Professional Studies
PS 3013: Professional Studies Seminar
Prerequisite: Successful completion of general education English requirement or permission
of instructor.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of professional studies
and to the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree. Topics include: overview of the
professional studies degree; survey of current issues in the professions; professional
competencies and skills; career and academic program planning; learning and communicating
online; academic writing and APA.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 3023: Professional Communications
Cross-listed: OL 3023
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course introduces theories and practice of communication appropriate for a variety
of professional settings. Course topics include, but are not limited to, communication,
teamwork, business writing, technology, public speaking, conducting effective meetings,
factors affecting communication, and challenges and opportunities for communication
in the workplace. Students will work individually and as members of project groups
to effectively carry out course learning objectives.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 3133: Applied Principles of Personnel Management
Cross-listed: OL 3133
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course supports the needs of professionals whose career fields require competencies
in the area of human resources/personnel management. The focus of the course is on
the practical application, essential theories, and process of personnel management
from the perspective of a generalist. Course content will include the essential aspects
of recruitment, selection, training, legal rights and responsibilities, compensation
and appraisal.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 3143: Applied Professional Research
Cross-listed: OL 3143
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement or
permission of instructor.
In this course, students will learn the basic skills necessary to identify, define,
research, and analyze complex organizational issues. Students will learn applied research
fundamentals, including literature searches and analysis, needs assessment, data collection
and management, sampling strategies, survey design and questionnaire development,
proposal and report writing, and research ethics in organizations.
Note: This course must be taken as a prerequisite for OS/PS 4943 unless waived upon
advisor approval.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4143: Nonprofit Governance
Cross-listed: OL 4143
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course examines the theoretical, philosophical, practical and ethical perspectives
related to the effective management and leadership of nonprofit organizations in the
twenty-first century. Upon completion of the course, the student will possess an
understanding of 1) the historical development of the nonprofit sector, 2) the multiple
rationales for the existence of the nonprofit sector, 3) the distinctive characteristics
of nonprofit organizations, 4) the structures, processes and complexities of organizational
governance shared by volunteer board members and professional staff, 5) the dynamic
environment of the contemporary nonprofit organization, and 6) the current issues
of importance to nonprofit decision makers.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4243: Adult Learning in Organizations
Cross-listed: OL 4243
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement or
permission of instructor.
This course provides an overview of adult learning in the context of the workplace.
Students will explore the historical context of learning in the workplace, basic theories
of instructional design and adult learning, frameworks and models of program planning
in the workplace, learning interventions, and the overall relationship between lifelong
learning and work.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4343: Community Development
Cross-listed: OL 4343
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course covers the basic principles and issues in community development in the
United States. Topics include: the definition of community; community assessment;
methods of planning and problem solving; community needs; community assets; and community
activism; and evaluating community based organizations. Students will work individually
and in groups to design a non-profit organization based on a community needs assessment.
The focus will be on assessment, planning, leadership, financing, and evaluating a
community-based organization.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4443: Professional Leadership
Cross-listed: OL 4443
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course provides an overview of various leadership styles practiced by professionals
in the public and private sector. The focus of the leadership skills identified will
focus on the following competency areas: operations management, technology applications,
facilities planning and management, human resource management, fiscal management,
and organizational behavior.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4543: Workplace Supervision
Cross-listed: OL 4543
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course provides an overview of various leadership and supervisory skills practiced
by professionals in the public and private sector. The leadership skills identified
will focus on the following competency areas: communication, employee coaching, project
management, business analysis, continuous improvement, and resource management and
how they pertain to supervisors within the workplace.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4643: Organizational Globalization and Diversity
Cross-listed: OL 4643
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course will discuss cultural (racial, gender, ethnic, religious) and global diversity
in the workplace and classroom. Topics include cultural self-awareness, the impact
of demographic changes and projections, issues in cross/intercultural settings, and
theoretical perspectives of multicultural education. Applied strategies from personal,
leadership, and management prospective will be explored.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4743: Organizational Change
Cross-listed: OL 4743
Prerequisite: Successful completion of general education English requirement.
This course is designed to provide students with both the conceptual framework and
the practical skills needed to design, implement and evaluate effective organizational
change. Uncertainty, complexity and rapidly changing organizational environments create
the necessity for organizations to adapt in order to survive in the 21st century.
Students will work individually or in groups to engage in various activities intended
to illustrate or practice the skills involved in planning and implementing organizational
change.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4843: Training and Organizational Development
Cross-listed: OL 4843
This course is designed to introduce students to training and development in organizations.
Students will learn about practical approaches and models to employee training, coaching,
mentoring, and performance improvement in a workplace setting. Topics include strategic
training, training design, training methods, evaluation, diversity training, and ethics.
Note: Participation in course requires access to a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4943: Applied Leadership Project
Cross-listed: OL 4943
Prerequisites: Successful completion of general education English requirement, OL/PS
3143, and permission of the program advisor.
This course will provide an opportunity for the student to facilitate a process for
identifying a specific problem in an actual industry or business environment relevant
to the student's specialty area. The student will outline a formal plan of action
for identifying the problem through the development of a needs assessment which identifies
deficiencies or areas of improvement needed within the business. At the conclusion,
the student will develop a strategic recommended plan of action based on the findings
from the empirical research. The student will demonstrate presentation ability, appropriate
leadership styles, critical thinking, and communications skills in a formal presentation
of the strategic plan to the group responsible for implementing the strategies.
Note: Student must earn a grade of C or higher to enroll in OL/PS 4963.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4951: Undergraduate Research in Professional Studies
Offered: On demand
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the general education English requirement
and departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required.
Note: One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4952: Undergraduate Research in Professional Studies
Offered: On demand
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the general education English requirement
and departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required.
Note: One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4953: Undergraduate Research in Professional Studies
Offered: On demand
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the general education English requirement
and departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required.
Note: One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4954: Undergraduate Research in Professional Studies
Offered: On demand
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the general education English requirement
and departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant
problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and
presentation required.
Note: One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4963: Organizational Leadership Capstone
Cross-listed: OL 4963
Prerequisites: Successful completion of general education English requirement, permission
of the department.
In this course, students develop an ePortfolio highlighting various competencies learned
throughout the degree program. The course prepares students with the skills, knowledge,
and ability to communicate a critical understanding of their work through the articulation
of goals, critique, and self-assessment. The course introduces students to the portfolio
development process and improves their ability to think critically and communicate
more effectively while developing personal goals and mission statements, understanding
personal leadership styles, researching career options related to their concentration
or focused area of study, working collaboratively with other students, and engaging
in critical inquiry of the role education and professional development plays in one's
life.
Note: Student must earn a grade of C or higher.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4991: Special Problems in Professional Studies
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course is designed to address current issues and topics relevant to professional
disciplines in the workforce. Content will be determined by contemporary trends and
timely issues.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4992: Special Problems in Professional Studies
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course is designed to address current issues and topics relevant to professional
disciplines in the workforce. Content will be determined by contemporary trends and
timely issues.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4993: Special Problems in Professional Studies
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course is designed to address current issues and topics relevant to professional
disciplines in the workforce. Content will be determined by contemporary trends and
timely issues.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.
PS 4994: Special Problems in Professional Studies
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the general education English requirement.
This course is designed to address current issues and topics relevant to professional
disciplines in the workforce. Content will be determined by contemporary trends and
timely issues.
Note: Participation in the course requires access to a computer, the internet, and
a webcam or other video capture technology.