The bachelor’s degree in professional studies provides flexibility for students who want to tailor their education to meet their career goals. Students will complete two introductory certificates and one advanced certificate in an area of specialization.

The professional studies degree also includes additional general education courses to strengthen skills in leadership, research and analysis, and critical thinking.

This degree is developed and granted by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources coming from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

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Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

Students who complete this degree are most likely to find employment based on the skills they've gained through the unique combination of certificates they've selected. Here are some of the general skills students can acquire:

Understanding how disciples of Jesus Christ can work to solve problems and be peacemakers in both private and professional settings.
Developing employable skills at both introductory certificate and advanced certificate levels.
Communicating effectively about complex issues in a work environment.
Using data and research to analyze problems.
Demonstrating creative and critical thinking in addressing global problems.
Working collaboratively with others.

Bachelor of Applied Science of Professional Studies

Program Requirements

To earn a bachelor’s degree, you will complete three certificates (two introductory certificates and one advanced certificate as outlined below) plus additional general education and religion requirements.

^{*

x
Previously earned course credits from PathwayConnect and/or other colleges and universities will be evaluated after a student is admitted and submits valid transcripts.}

Certificate

14-15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

90-96 CREDITS

introductory certificates

Complete two certificates in this category. You may only select one certificate with an asterisk.

Administrative Assistant

Basic Accounting*

Commercial Fundamentals

Community and Environmental Health

Entrepreneurship

Family History Research

Family Relations

Graphic Design Fundamentals

Hospitality and Tourism Management*

Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals*

Project Management*

Social Media Marketing*

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Technical Support Engineer*

Web and Computer Programming

advanced certificate

Complete one certificate in this category.

Advanced Family History Research

Business and Leadership Skills

Family Services

Health Program Strategies

Web Development

General Education Courses (28 credits)

Associate Degree General Courses (11 credits)

Course Code	Course Name	# of Credits
GE 103	Online University Success x GE 103 \| Online University Success This class is parallel to PC 103 that is taken by PathwayConnect students. This course will be taken by online-only students that matriculate to BYU-I without having completed PathwayConnect. In this course, learners will discover and strengthen the skills they need for success as an online student. View Course Details ►	1
GS 170	Career Development x GS 170 \| Career Development In this course, students develop resources, professional connections and essential employability skills to obtain or improve employment in a field related to their university certificate. Students will network and apply for job opportunities in their industry. View Course Details ►	1
MATH 108X	Math for the Real World x MATH 108X \| Math for the Real World This course prepares students to understand, analyze, and solve real-life problems that require quantitative reasoning. Topics include the meaning of probabilities, how to read, critique, and apply statistical information found in news reports, public policy debates, consumer reports, and other daily life and professional situations. View Course Details ►	3
WRIT 101	Writing in Professional Contexts x WRIT 101 \| Writing in Professional Contexts During the course, students will produce professional email correspondence, meeting and presentation materials, and research-based reports to better prepare for the demands of business careers that require significant time reading, drafting, and revising written communication. View Course Details ►	3
OR ENG 150	Writing and Reasoning Foundation x ENG 150 \| Writing and Reasoning Foundation An introduction to academic inquiry and writing, laying the foundation for further academic and professional development. Students will learn to think and read critically and practice the writing process, including invention, research, summary, synthesis and analysis, revision, and editing. View Course Details ►	3
BUS 301	Advanced Writing in Professional Contexts x BUS 301 \| Advanced Writing in Professional Contexts Introduces the fundamentals of rhetorical principles and writing practices using a number of typical business situations. During the course, students will produce effective business letters, memos, reports, and employment packages — some of which will be created independently and some of which will involve collaborative efforts. View Course Details ►	3
OR ENG 301	Technical Writing x ENG 301 \| Technical Writing This course will instruct students on how to produce technical communications that include but are not limited to instructional, transactional, and analytical types of rhetoric. The course will use specific types of technical communications found in both the technical and business fields to teach students the expectations and purposes attached to these communications. View Course Details ►	3

Bachelor's Degree General Courses (17 credits)

Course Code	Course Name	# of Credits
FCS 160	Family Leadership and Resource Management x FCS 160 \| Family Leadership and Resource Management This course examines the basic, timeless concepts underlying the field of management including values, goal-setting, decision-making, resources, and planning as it relates to the home and family. View Course Details ►	3
GESCI 110	Sustaining Human Life x GESCI 110 \| Sustaining Human Life Students will investigate the challenges and opportunities involved with creating a sustainable food supply, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing health care for everyone. View Course Details ►	3
HUM 110	Discovery and Discernment Through the Arts x HUM 110 \| Discovery and Discernment Through the Arts This course introduces students to the basic elements of creation in theatre, the visual arts, music, literature and film. The class also presents principles of interpretation to find meaning in the arts and promotes discovery of that which is virtuous, lovely, good report or praiseworthy in the humanities. View Course Details ►	3
PUBH 132	Personal Health and Wellness x PUBH 132 \| Personal Health and Wellness This course is designed to give students knowledge and tools to live a life of optimal wellness. Students will learn how wellness is a compilation of positive choices throughout the day that leads to a life of balance. View Course Details ►	3
PEACE 101	Conflict and Peace x PEACE 101 \| Conflict and Peace This class introduces core theories and practices related to conflict and peace. It explores key principles, tensions, and dynamics that are fundamental to conflict and teaches students how to engage conflict in collaborative problem-solving ways. View Course Details ►	3
GS 497^*	Professional Projects x GS 497 \| Professional Projects During the first week, students identify a suitable 50-hour project in one of three areas: work-related, service/volunteer, or personal professional development. In addition to the project, students complete assignments promoting professional growth and career readiness. View Course Details ►	2

* Capstone course

Additional Required Courses (15 credits)

Course Code	Course Name	# of Credits
BUS 321	Organizational Leadership x BUS 321 \| Organizational Leadership Students will examine these areas: motivation, team, group behavior, organizational design, structure, culture, communication, leadership, decision making, and managing change. View Course Details ►	3
FCS 340	Money Management x FCS 340 \| Money Management This course covers financial concepts of direct concern to the individual or family. Budgeting, financial institutions and services, consumer buying, use and control of credit, financial records, buying and selling homes, insurance, and basic investments will be explored. View Course Details ►	3
PUBH 480	Global Health x PUBH 480 \| Global Health This course explores the meaning of "health" as it applies to people of diverse cultures. It provides a global perspective on health status, including morbidity and mortality rates. The course also evaluates various health promotion methods used to encourage healthy lifestyles and address environmental concerns among these cultures. View Course Details ►	3
FAML 300	Marital Dynamics x FAML 300 \| Marital Dynamics This course focuses on the research, theory, and principles concerning marital dynamics, along with skills needed to build strong relationships. View Course Details ►	3
BUS 374	Social Innovation x BUS 374 \| Social Innovation This course incorporates organizational effectiveness at three levels: individual, group, and organizations. Students will examine these areas: motivation, team, group behavior, organizational design, structure, culture, communication, leadership, decision making, and managing change. View Course Details ►	3

Religion Courses (14 free credits)

Religion Cornerstone Courses

Course Code	Course Name	# of Credits
REL 200A	The Eternal Family A	1
REL 200B	The Eternal Family B	1
REL 225A	Foundations of the Restoration A	1
REL 225B	Foundations of the Restoration B	1
REL 250A	Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel A	1
REL 250B	Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel B	1
REL 275A	Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon A	1
REL 275B	Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon B	1

Religion Elective Courses

Course Code	Course Name	# of Credits
REL 280A	Answering My Gospel Questions A	1
REL 280B	Answering My Gospel Questions B	1
REL 290A	The Divine Gift of Forgiveness A	1
REL 290B	The Divine Gift of Forgiveness B	1
REL 333A	Teachings of the Living Prophets A	1
REL 333B	Teachings of the Living Prophets B	1

View Full Catalog

Why choose this degree?

The professional studies degree is recommended for students who want to pursue a specific combination of certificates to meet their career goals. Students will select and complete two introductory certificates and one advanced certificate in one of the five following areas:

Business
Health
Software Development
Family and Human Services
Family History Research