Professional Studies

Professional Studies

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Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Distinctive coursework designed to support your individualized career goals across a variety of professional fields.

02

Gain hands-on experience in areas such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and applied decision-making tailored to your selected emphasis areas.

03

Innovative coursework, interdisciplinary emphasis options, applied learning experiences, and opportunities to build professional connections across industries.

04

Ideal for students with AAS degrees from a wide range of disciplines, allowing you to customize your degree by selecting emphasis areas that align with your career goals.

05

Prepares you to advance in your current field or transition into new career pathways by developing adaptable, in-demand professional skills.

Core
Skills

  • Leadership and team collaboration in professional settings
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving for workplace challenges
  • Professional communication in writing, speaking, and digital contexts
  • Project planning, coordination, and organizational skills
  • Technology and digital literacy for modern work environments

Sample
Jobs

  • Marketing or Communications Coordinator
  • Organizational Development or Training Specialist
  • Client Services Specialist
  • Administrative Manager
  • Program Coordinator

Brag
Points

  • Students with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees can transfer 60 credit hours including technical credit.
  • Design your own path: choose emphasis areas that align with your career goals and create a customized curriculum that fits your professional ambitions.

Professional Studies

Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Begin Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at an accredited community college.
Complete foundational General Education courses (7–8 courses).
Start technical specialty coursework in your chosen field (e.g., any AAS major at your community college).

2nd Year

Complete remaining General Education requirements. Finish technical specialty coursework (45 technical elective hours). Graduate with Associate of Applied Science degree.

3rd Year

Begin upper-division coursework in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies program. Take the required courses in the emphasis areas you select. Work with your academic advisor to build a schedule that fits your goals and personal commitments. Continue completing remaining General Education courses as needed. Evaluate Prior Learning Recognition opportunities to potentially shorten your path to graduation.

4th Year

Complete remaining upper-division coursework in your emphasis areas. Work closely with your advisor to ensure you are on track to meet the 120-credit graduation requirement. Wrap up any outstanding General Education or elective requirements.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Explore part-time jobs or internships in the field of your choosing. Develop skills through course projects or hands-on learning. Practice professional communication and collaboration in class assignments.

2nd Year

Apply for internships, co-op programs, or part-time work in a field of your choosing. Build your portfolio by saving high-quality class projects or documents that demonstrate your professional and technical skills.
 

3rd Year

Engage fully in course-based experiential learning, such as simulations, team projects, and mock interviews. Apply what you’re learning to your current job, internship, or volunteer work, if applicable. Start identifying skills you want to strengthen based on course feedback and self-reflection.

4th Year

Use course assignments to build a professional portfolio that showcases your strengths and skills. Fill in any experience gaps through volunteering, part-time work, or additional training. Consider participating in employer networking opportunities or informational interviews to explore career options.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Volunteer with local nonprofits, community centers, or school offices to build organizational and interpersonal skills.
Join campus clubs, student government, or honor societies to enhance leadership and teamwork experience.

2nd Year

Seek out leadership roles in student clubs, honor societies, or community service organizations.
Participate in local business networking events, career fairs, or volunteer projects related to administration or customer service.
Mentor first-year students or volunteer for peer-led initiatives on campus.

3rd Year

Join campus or virtual student organizations related to your career interests. Look for opportunities to get involved in community initiatives or professional associations. Network with peers, faculty, and staff who can support your academic and career journey.

4th Year

Continue engaging with student or professional organizations. Seek leadership roles in volunteer or service activities related to your field.
Attend campus or virtual events that promote community building and professional connections.

Explore the World

1st Year

Attend campus or local events that explore cultural diversity and global perspectives. Take electives or Gen Ed courses with an international or cross-cultural focus, such as global studies or world history. Follow global trends through podcasts, news outlets, or student discussion forums.

2nd Year

Explore virtual events, webinars, or community college programs that promote global awareness or business trends. If possible, participate in cultural awareness weeks or events to better understand workplace diversity. Learn about international companies or global workforce demands in administrative and support roles.

3rd Year

Take electives or attend campus events that explore access, opportunity, and success in the workplace. Participate in discussions or assignments that address international trends in business and industry. Explore global or multicultural dimensions of administrative work through research or readings.

4th Year

Apply workplace skills and knowledge to real-world challenges involving global or cross-cultural perspectives. Take advantage of any study abroad or virtual international experiences if available. Reflect on the role of leadership and communication in supporting international and diverse workplaces.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Visit your community college’s career services to explore job shadowing or early résumé building. Create a basic résumé and start documenting skills and experience. Identify your career interests and begin exploring how your AAS degree aligns with transfer or advancement options.

2nd Year

Update your résumé with new experience, skills, and accomplishments. Practice interview skills through mock interviews or workshops offered by your career center. Begin exploring Mississippi State’s BAS in Professional Studies program and connect with an MSU advisor to start planning your transfer.

3rd Year

Visit the Career Center to refine your résumé and begin exploring job opportunities or graduate school options. Attend networking events, job fairs, or industry panels when available. Connect with MSU alumni working in career fields of your interest to learn more about their career paths.

4th Year

Meet with the Career Center for job search support, interview preparation, and résumé review. Apply for full-time positions or graduate programs aligned with your goals. Polish your LinkedIn profile and start applying for positions that match your skills and interests.
Celebrate your accomplishments!

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

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