What does it take to become a professional?
Students who study in our professional programs, typically need to master a body of knowledge that is inter- or multidisciplinary, and that is sequenced and outcome-based.
Students are typically placed in contact with people and institutions in various practical experiences that are designed to apply knowledge to real-world situations. This experience serves, in part, to challenge assumptions, promote self-understanding and understanding of the complexities of life, help students identify with other perspectives, and identify their own biases.
Professional programs generally place students in contexts that require guided supervision and on-going reflection that, in many cases, is documented for personal and professional review. Students generally have some form of culminating experience that brings their knowledge to bear on a problem of real world significance or in an applied supervised setting. Lastly, professional programs are accountable both to the profession and to the public—thus, our graduates generally need to demonstrate a degree of mastery required for ethical, responsible practice.
What is unique about most programs in professional studies is that there is a very specific disciplinary standard to meet; that individualized, one-on-one supervision is required in the context of an applied partnership with the community. This field component is generally mandated, and requires a specified and intense period of time in which the student’s progress and performance against a series of standards is carefully documented.Students in our programs learn what it means to be a professional, to apply professional standards, values and expertise to everyday actions. Our students learn to make a difference, and this is done in contact and collaboration with people and institutions.
Professionalism with a conscience
We embrace diversity as a way of life and as a way of learning. . .this includes a diversity of ideas, of people, and of contexts. We systematically expose students to diversity in all of its forms. We educate students to be culturally competent and sensitive practitioners and citizens, and to confront their biases. At the same time, we are committed to the notion that economic development and well-being are inherently tied to freedom; that the collective skill and knowledge of the individual and the community underlie human and societal progress; and, that the individual can be an agent of change, and the community provides the social network to support that change. Let us together realize this potential:
- Human growth and development
- Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics and community development
- Health and well-being
- Rural and tribal development