Accelerated Degree Program

The Bachelor of Professional Studies Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) is designed primarily for adult students and offers the curriculum for the Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree utilizing a quality and innovative fast-track degree-completion format.  The delivery system offers a perfect opportunity to finish a bachelor’s degree in an intensive, flexible format.  The program will be designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to complete a degree while working in their careers or raising a family.  Special features of the Accelerated Degree Program include:

• Online offerings, mini-terms, blended coursework, and residential weekend sessions conducted at Lake Point Conference Center which is owned and operated by the University
  

• Innovative, interactive courses based on a best practices model for adult education stressing teaming, project development, and outcomes assessment
  

• Respected regional university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  

• Qualified advisors providing individualized academic guidance and support
  

• Flexible scheduling for evening, weekend, and online accelerated courses
  

• Credit offerings from a respected university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  

• Off-campus residential site utilizing the beautiful facilities of the Lake Point Conference

Many people, for one reason or another, began, but never completed a bachelor’s degree or have accumulated hours that cannot be applied to a concentration in one specific major.  Students who successfully complete the program are granted a Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree. The ADP allows each student to complete the necessary hours for the degree within a convenient yet directed scheduling format under the guidance of advisors who understand the unique needs of the adult learner.  The BPS degree is designed to prepare students for entry or advancement in government, nonprofit, corporate or industrial careers.  With input from an advisor, each student will develop a Plan of Study which outlines the courses which best meet the individual’s academic and career needs. 

The typical student enrolling in this program is generally 25 years or older with at least five years of work experience who meets the general admission requirements of Arkansas Tech University.  Students may be asked to complete a computer proficiency assessment since much of the coursework is offered electronically. Enrollment options may include utilizing cohort groups consisting of 10 to 15 adult students who complete the curriculum as a unit.  This arrangement provides collaborative learning opportunities and lasting relationships among the students.

As a capstone program for students who have completed a minimum of 60 transferable credits, the courses offered are designed to enhance workplace skills such as planning, organizational behavior, ethics, needs assessment, problem solving, communications, human resources, and technology applications.  Students who enter the program with 60 earned credit hours and have completed all of the general education requirements, should be able to complete the remainder of the degree requirements within an 18-month period. 

A minimum of 124 hours is required for degree completion and 40 of these hours must be upper division coursework.  The delivery methods will provide an accelerated format for completing the coursework through online offerings, mini-terms, blended coursework, and residential weekend sessions conducted at Lake Point Conference Center which is owned and operated by the University. 

Built into the program is a process for awarding up to 12 hours of upper division credit for documented prior learning through relevant work experience, professional development, military training, etc. 

Download Prior Learning Assessment Process here.

ADP Curriculum for BPS Degree

Transfer courses and ATU coursework accepted toward the degree: Up to 68 hours accepted from a community college toward the degree. 37 hours of General Education coursework or enrollment in courses as needed. 

Recommended Professional Core:  28 hours
PS 3001: Portfolio Development for Prior Learning Assessment
PS 3023:  Professional Communications
PS 3003:  Special Problems
PS 4006:  Capstone Project
PS 3133:  Applied Principles of Personnel Management
COMS 1003:  Introduction to Computer-Based Systems
ENGL 2053:  Technical Writing
SPH 2003:  Public Speaking
JOUR 4033:  Community Journalism
(Substitutions may be recommended by the advisor.)

Individual Plan of Study:  18 hours
Courses meeting interests/career needs of students

PS 4201-12 Prior Learning Assessment Credit: Up to 12 hours

Electives:  Balance of electives needed to meet 40-hour upper-division requirement or balance of 124 hours.

Download Accelerated Degree Program Handbook here.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Mary Ann Rollans, Dean
Lake Point Conference Center at Arkansas Tech University
61 Lake Point Lane
Russellville, AR 72802
(479) 968-0318
mrollans@atu.edu

Annette Stuckey, Director
Bachelor of Professional Studies
Lake Point Conference Center at Arkansas Tech University
61 Lake Point Lane
Russellville, AR  72802
(479) 356-2095
astuckey@atu.edu