The professional studies degree is designed for those who want to prepare for a variety of career paths and opportunities.

A B.S. in professional studies degree from SEMO has two options to meet your career goals by creating your own program or finding your own path.

Creator Track

If you aren’t sure what you want to major in or have lots of interests, our “Creator” track is for you. This professional studies degree program allows you to essentially create your own degree, building your coursework tailored to your interests and goals.

Pathfinder Track

If you just know you want a bachelor's degree or are a working professional who wants to advance or change your career by completing your degree, our “Pathfinder” track is for you. This bachelor of professional studies program offers flexible courses and an emphasis on strengthening high-demand critical workforce skills such as management, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.

The professional studies degree program also allows you to transfer completed college credits, if you have them, to shorten the time to finish your bachelor’s degree. You may also have professional experience that would qualify for prior learning credits, giving you course credit for what you’ve already done. Students in professional studies even have a program-specific way to earn PLA credit through PX490. The professional studies degree is also offered online if you need a degree program not only to fit your career goals but also your schedule.

  • $316.50

    Per Credit Hour (domestic)

  • 120

    # of Credits

  • 2

    Options to Build Your Degree

What You'll Study

Degree Map

Choosing a professional studies degree helps you improve your job opportunities and learn specific skills in different areas. This program gives you a well-rounded education that combines theory with hands-on experience. The professional studies degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Course:

  • PX499 College to Career (3)
Choose one track:
Creator Track – 27 hours
  • PX200 Exploring Academic Disciplines (3)
  • PX397 Project Development Workshop (3)
  • PX399 Project Seminar (3)
  • Choose 18 hours in at least two disciplines with the advice of an advisor which contribute to the final project.
Pathfinder Track 
  • Choose coursework with the advice of an advisor to reach 120 hours.

*PX398 Interdisciplinary Independent Study may be taken for up to 6 hours to fulfill the additional hours required to meet the 120-hour minimum requirement.

*PX490 Prior Learning and Experiential Portfolio may be taken for up to 12 hours to fulfill the additional hours required to meet the 120-hour minimum requirement.

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities and Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year

Fall (16 hours)
  • UI100 (1 hours)
  • EN100 (3 hours)
  • PX200 or elective (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
Spring (15 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Second Year

Fall (16 hours)
  • PX397 or elective (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • General Education with Lab (4 hours)
Spring (15 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • General Education (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Third Year

Fall (15 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • PX398 or elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
Spring (15 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • PX project-related course or elective (3 hours)
  • PX398 or elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Fourth Year

Fall (13 hours)
  • PX399 or elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (1 hour)
Spring (15 hours)
  • PX499 (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)
  • Elective (3 hours)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Save Time and Tuition

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

We think you should get credit for the real-world experience you have earned. SEMO offers a variety of opportunities for PLA. This accelerates your degree completion and cuts costs. In addition to traditional credit by examination or military-related credit, our academic departments and programs provide opportunities to earn credits based on your existing experience.

Transfer Your Credits

You have two convenient methods to explore how your courses might transfer. TES enables you to identify classes from your prior institution that align with Southeast's offerings, while Degree Works Transfer Equivalency enables you to input your completed courses and assess their relevance to a Southeast degree.

Military and Veterans Support

Southeast Missouri State University is dedicated to ensuring that military members and their families feel welcomed within our community. Regardless of how much time has passed since your last academic pursuit, pursuing a college education is always within reach, and SEMO is here to guide you through it. Discover our tuition and scholarship opportunities tailored for military families, and select a program that aligns with your interests. Our comprehensive military support services are available to assist you in realizing your full potential.

Financial Aid

Investing in a college degree is significant, yet important. The complexities of financing your education shouldn't hinder your pursuit of it.

Admissions Requirements

The requirements for admission vary depending on how you plan to enter Southeast. We must consider your educational background, the extent of your prior education, and your desired degree or program. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the Admissions Requirements or speak to an Admissions Counselor to learn more.

Upcoming Start Dates

  • 12

    Registration for Summer 2024 Begins

  • 01

    Registration for Fall 2024 Begins

Professional Studies
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Location
Office
Carnahan Hall 311J
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 3400
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701