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The mission of the College of Professional Studies is to graduate students with a competitive advantage for professional practice. We prepare students to become successful, high-quality professionals who make a difference in their community. Our vision is to be a leading educator of high quality professionals.

Many of the courses offered by the College of Professional Studies include laboratory and clinical experiences closely simulating the business, industry, education 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. Courses from the General Education Program in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences are included in the college’s associate and baccalaureate degree requirements, and provide the foundation for critical thinking and life skills expected of a college graduate. Combined with courses in your desired program, you will gain the knowlege and values necessary for productive citizenship. The entire faculty and staff of the College of Professional Studies are fully committed to your learning and future successes in your chosen profession and in your community.

For More Information:

Christine Raber, Ph.D., OTR/L                                                                                                                                                

Interim Dean, College of Professional Studies

craber@shawnee.edu

740-351-3216

Gail E. Chinn, B.I.S.

Dean’s Assistant

gchinn@shawnee.edu 

Phone: 740.351.3270

Programs Offered

Faculty: A Commitment to Teaching, Scholarship/Research, and Service

Faculty members of the College of Professional Studies are highly qualified, dedicated individuals who care about your development as a future professional. As such, they are academically prepared professsionals dedicated to excellence in teaching and your growth as a future professional. Where required by the program of study, faculty members are credentialed or certified by appropriate disciplinary professional associations. Moreover, our faculty are deeply committed to your success in the college classroom and in your career beyond Shawnee State University. Regardless of the degree you seek within the College of Professional Studies, you can be assured of excellent preparation for your desired career. 

Reputation for Excellence

Employers of our graduates consistently give high praise and excellent reviews to Shawnee State University’s College of Professional Studies programs, and seek our graduates for employment in their organizations. Students’ performance on board and licensure examinations are excellent; often exceeding national averages. Many of our graduates successfully pursue graduate or professional schools.The College of Professional Studies continues to enhance this reputation for excellence. In addition to teaching excellence, faculty engage in scholarship and research activities, typcially involving students in the pursuit of new knowledge and applications of evidence to their disciplinary areas. Service to the community, region,, state, and nation takes many forms, with faculty partnering with local agenices and organizations to meet the needs of the community, as well as engaging in leadership roles within the campus community and professional organizations.  

Commitment to the Future

The College of Professional Studies has expanded its graduate degree offerings in recent years, and is currently seeking approval for additional academic programs that address the educational needs of students and the employment needs of business, industry, and health care. Partnerships with the communities and region we serve are vital to the success of our programs and your education. We regularly survey employers to determine future employment needs and best practices to inform program curriculum. We encourage you to inform us of your educational and occupational goals the pursuit of these goals.

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

Academic Advising

The College of Professional Studies is committed to quality academic advising, because it is essential to the ultimate success of our students. Once you have selected a major, you are advised by the teaching faculty of your department. The Chairperson of your Department or Director of the School will assign you an academic faculty advisor, ensuring that the academic advising system meets your individual needs and requirements as well as those of the Department/School, the College, and the University. Please consult your academic advisor each semester prior to registration for guidance with course selection, sequence of courses, discussion about career paths, and suggestions to build your resume and skills for your chosen career. The Dean of the College of Professional Studies facilitates the answering of interdepartmental questions and deals with exceptions and changes to related academic requirements.

In addition to faculty advising information about our programs is available through the College of Professional Studies Coordinator of Academic Advising & Student Support Services, Ms. Kerrie James-Hunter, M.A..  She is available in the Student Success Center at:

Ms. Kerrie James-Hunter, M.A.

Massie Hall, Room 138

Phone:  740.351.3868

Email:    @shawnee.edu

Preparation for Teacher Licensure

Programs to prepare teachers at several different levels and in a variety of teaching areas are offered cooperatively between the School of Education and the Departments of English and Humanities; Fine, Digital, and Performing Arts; Mathematical Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences. At the middle childhood level (grades 4–9) a Bachelor of Science in Education is available with specific content courses in the College of Arts and Sciences departments. Licensure at the adolescent to young adult level (grades 7–12) or the multiage (grades K–12) Visual Arts requires a degree in the area of teaching specialization within the College of Arts and Sciences.

If you wish to become a licensed teacher, you should consult the School of Education section of this catalog and work with a faculty advisor on licensure matters. In addition to completing the related BA or BS degree requirements, you must complete the professional education requirements and other eligibility criteria for teacher licensure.

Selective Health Sciences Programs

A student who is applying to one of the selective health sciences related programs including: Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, or Respiratory Therapy, but has not been accepted to the program, is advised by the College of Professional Studies Coordinator of Academic Advising & Student Support Services. The advisor works with the student to ensure that all requirements and prerequisites for the selective health science program are complete. The student is responsible for completing and submitting their health sciences application by program deadlines.  See specific programs for important dates and information. 

Undecided Majors

Undecided students who are college ready and who have declared an area of interest within the College of Professional Studies will meet with the Coordinator of Academic Advising and Student Support in the College of Professional Studies to develop a plan to meet your academic and professional goals.

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