Professional Studies

Professional programs are advanced studies in a professional or vocational field. While they have theoretical foundations, the primary purpose is the attainment of knowledge to apply in a professional practice. Students typically begin and end these programs with a cohort, taking a sequence of required courses that prepare them for professional careers.

Professional programs included in this section are those where a professional accrediting body provides oversight of curriculum and sets standards that must be met. For these professional degree programs successful completion is required to sit for licensure and/or certification exam that enables individuals to practice in the profession. These academic programs are primarily focused on preparation for professional practice rather than scientific inquiry and therefore do not meet the criterion for Graduate Studies of requiring an original thesis or dissertation. The programs are included in the same “career” within the myZou system and courses are numbered 5000-6999.