The Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Performance degree is designed for students with a strong interest in developing the skills to thrive in today's competitive professional landscape and build a personal brand. Students will gain knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, media and marketing, content and brand creation, influencing, web design, personal and business finance, and communication so they can be equipped with the creative and business acumen to succeed in a variety of industries.
Students will gain hands-on experience in creating, promoting, and managing their personal or professional brand. The curriculum covers foundational skills in critical thinking, leadership, ethics, communication, and financial literacy, while also fostering the development of entrepreneurial strategies. Through a blend of theoretical and applied learning, students will explore the steps necessary to turn their athletic, artistic, or musical talents, skills, knowledge, expertise, or interests into a sustainable career. In addition to required coursework, students will engage in project-based assignments, case studies, and opportunities for networking and mentorship with industry professionals.
The program is offered fully in-person on the Lawrence campus and many courses are available online, giving freshmen, transfer students, and working professionals the opportunity to enroll in the program.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Performance are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career paths in sectors such as digital media, marketing, social media management, personal branding, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Potential career roles include content creator, podcaster, online streamer, professional athlete, musician, artist, actor, brand manager, influencer, media strategist, content entrepreneur, and business owner. Additionally, the program prepares students for advanced degrees in areas like business administration (MBA), media studies, and digital marketing, offering a foundation for further academic and professional growth.
Students are required to select a minor as part of the degree requirements, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and professional goals.
The B.A.S. in Professional Performance follows university admission requirements for freshman and transfer students.
This program offers flexible pathways for students to complete their degree. The School of Professional Studies strongly encourages students to contact an academic advisor prior to applying for admission to develop a personalized degree completion plan. To schedule an appointment, please call 913-897-8539.
The following table describes the specific courses to fulfill the above requirements.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| PFS 300 | Introduction to Professional Performance | 3 |
| PFS 400 | Professional Performance Ethics | 3 |
| PFS 410 | Personal Finance and Professional Career Management | 3 |
| PFS 500 | Branding, Marketing, and PR in Professional Performance | 3 |
| PFS 501 | Professional Content Creation & Influencing Others | 3 |
| PFS 502 | Monetization Methods & Revenue Streams | 3 |
| PFS 301 | Communication in the Workplace | 3 |
| or PFS 302 | Leadership in Practice |
| or PFS 303 | Professionalism and the Workplace |
| or PFS 415 | AI and Innovation in the Workplace |
| |
| Communication in the Workplace | |
| Leadership in Practice | |
| Professionalism and the Workplace | |
| AI and Innovation in the Workplace | |
| Special Topics in Professional Performance: _____ | |
| Developing Engaged Audiences & Communities | |
| The Professional Athlete Experience | |
| Understanding Data for Professional Athletes | |
| 9 |
| Introduction to Deaf Studies | |
| Intersectionality and Deaf Communities | |
| Social Justice and Allyship with Deaf Communities | |
| Historical Foundations of Deaf Education | |
| Principles of Nutrition | |
| Nutrition Through the Life Cycle | |
| Public Health Nutrition | |
| Nutrition Assessment | |
| Introduction to Public Health | |
| Introduction to Epidemiology | |
| Population Health | |
| Introduction to Environmental Health | |
| Communication and New Media | |
| Communication in a Diverse World | |
| Political Campaigns | |
| Rhetoric of Sports in America | |
| History of the Silent Film | |
| History of the American Sound Film | |
| Storytelling with Digital Media | |
| American Popular Culture of: _____ | |
| US Diversity in Visual Culture | |
| Ethics in Storytelling | |
| Methods of Strength Training and Conditioning | |
| Principles of Personal Training | |
| Tactical Strength and Conditioning | |
| Sport and Exercise Nutrition | |
| Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | |
| Foundations of Name, Image, Likeness | |
| Athlete and Personal Branding | |
| Content Creation in Sport | |
| Agency: Introduction | |
| Health and Science Communication | |
| Introduction to Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations | |
| Social Media and Emerging Technologies | |
| Introduction to Music Recording | |
| Advanced Music Recording | |
| Practicum in Audio Recording | |
| The Business of Music | |
| Entrepreneurship and Outreach | |
| Arts Management | |
| Foundations of Project Management | |
| Project Communications | |
| Project Scheduling and Control | |
| Managing Project Success | |
| Principles of Self and Society | |
| American Society | |
| The United States in Global Context | |
| The Sociology of Culture | |
| Society, Popular Culture, and the Media | |
| PFS 599 | Professional Studies Capstone | 3 |
| Total Hours | 111-120 |
While completing all required courses, students must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Total Hours: Satisfied by a minimum of 120 total hours.
Junior/Senior Hours: Satisfied by a minimum of 45 junior/senior hours (300+) hours.
Graduation GPA: Satisfied with a minimum 2.0 KU GPA and a minimum of a "C" in all Professional Performance Core, Professional Performance/Studies Electives, and Professional Performance Capstone requirements. Students must also meet the graduation requirements of the selected minor.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify and recognize cultural differences and the impact of an educated citizen and responsible member in global society.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate ideas using a variety of different media (oral, written, visual).
- Develop an understanding of ethical behavior and decision-making in the workplace.
- Incorporate knowledge of a specific area of professional emphasis or activity into professional performance practice.
