The Bachelor of Professional Studies is RIC’s 100% online adult degree completion program.
Learning That Fits Your Life
We know that many adult students are juggling work and family commitments. The Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) program was designed with this in mind. Choose the B.P.S. program to achieve something you've always wanted, in a way that works for you. Interested?
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Ready to Apply?
Take the next step to advance your career with the BPS program. (Please be sure that you are selecting the BPS application. Any other application will not be considered. If the BPS application is not available, the application window for that semester has closed.)
Apply for 2025
Spring 2025 Program
- application period opens: August 1
- application deadline is November 1: get notified of acceptance on November 15
- classes begin: January 21
Fall 2025 Program
- application period opens: March 3
- application deadline is June 13; get notified of acceptance on June 27
- classes begin August 25
Two Concentration Options
The B.P.S. bachelor's degree program allows you to choose from one of two concentrations, each including the added value of a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (C.U.S.):
- Organizational Leadership (C.U.S. in Workplace Diversity)
- Social Services (C.U.S. in Nonprofit Studies)
Each concentration emphasizes diversity and ethics, while teaching concepts and skills delivered efficiently and accessibly that are required for career advancement. There is also a foundation in the arts and sciences through the B.P.S. general education requirements.
2 Courses at a Time
The B.P.S is designed to fit within a busy working adult’s schedule. Here’s how it works:
- program runs during the Fall and Spring semesters
- each semester is split into two 7-week sessions
- 2 courses are taught in each session
- courses are delivered in a blended online format
- synchronous courses in each semester are taught back-to-back on the same day of the week
Fully Online Courses, Synchronous and Asynchronous
Courses are delivered in a blended online format:
- asynchronous = students view course materials and complete assignments without specified class meetings
- synchronous = students and instructors are talking, teaching, and learning via Zoom in real time
Please note: only the following courses meet synchronously:
- COMM 208B/COMM 333B (Offered in the Fall)
- COMM 454B (Offered in the Spring)
- ENGL 230B (Offered in the Fall)
Admission Requirements
- 24 years or older at time of application
- 5 years of documented comprehensive work experience and/or military training
- a minimum of 24 earned college credits from a regionally accredited college or university (Your transcripts must come directly from the college or university in an official, electronic format. Paper copies or unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.)
- a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher
- no prior bachelor’s degree earned
Please Note: Current RIC students (still active as degree students) who wish to change their major to the B.P.S. need to submit a Change of Major Request to B.P.S. Form.
Tuition + Fees Per Semester (2024-2025)
- $358/credit
- $105 technology fee
- $52 library fee
- $275 B.P.S. program fee
Financial Aid
Our Office of Financial Aid is ready to answer any questions about financial assistance.
Contact Financial Aid
Academic Components
- minimum of 120 earned college credits (including up to 75 transfer credits)
- concentration: 36–39 credits
- general education requirements: 40 credits (some of which may be from prior earned credit)
- prior learning portfolio and/or elective credits: if needed to reach the 120 credits for graduation
Required Courses
Total Credits: 35