College of Liberal Arts
General Professional Studies

General Professional Studies (GPS) from Benedictine University on Vimeo.

GPS at BenU: Your Gateway to Success in the Workplace and Beyond

GPS courses at BenU impart the professional skills that 21st-century employers seek, such as problem solving, communication, critical thinking, cultural literacy, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and moral reasoning. Professional success, we believe, requires the ability to think, speak, read, interpret and connect. BenU’s one-of-a-kind GPS curriculum helps students develop transferable skills for the workplace, not through the study of subjects such as math, management, and marketing, but rather through the study of art, communication, history, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, and theology.

The architects of the General Professional Studies program aim to impart a broad education that enables students to succeed in any career they choose. If you are looking for a program that will help you to cultivate the valuable workplace skills that employers are looking for by giving you the kind of broad education needed to succeed in any career, then GPS at BenU is the right program for you.

Looking to earn a degree while juggling work, family, and other commitments? Our online, asynchronous program is designed for busy adults like you

Here’s what you can expect:

• Fully online: Take classes from anywhere, anytime.
• Asynchronous: No set class times, so you can work on your coursework when it’s convenient for you.
• Credit for work and life experiences: We recognize that you’ve learned a lot outside of the classroom. That’s why we offer credit for your work and life experiences.
• Minimal textbooks: Most of our textbooks are free online, so you can save money.
• No statistics or foreign language requirement: We focus on the skills you need to succeed in today’s workforce, not on outdated requirements.
• Skills for professional success: You’ll learn the skills you need to succeed in your career, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
• Work on work-related projects: You’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that are relevant to your field.
• Work on your resume: We’ll help you develop a resume that highlights your skills and experience.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Enroll in our online program today.

GPS courses at BenU are designed to teach you the valuable workplace skills

GPS courses at BenU are designed to teach you the valuable workplace skills that employers are looking for, including problem solving, communication, critical thinking, cultural literacy, teamwork, emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility. In addition to developing these essential skills, you will also learn about and improve your ability to navigate the now through the study of art, literature, history, philosophy, and psychology. In addition to developing these essential skills, GPS courses at BenU will also give you the opportunity to learn about and improve your ability to navigate the now through the study of art, literature, history, philosophy, and psychology. This broad education will give you a deep understanding of the world around you and prepare you to succeed in any career you choose.

If you are looking for a program that will teach you the valuable workplace skills that employers are looking for and give you a broad education that will prepare you to succeed in any career, then GPS at BenU is the right program for you. A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in General Professional Studies possesses a versatile educational background that can open doors to a wide range of career paths. This interdisciplinary degree equips students with a broad set of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and project management. Graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as business administration, non-profit management, human resources, marketing, and more. The degree’s generalist nature also prepares students for roles that value adaptability and a well-rounded skill set, making them attractive candidates for positions that require the ability to manage diverse tasks and projects. Additionally, the foundational knowledge gained through a General Professional Studies program can serve as a steppingstone for those looking to specialize further through graduate studies or professional certification in their areas of interest.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the General Professional Studies program:

• Personal Tenacity & Accountability
• Lifelong Learning & Change Management
• Sustainability & Citizenship
• Information, Application & Design I & II
• Cognitive Flexibility & Problem Solving I & II
• Inquiry, Curiosity & Judgement
• Relationship Development: Interpersonal & Multi-Cultural
• Benedictine Wisdom for Today
• Emotional Intelligence, Collaboration & Success
• Language and Culture: Navigating Differences

General Professional Studies (GPS)

Lisle adult completion course descriptions

Mesa adult completion course descriptions

GPS Admissions Process and Requirements

Benedictine University considers each applicant’s academic and extracurricular record holistically, seeking students who will thrive in our rigorous programs and contribute to our vibrant community.

• Age 22+ for admission into the GPS program
• No language or statistics required for entry
• Credit for work and life experiences

Go to Admissions