Associate of Science in Professional Studies
Online Degree ProgramThe Associate of Science in Professional Studies (ASPS) degree program is designed to help graduates prepare to pursue entry-level positions in their field and can help them prepare to transfer into bachelor-level programs at Trident with junior standing. The depth and breadth of the general education requirements along with the professional experience gained though a vocational, technical, or professional certificate program may lead to an associate degree.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.
Students entering this degree program will transfer-in at least 12 semester hours of transferable college credit or documented military training. Transfer up to 28 credits and earn an Associate of Science in Professional Studies (ASPS). The credits remaining after the General Education and Capstone courses are completed must be satisfied through free electives to bring the total degree credits to 60 semester hours. The student’s exact number of free electives required will be determined at the time that the transfer credit evaluation is completed by the Registrar’s Office.
The The EdActive™ Learning Approach emphasizes learning that is structured on case-based approach to ensure your education is well-suited for the real world.
With our fully online college degree program, you will enjoy convenience and flexibility as you:
- Prepare to pursue entry-level management positions in business, industry, and the non-profit sector.
- Use technological tools in the learning process in a professional field of study.
- Apply existing knowledge from a multidisciplinary context to make optimal real-world decisions.
- Work to make decisions in accordance with ethical principles.
- Interpret quantitative information in a field of study.
- Recognize diversity, and historic, artistic and literary expressions.
- Collaborate with dedicated and attentive faculty.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the Trident University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
The Trident Difference
EdActive™ Learning Approach
Students are presented with a question or issue. They do their own research, apply their own experience and present their solution. Feedback and suggestions are received and the student applies the learning to their next task.
Flexibility
With flexible, 100% online classes you can manage your own time to deliver on deadline, with milestones to keep you on track. Faculty is responsive to student needs without daily micro-management.
Affordability
Trident is competitively priced with no application or lab fees. Scholarships and grants are available for those who qualify*.
Accreditation
Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Upon successful completion of the ASPS degree program graduates should be able to:
- Apply knowledge from multiple disciplines to professional settings.
- Apply concepts, principles, methods, and prior knowledge from multiple domains (humanities, social, behavioral, and natural sciences) in the development of reasoned conclusions.
- Convey ideas, arguments, and information clearly and concisely.
- Apply logic to draw conclusions based on mathematical information.
- Use information from credible sources effectively and ethically.
- Develop reasoned conclusions by integrating information from multiple perspectives.
- Integrate multiple and differing interpersonal and intercultural perspectives to address equity and inclusion in the development of reasoned conclusions.
- Apply ethical principles and theories to situations.
Courses at Trident will be industry-relevant. As an Associate of Science in Professional Studies student, you will take a variety of classes, including Humanities and Fine Arts; Quantitative Skills; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Written and Oral Communication.
The Associate of Science in Professional Studies requires 60 credits for degree completion. You will take 32 semester credits of program core coursework and concentration coursework will vary based on the amount of transfer credits accepted. Students entering this program will transfer-in at least 12 credits from a completed professional certificate, diploma, or from a military training, occupation or rating.
The following standardtransfer policies apply:
- Credits are considered for transfer from:
- Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- The American Council on Education (ACE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Excelsior
- Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees.
- Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees.
- Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee. Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
- Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
If you plan to transfer-in potential credit, please review our transfer policy.
Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by earning credit for prior learning*? Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the Trident University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Ways to Save
Scholarships & Grants
Trident offers an assortment of scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for our students.*
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Credits for Prior Learning
Trident may award graduate credit for professional training and certifications.* Students may submit the request for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) during the admissions process. For questions or assistance contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@trident.edu.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Associate of Science in Professional Studies is a degree program that is designed to help students prepare to pursue entry-level positions in organizations or to further their education toward a bachelor’s degree. Students who study in this program will explore topics related to business processes and applications. Upon graduation, you can enroll in one of Trident’s Bachelor’s degree programs or pursue a career path with an Associate degree.
An ASPS degree program at Trident provides you with the opportunity to study various subjects designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your classes may include guidance on how to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. In this program, students can study a variety of subject areas including humanities and fine arts, quantitative skills, social and behavioral sciences, and written and oral communication.
The Associate of Science in Professional Studies program at Trident requires a total of 60 semester credits. 12 semester hours of transferable college credit or documented military training are required for admission into this program. Additional credits for consideration may include transfer credits from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking*.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Eligible students with military experience, active and retired, may be able to transfer-in between 12 and 28 credits.* Please refer to Trident Fastrac for more information.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Trident offers 8-week sessions for its students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Refer to the academic calendar for a schedule of class start dates.
