Online Associate of Science in Professional Studies
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Program at a Glance
- Select from two online pathways: a traditional term-based program or an independent, self-paced study program option.
- Create a flexible Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) that meets your professional and personal interests.
- Build your own degree with curriculum from Purdue Global and beyond.
- Apply transfer credits from prior institutions or other experiential learning toward your degree requirements.*
Upcoming Start Dates
Course Effort (Term Based)
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length (Term Based)
10-Week Terms
Average Completion (Term Based)
2 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required (Term Based)
90
(60 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit (Term Based)
$371
Associate's Degree in Professional Studies Overview
Are you an independent thinker who’s motivated to earn a degree? Consider building your own open degree. Purdue Global’s online associate’s degree in professional studies is a customizable degree program that offers you an affordable, flexible way to attain your educational goals. All you need to enroll is a high school diploma and one college course under your belt.
We offer two online pathways to your associate’s in professional studies: a traditional term-based program and an independent study program.
| Term-Based Program Option | Independent Program Option |
|---|---|
| Complete scheduled terms to earn your associate’s degree at Purdue Global | Complete courses at your own pace until the capstone (last course of the degree) |
| Pass eligible instructor-led courses that align with your ILP to earn credit | Pass Assessments of Skills and Knowledge (ASKs) that align with your ILP to earn credit |
| Tuition pricing based on per-credit-hour | Costs include monthly tuition fee, capstone course tuition, and ASK fees |
| Apply for financial and military aid if you qualify | Cash only |
| May defer outstanding loans | Cannot defer outstanding loans |
Your previous college credits or work experience can help you save on the tuition and time needed to graduate. The degree program provides you with the flexibility of learning through resources that come from within and outside Purdue Global.
You may receive degree credit for prior coursework from an accredited institution, an experiential portfolio, open courses, examinations, military training, or other experiential learning.
Start by Creating an Individualized Learning Plan
Work with a Purdue Global faculty advisor to custom design a degree pathway known as an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP).
- Create your personal career-goal statement.
- Review your previously earned college credits.
- Evaluate your prior experience for college credit.
- Learn what is required to meet the degree program.
- Identify potential course assessments and options to fulfill degree requirements.
Program Outcomes
- Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Discuss issues and solutions to improve professional practice.
- Critical Thinking: Interpret information from multiple sources for an issue in a professional field of interest.
- Professionalism and Ethics: Apply ethical principles when making decisions as a leader.
- Communication: Be able to communicate an issue and potential solution to a diverse group of stakeholders in your professional field of interest.
- Analysis: Analyze a program-based solution to address an issue in a professional career field.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Develop New Professional Skills
Study project management, problem solving, and strategic planning. Complete your associate’s degree in professional studies with a capstone class that includes a portfolio project.
Document Your Work and Life Experiences for College Credit
Earn undergraduate college credit for learning you acquired outside of the classroom through Purdue Global’s credit for work and life experience online courses. Create a virtual portfolio of your accomplishments to earn credit that can be applied toward your degree.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. The independent model has additional requirements. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career
Career Opportunities
Earning a professional studies associate’s degree can prepare you for a wide variety of possible career outcomes, depending on your interests, background, and previous work experience. You can begin a new career or qualify for opportunities in a number of rewarding fields.†
Continue With Your Bachelor’s Degree
As an associate’s degree graduate, you’ll be prepared to continue your academic journey with Purdue Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies. You’ll also be prepared to enter a more structured online bachelor’s program at Purdue Global.‡
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
In the associate’s degree in professional studies, your courses cover a range of fundamental subjects. Each course is taught by experienced professionals with extensive real-world knowledge.
See Professional Studies Degree PlanSample Courses
- Interpersonal Communications
- Public Speaking for the Professional
- Arts and Humanities—Modern Creative Expressions
- Sociology
- Associate's Capstone in Professional Studies
Program Requirements
- Core Credits30
- Major Credits50
- Elective Credits10
- Total Credits90
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
†Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.
‡Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
§Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Eligibility is based on U.S. Department of Education criteria and is determined from data submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may also be required to submit supporting documentation as part of a verification process to determine eligibility for financial aid. Subscription-based program models are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid.