The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD) recognizes that, by 2025, the U.S. will have a 23 million shortfall of qualified workers for high-quality employment. The NJLWD also recognizes Industry Valued Credentials as significant prior learning to support working adults.

The A.A.S. degree in Professional Studies provides students who have professional certification, licensing, and work experience with a foundation of general, business, and career education. This program affords working professionals the opportunity to leverage certification, licensure, and work experience into college credit. The opportunity to earn college credit is based on Industry Valued Credentials as outlined by the NJLWD.

This degree is also a steppingstone for working professionals looking to earn a bachelor’s degree as well as a bridge for students currently holding a degree who are looking to switch careers. Thomas Edison State University accepts transfer to its B.A. in Liberal Studies and B.S. in Technical Studies.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Compete effectively in a technology-based global economy;
• Demonstrate the necessary skills to be more productive in their chosen profession and career;
• Demonstrate competence in a broad array of intellectual and communications skills with information and habits of mind that enrich their lives and enable them to participate more fully in a democratic society.