Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about Winthrop University’s online Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) degree completion program.
What differentiates this program from others?
Winthrop University's B.P.S. features a unique competency-based education (CBE) structure. It is a subscription-based model where you'll pay for access to take professional studies courses for a given term at your pace, and complete competencies along the way. In conjunction with asynchronous learning and 100% online courses, our B.P.S. program is tailored for ultimate flexibility.
What are the benefits of the CBE subscription model?
The structure includes these key features and advantages:
- Course subscription model: Once you have paid a 14-week subscription fee, you can move through coursework and competencies conveniently at your pace. This structure allows the B.P.S. program to adapt to your schedule, even if your availability changes
- Simplified cost: The subscription rate is $1,750 per subscription period if you're studying part-time (access to fewer than 12 credit hours) and $3,500 per subscription period if you're studying full-time (access to 12 or more credit hours)
- Summative assessments: At the end of each course, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Once you earn the associated competency, you can add it to your professional portfolio
- Comprehensive portfolio: Our seamless CBE structure makes it easy to compile highlights from your competencies into a portfolio that will demonstrate your skills to potential employers and managers
Is the program accredited?
Winthrop University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and specialist degrees.
What are the program's admissions requirements?
For admission to the B.P.S., you'll need:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from each institution you've attended
- A GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from prior institutions (including a 2.0 GPA during your last term of attendance)
- A short essay is optional but encouraged
- Work experience is helpful but not required
- Minimum 30 credit hours required, as this is a degree completion program
Visit the admissions overview page to learn more.
Can I attend a virtual open house?
Yes. You can register for upcoming information sessions and watch a short informative video on the School of Graduate, Continuing and Online Education webpage.
Does the program offer credit for prior work experience?
B.P.S. students can earn up to 15 hours of academic credit for knowledge acquired from work and professional experiences using a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
You will be guided through the PLA process in PFST 301, your first B.P.S. core course.
What prerequisites do I need to complete before beginning the program?
Because this is a degree completion program, you must transfer to Winthrop University with a minimum of 30 credits. Your advisors will help you schedule and complete your General Education requirements before you can begin the B.P.S.
How long will the program take to complete?
Because the B.P.S. is so flexible, you can complete the degree at a pace that works for you. The program's duration depends on how many credits you transfer and whether you study full-time or part-time. The B.P.S. is a degree completion program which requires a minimum of 30 transfer credits to begin the program.
Is there a campus residency requirement?
The B.P.S. is offered 100% online without campus requirements.
What will I learn in the program?
Each B.P.S. competency will help you hone decision-making, problem-solving and management skills. In the B.P.S. program's core courses, you'll also explore workplace diversity and collaboration, applied critical thinking, organizational behavior, global economies and more. Choose one of four concentrations to direct your skill set toward the career you want most: Community and Health Services, Health Informatics, Organizational Leadership or Organizational Operations.
Are there set times to attend my classes?
No, you will have access to our online learning system, so you can access your coursework anytime, day or night.
Does this program have concentrations?
Yes, you'll choose one concentration from the following:
- Community and Health Services: Develop knowledge and skills in community health, nutrition, healthcare management and more. Prepare to become a medical and health services manager
- Health Informatics: Analyze and evaluate how data-driven solutions are utilized in healthcare systems. Explore clinical decision support, arrangement of care, patient privacy, medical record-keeping and more
- Organizational Leadership: Cultivate ethical leadership practices as you learn to enhance talent and retention. You'll also develop coaching and mentoring skills
- Organizational Operations: Analyze the role that operations, inventory, data analytics and supply chain processes play in providing economic and financial value to an organization
Do I have to choose a concentration in the B.P.S. degree?
Yes, all students must choose a concentration from one of the four options.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Whether you'd like to advance in your current role or embark on a new path, you'll have the skills to stand out. Apply your B.P.S. degree to education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and technology services positions. Start your path toward these careers and many more:
- Business analyst
- Healthcare administrator
- Health informatics specialist
- Human resource professional
- Management consultant
- Medical records specialist
- Nonprofit manager
- Office manager
- Operations manager
- Practice manager
- Project manager
- Quality analyst
- Supply chain manager
Visit the B.P.S. Careers page to learn more.
What are the tuition costs of this program?
The online B.P.S. is offered in a unique course subscription model. Once you have paid a 14-week subscription fee, you can move through coursework and competencies conveniently at your own pace. This structure allows the B.P.S. program to adapt to your schedule, even if your availability changes.
The subscription rate is $1,750 per subscription period if you're studying part-time (access to fewer than 12 credit hours) and $3,500 per subscription period if you're studying full-time (access to 12 or more credit hours).
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Winthrop University’s FAFSA code is 003456.
For more information about financial aid, visit our tuition and financial aid page.
How do I begin the application process?
You can contact a program manager toll-free at 833/257-1704 with questions or request more information today.