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College of Professional Studies Mission Statement
“The College of Professional Studies is committed to the preparation of professionally and technologically competent, life-long learners through scholarly activities, critical thinking and evidence-based practice while serving culturally diverse communities.”

Many of the courses offered by the College of Professional Studies include laboratory and clinical experiences closely simulating the business, industry, or health care settings in which you will work after graduation.  Some programs require internships or clinical experiences for completion of a major course of study and to qualify you for national certification or licensure.  General education courses in the arts, humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences are included in the college’s associate and baccalaureate degree requirements to provide our graduates with the life skills expected of a college graduate and necessary for productive citizenship.

The entire faculty and staff of the College of professional Studies are fully committed to your future successes in enhancing the quality of life in your chosen profession and in your community.

 For More Information

Paul M. Madden, Ph.D, Dean
Sarah Clausing, M.B.A., Secretary
College of Professional Studies

Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4344

Phone: 740.351.3270
Fax:     740.351.3354
E-mail: pmadden@shawnee.edu
            sclausing@shawnee.edu

Programs Offered

Reputation for Excellence

Employers of our graduates consistently give high praise and excellent reviews to Shawnee State University’s professional studies programs, and many of our students are now successfully pursuing graduate level work or have entered professional schools. Students’ performance on national and licensure exams are excellent; well above national averages. The College of Professional Studies continues to enhance this reputation for excellence.

Faculty

Faculty in professional studies are experienced and academically credentialed or certified by appropriate professional associations in their career fields. Moreover, our faculty are committed to your success in the college classroom and in your career beyond Shawnee State University.

Commitment to the Future

In addition to the degree programs listed on the previous page, the College of Professional Studies is currently seeking approval for other academic programs that address the educational needs of students and the employment needs of business, industry, and health care. Just as we survey employers to determine employment needs for the future, we also ask you to inform us of your educational and occupational goals so that we can become an active partner in the pursuit of those goals.

If the College of Professional Studies does not currently offer a degree that meets your needs, you may design, with the help of your academic advisor, an associate’s or bachelor’s of individualized studies degree which includes two or more subject areas of interest to you.

We are proud of our graduates’ success. Your participation and ideas contribute to our tradition of excellence.

Double Majors and Dual (or Second) Degrees

Students may choose a second major or dual (second) degree for a variety of reasons:  personal interest in the subject matter, development of knowledge and skills required for further education or for a career, or preparation for graduate or professional school.  Talk to your advisor about the feasibility of pursuing a second major or dual/second degree and to discuss specific requirements.

Options for Multiple Majors

Students pursuing two majors should consider early on whether they wish to complete a single degree with two majors or two degrees.

Single Degree with Two Majors

A single degree with two majors leads to a single diploma, though both majors are noted on the student’s record and transcript.

• You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
• Each major must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 hours for associate degree) not contained in the other.
• Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
• You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn a single degree with two majors.
• You must fulfill all degree requirements for both majors.
• An approved petition is required to graduate with two majors.

Two Degrees

Pursuit of two different degrees (AA, AAB, AAS, AIS, AS, ATS, BA, BFA, BIS, BS, BSE) leads to the award of two diplomas.  The degrees will be designated separately on the student’s record and transcript.

• You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
• Each degree must contain at least 30 unique hours (20 for associate degree) not contained in the other.
• Overlap of the GEP and electives is permitted.
• You must complete at least 120 hours (60 for associate degree) to earn both degrees.
• You must fulfill all degree requirements for both degrees.
• An approved petition is required to graduate with two degrees. 

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