA 100 Research and Writing for Professionals 3 Credits
PSCA 200 Effective Communication 3 Credits
PSCA 220 Presentational Speaking 3 Credits
PSTHE 270 Interreligious Dialogue and Organizational Dynamics 3 Credits

Note:

After the first 30 course requirements are satisfied, students may begin the next 30 credit course sequence in the major. Credit needs and requirements beyond the first thirty (30) credits should be reviewed and approved by the student’s Academic Advisor in the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies prior to registration. The number of transfer credits allowed and the professional experiences assessed for credit will vary from one adult learner to another. It is, therefore, required that individual learners undergo a thorough assessment of prior learning with final approval of individual program plans by an Academic Advisor in the Division.

Professional Studies Major Core Sequence: 30 Credits

PSBUS 280 Decision-Making and Problem Solving 3 Credits
PSBUS 330 Systems Thinking 3 Credits
PSBUS 340 Technology in Organizations 3 Credits
PSBUS 350 Risk Management 3 Credits
PSBUS 360 Sustainability in Business 3 Credits
PSBUS 370 Operations Management 3 Credits
PSCA 320 Organizational Communication 3 Credits
PSMAT 290 Business Math 3 Credits
PSHIST 300 American Business History 3 Credits
PSPSY 310 Psychology of Organizations 3 Credits

Note:

For those learners transferring 30-60 credits into the Professional Studies program who will require additional credits, the following elective courses offer program completion options. Students may opt to take Professional Studies elective courses (below) or select courses from other compatible degree programs in the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies. Students may also register for approved courses in other University Divisions. Consultation with an academic advisor will provide direction for degree completion.

Elective Courses: Credits will vary

PSBUS 380 High Performance Work Teams 3 Credits
PSBUS 390 Entrepreneurism 3 Credits
PSCOA 300 Coaching 3 Credits
PSINT 400 Professional Career Exploration 3 Credits
PSPHL 300 Philosophy of Business 3 Credits

Total Transfer Credits Required: 30 Minimum

Total Credits from Neumann University: 30 Minimum

Total Self-Designed/Elective Credits*: Credits Will Vary

Note:

Transfer credit in related disciplines and documented prior learning may be evaluated to satisfy either specific course and/or self-designed requirements.