Professional studies

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Professional studies is a term used to classify academic programs which are applied or interdisciplinary in focus. The term can also be used for non-academic training for a specific profession.

Professional studies usually combine theory and practice-based professional learning, focusing on a body of knowledge that is more strictly-delineated and canonical than non-professional studies. Students are trained to ensure expected standards and adequate service delivery in the best practice of a profession.^[1]

Professional studies may lead to academic degrees such as the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS), or Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS). A BPS is similar to a Bachelor of General Studies with a greater emphasis on practical and technical training (and a corresponding lower emphasis on liberal arts), and therefore of greater interest to mid-career students.^{[citation needed]} MPS degrees are usually course-based with a report or project component rather than a research thesis.^[2] The US National Science Foundation considers a DPS to be equivalent to a PhD.^[3]

[edit] References

1. ^ US Department of Education. "First-Professional Studies". http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-professional-studies.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-25. 
2. ^ US Department of Education. "Master's Degrees Programs". http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-masters-degree.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-25. 
3. ^ US Department of Education. "Research Doctorate Programs". http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-research-doctorate.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-25. 

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