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Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

BPS Degree | Fully Online | 120 Credits | Build Your Own Path

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies is a fully online, customizable degree built for working adults who want to build career-relevant skills across multiple fields. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, students choose three concentrations to form their degree, creating a combination that fits their professional goals.

The BPS allows students to customize their career path by gaining professional skills in areas of high-demand job growth. Students can customize their learning experience by selecting three different BPS certificate programs to build their degree. In a dynamic and ever-changing business environment, many professionals change careers or job roles over time. This flexible degree program helps prepare students for a variety of in-demand careers throughout their lives. 

AT A GLANCE

120 hours

Fully Online

Tuition: CPS Tuition & Financial Aid

What Sets The BPS Apart

  • You choose your concentration. Select three concentrations from a variety of options like business, management, education, hospitality, psychology, and servant leadership.
  • Built for career changers. The concentration-based structure means you can pivot or stack skills as your career evolves.
  • Faith-integrated curriculum. Core courses and concentration options are grounded in C-N’s Christian values and servant leadership mission.
  • Fully online, no campus required. Complete your degree around your work and life schedule.

What You Can Do With A Degree In Professional Studies

A professional studies degree opens doors across a wide range of industries and career paths. Graduates go on to work in business and management, healthcare, social services, hospitality, communications, education, and more. Specific roles include:

  • Business and Management: Brand Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Office Manager, Human Resources Manager
  • Healthcare: Healthcare Administrator, Patient Services Manager
  • Social Services: Social Services Manager, Community Program Coordinator
  • Hospitality: Hospitality Manager, Event Coordinator
  • Communications and Digital Media: Communications Manager, Digital Marketing Manager
  • Education and Training: Training and Development Manager, Corporate Trainer

Degree requirements

Liberal Arts Core: 42 hours

Professional Studies Core: 12 hours

Professional Studie Major: 36 hours

  • Concentration 1: 12 hours
  • Concentration 2: 12 hours
  • Concentration 3: 12 hours

Electives: 30 hours

TOTAL: 120 hours

Apply to the professional studies program

To apply for the Carson-Newman Professional Studies Bachelor Degree Program, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete an online application
  2. Submit transcript(s)
Apply for Admission
Request Transcripts

Professional Studies FAQs

What is Professional Studies? 

A professional studies degree combines academic coursework with practical, career-ready skills across multiple disciplines. It is built for students who want to customize their education around a professional goal rather than follow a fixed major.

Is Professional Studies a valuable degree?

Yes. The BPS is a strong option for anyone who wants a customizable, career-focused bachelor’s degree. Graduates build skills across multiple fields, giving them flexibility to advance in their current role or move into a new one.

Is this a degree completion program, or can I start from scratch?

The BPS is designed primarily as a degree completion program for students who already have some college credits. If you have prior coursework from another institution, those credits may count toward your degree, allowing you to finish faster. Students with no prior college experience should speak with an enrollment coach to determine the best starting point. Contact an advisor to review your situation and map out a path to graduation.

Can I transfer credits into the program?

Yes. Carson-Newman accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions toward the BPS degree. If you have credits from a previous college program, a community college, or an associate degree, those may apply and reduce the remaining coursework you need to complete. Use the Transferology tool on the CPS Admissions page to get a preliminary estimate or talk with an enrollment coach for a full review of your transcripts.