A Tradition of Jesuit Excellence Since 1855
The adult learner has been a member of the USF student body since
the early part of the 20th century. To best meet the unique educational
needs of working adults, the university created the College of Professional
Studies in 1975 as one of the country’s first colleges dedicated to
educating the adult learner.
The CPS degree programs are offered in a convenient format and
designed for the working adult professional with experience in his
or her field. The curricula are based on the assumption that adult
learners bring valuable personal and professional experiences to
the classroom. Combining these experiences with a rigorous exploration
of theory and current practical applications produces valuable learning
that gives our graduates a competitive edge in the workplace.
More than 17,000 highly motivated, goal-oriented students have
graduated from the College. diverse in background, age, work experiences,
and objectives, CPS students share a common desire for an education
that is worth the investment of their time, effort, and finances.
Such an education allows them to make a difference— both today and
tomorrow.
Mission
The College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco responds to the unique needs of working adult students by educating leaders for established and emerging professions through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Synthesizing scholarship and work experience into classroom education, faculty and staff dedicate themselves to academic excellence in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.
Goals
Curriculum: To create, assess and continuously, improve a high
quality curriculum that incorporates the latest scholarship, utilizes
students' personal and career experiences, prepares students to
contribute to their professions and to society, and satisfies other
educational needs of adult learners.
Faculty: To recruit and retain faculty, both full-time and adjunct,
who strive for excellence in teaching and research, participate
in College and University affairs, develop their skills and expertise
through their own and the College's efforts, and reflect the diversity
of society.
Students: To attract a dedicated, talented, and diverse student
population and to provide an academic setting which seeks their
input both as students and as alumni, and responds to their professional
development and educational needs.
Community Outreach and Service: To offer programs and services
which promote cooperation between the College and the communities
it serves.
Research: To encourage and assist faculty in conducting research
in their professional fields and in sharing their findings with
the academic and professional community and with their students.
Instructional and Learning Systems: To develop approaches to teaching
and learning, including the use of alternative scheduling, satellite
campuses, educational technology and new information technology
systems, that are fully responsive to the needs of adult students
and to the communities we serve; to foster and assess collaborative
and experiential learning, and other related student and faculty
outcome measures.
Continuing Education: To create professional development and educational
opportunities beyond traditional degree programs.
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