Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION]

Applied Studies Major, B.P.S.


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60 hours

BPS students pursuing an applied studies concentration in either public service or enterprising leadership will do so in an accelerated, cohort format.  Students in both of those applied studies concentrations will take a set curriculum in order to satisfy degree completion.  Students can pursue a BPS in either public service or enterprising leadership after completing sixty (60) credit hours and fulfilling the University of Southern Indiana Core 39 (not including the embedded experiences).  The BPS applied studies concentrations are designed for students to gain specialized knowledge for practical applications in either the public or private sector.

BPS Degree Requirements


  • All University general admission requirements, academic policies, and academic standards for other baccalaureate degree programs apply to the BPS program.
  • All students seeking the degree Bachelor of Professional Studies must fulfill Core 39 requirements. Core 39 requirements are listed elsewhere in this bulletin.
  • 120 hours are required for a baccalaureate degree.
  • At least 39 hours must be at the upper division (300-400) level.
  • A minimum of 30 hours of credit toward the degree must be earned at USI.
  • Students seeking admission to the BPS program should make application to the USI Office of Admission. Students pursuing an individualized study concentration can declare the major immediately upon entering the University.  Students pursuing an applied studies concentration (public service or enterprising leadership) must have earned sixty (60) credit hours and fulfill the University of Southern Indiana Core 39, not including the embedded experiences, before applying to the BPS applied studies program. Due to the accelerated, cohort nature of the applied studies concentrations, students wishing to pursue this degree program must be accepted into the program by the BPS program director. The required sixty (60) credit hours can be earned at USI, transferred in from other accredited universities, or take the form of block credit based on an assessment of competencies and professional or technical training (i.e., military experience).
  • Students must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to be considered for admission into the BPS program.
  • Up to six hours of credit may be earned through an occupational experience ( PRFS 490 - Professional Studies Internship ).
  • Individualized Studies Concentration: BPS students who select the individualized studies option will work closely with an advisor to design a program of study to meet individual educational and career objectives. This flexible program enables students to create their own “major,” utilizing courses from two or more academic disciplines. Previous hours earned at other institutions will be evaluated according to USI transfer policies.
  • Applied Studies Concentration: This option is for students who have completed a formal associate degree program or have amassed considerable college credit. In order to be admitted into this concentration, applicants must have completed the USI Core 39 (not including embedded experiences) and have accumulated at least sixty (60) credit hours of college credit.
  • For technical degrees and/or certificates not eligible for transfer credit, credit may be awarded as a block of hours instead of individual courses. The amount of credit awarded will be determined and approved by the BPS program director in accordance with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

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