Bachelor of Professional Studies

Learning That Fits Your Life

We know that many adult students are juggling work and family commitments. The B.P.S. program was designed with this in mind. Choose the Bachelor of Professional Studies to achieve something you've always wanted, in a way that works for you.

Four Concentration Options

The B.P.S. bachelor's degree program allows you to choose from one of four concentrations, each including the added value of a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (C.U.S.):

• Educational Foundations (C.U.S. in Equity & Literacy)
• Organizational Leadership (C.U.S. in Workplace Diversity)
• Social Services (C.U.S. in Nonprofit Studies)
• Strategic Communication (C.U.S. in Conflict & Crisis Communication)

Each concentration emphasizes diversity and ethics, while teaching concepts and skills delivered efficiently and accessibly that are required for career advancement. There is also a foundation in the arts and sciences through the B.P.S. general education requirements. 

Learn Alongside Your Peers

The program is structured as a cohort model, so you will be part of a group of adults who have work experience, along with college credit. In your first class, you will learn how to create a BPS prior learning portfolio of your work/life experience for a potential credit award of up to 32 credits.

2 Courses at a Time

The B.P.S is designed to fit within a busy working adult’s schedule. Here’s how it works: 

• program runs during the Fall and Spring semesters 
• each semester is split into two 8-week sessions 
• 2 courses are taught in each session  
• courses are delivered in a blended online format – no more than half of the classes meet synchronously
• synchronous courses in each semester are taught back-to-back on the same day of the week

Fully Online Courses, Synchronous and Asynchronous

Courses are delivered in a blended online format:

• asynchronous = students view course materials and complete assignments without specified class meetings
• synchronous = students and instructors are talking, teaching, and learning via Zoom in real time

Please Note: No more than half of the classes meet synchronously.

Admission Requirements:

• 25 years or older at time of application
• 5 years of documented comprehensive work experience and/or military training
• a minimum of 24 earned college credits from a regionally accredited college or university 
• a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher
• no prior bachelor’s degree earned

Please Note: Current RIC students (still active as degree students) who wish to change their major to the B.P.S. need to submit a Change of Major Request to B.P.S. Form.

Tuition + Fees Per Semester (2023-2024):    

• $347/credit
• $100 technology fee
• $50 library fee
• $275 B.P.S. program fee

Financial Aid

Our Office of Financial Aid is ready to answer any questions about financial assistance.

Contact Financial Aid

Academic Components

• minimum of 120 earned college credits (including up to 75 transfer credits)
• concentration: 36–39 credits
• general education requirements: 40 credits (some of which may be from prior earned credit)
• prior learning portfolio and/or elective credits: if needed to reach the 120 credits for graduation