Associate of Arts degree in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies
This full time degree requires two complete academic years and the intervening May and June to complete, comprising a minimum of 60 earned credit hours. Like all Bright College programs, students enter and progress through the program as part of a learning community.
Course Sequence
Year 1
- Early August: Summer Bridge & Orientation Program (1 week; 0 credit hours)
- Fall Semester (August-December)
- JBC 015: Seminar in Communication, Representation & Cultural History” (12 credit hours; 9 hours per week)
- JBC 011: Dean’s Hour/Advisory I (1 credit hour; 1 hour per week)
- January Term (January)
- JBC 025: Organizational Improv (3 credit hours; 9 hours per week)
- Spring Semester (January-May)
- JBC 035: Seminar in Media & Data Literacy for Citizen Engagement (12 credit hours; 9 hours per week)
- JBC 031: Dean’s Hour/Advisory II (1 credit hour; 1 hour per week)
Students who remain in good academic standing (a GPA of 2.0 or better) are eligible to take an additional Drake course of up to four (4) credit hours after their first semester. Students must complete the Seminars and Practicum in the sequence outlined below. Visit the Academic Calendar for exact dates.
Year 2
- Summer Term (May-June)
- JBC 041: Internship (2 credit hours; 9 hours per week for two weeks + 30-35 internship hours)
- JBC 045: Organizational Culture (4 credit hours; 9 hours per week for four weeks)
- Summer Break: July & first three weeks of August
- Fall Semester (August-December)
- JBC 055: Seminar in Global Natural and Social Systems (12 credit hours; 9 hours per week)
- JBC 051: Advisory (Individually arranged)
- January Term (January)
- JBC 121: Topics in Business Professions (3 credit hours; 9 hours per week)
- Spring Semester (January-May)
- JBC 125: Practicum in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies (6 classroom hours/week + ~15 weekly on-site hours)
- Graduation (May)
Application for Admission
We are looking for creative, driven learners who want the opportunity to do college differently—those eager for the challenges of teamwork, innovation, and creative problem solving in a uniquely supportive environment focused on real world learning.
Applications open in September of the year preceding fall enrollment. Applicants will submit:
- High-school transcripts
- Two brief personal statements in response to provide prompts
- Names and contact information for up to two references
After submission and initial review, some applicants may be invited to a brief interview before the admission decision is finalized. Admitted students applying for financial aid will be required to file their FAFSA by June 1st.
Questions?
Reach out to Grace Wenzel, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission and Bright College Recruitment.
Grace Wenzel (she, her, hers)
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission and Bright College Recruitment
Office of Admission
P 515-271-2091
E grace.wenzel@xjiu.net
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