Iona offers both the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, depending on the degree area. All degree programs require 120 credits for completion.
BPS in Criminal Justice
This degree program prepares students for the field of law enforcement and its many branches by focusing on the social science, in addition to the necessary government and criminal justice courses. Students will take courses in psychology, sociology, political science and in specific criminal justice courses which include such topics as probation and parole, criminal investigation, white collar crime and terrorism. Police officers seeking to finish a four-year degree to advance in their own department or to move to a federal agency would benefit, as would anyone seeking to start a career in law enforcement with a running start on the credit requirements of most police departments and federal agencies.
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BPS In Internet Communications and Development
This major is the combined effort of the Mass Communication and Computer Science departments, bringing together the skill sets of understanding the Internet and the World Wide Web with the talent and design ability to create attractive and functional web pages. Students will learn the basics of data communication and networking that are the foundation of the Internet, as well as be introduced to programming, all through the Computer Science department. From the Mass Communications department, students will study design techniques and be introduced to the tools and applications used to create web pages. This is a hands-on, practical application degree program. Students will be equipped with the skills necessary for careers in such job titles as Web Design, Web Developer, Web Programmer and Web Page Maintenance.
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BPS In Data Communications
This program will provide the student with a firm foundation in the theory and discipline of telecommunications and data networking, as well as provide the hands-on experience necessary to develop the skills and knowledge base to understand, analyze, document and troubleshoot networks, and be a problem solver. Career opportunities include such titles as Network Professional, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, LAN and WAN Networking, Wireless Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Internet Management and Maintenance, and Network Technician.
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BPS in Health Care Administration
This degree program leads to the development of an understanding and knowledge of major concepts, theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in the field of Health Care Administration. Students will learn and practice basic research and data analysis methods, study the ethics of scientific inquiry and application, and develop the ability to analyze critically and apply health care administration principles to personal, social, and organizational issues. Students will also gain practical experience in the application of these ideas and concepts. Post-graduate opportunities range from hospitals and long-term care and community-based care agencies to insurance and managed care companies, multiple-physician practices, pharmaceutical firms, and community health and rehabilitation facilities. This program can lead to enrollment in the MS in Health Services Administration.
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BPS in Psychology
Students pursuing this program will become familiar with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in psychology, learn the basic research methods in psychology and ethics involved in scientific inquiry and application, and become able to analyze critically and apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues. Post-graduate opportunities range from human services to business and industry. Students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in psychology should include the experimental psychology courses as an elective in their program, and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average.
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BPS in Public Communications
This major will focus on building the knowledge and skills for analyzing, developing and creating messages and communication vehicles in the field of public communication. Each course contains practical as well as theoretical elements, and will include an element to permit students to experiment and develop online expertise in various areas of public communication, such as branding, search-engine optimization, public relations and corporate communications. This experience will prepare students for careers in such public communications areas as public relations, corporate communications, promotional marketing, cyber marketing, community relations, public affairs, and integrated marketing communication. Students who have maintained an appropriate course of study and grade point average will be fully prepared for graduate studies in Public Relations.
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BS in Social Work
Social Work is the perfect degree for those seeking to make a difference in other people’s lives. Students benefit from a faculty that has expertise in a variety of areas, as well as terminal degrees, practical experience (500 hours of clinical internship experience), and over 50 different internship placement opportunities. They will be prepared to work in a variety of situations, including working with families, children, the elderly, hospital patients, people with emotional problems, and with those who need help advocating for their human rights and social justice. Students who have maintained an appropriate course of study and grade point average will be fully prepared for graduate studies in Social Work. In fact, many of our students are admitted with advanced standing to MSW programs, allowing them to earn an advanced degree in one year, rather than two.
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BS in General Business
This program is ideal for those already in the work force and seeking a degree to further their career and/or personal knowledge in the field of business and industry, as well as those seeking an introduction to those areas. In addition to the liberal arts core, students will take a variety of business courses covering the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, management, information systems, and business law and ethics. The nature of the degree will allow students to take a variety of paths in the business field. Students who have maintained an appropriate course of study and grade point average will be fully prepared for graduate studies in an MBA program if they so desire.
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BS in Liberal Studies
The BS in Liberal Studies is ideal for the student seeking a degree that offers a balanced set of options at completion. The Liberal Studies program requires that students, in addition to an already comprehensive core, take courses from at least three major liberal arts disciplines, including English literature, fine and performing arts, foreign language, history, philosophy and religious studies. Students are not required to take specific courses within this structure, however, giving them the freedom to pursue interests and shape the degree to their own specifications. It also allows students with large amounts of transfer credits in those areas to maximize credits that they have already earned. Students who have completed the program and have maintained an appropriate course of study and grade point average will be fully prepared for graduate studies in a variety of fields.
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Certificate in Health Care Administration
A certificate in Health Care Administration provides a general introduction to the health care industry. Students will learn and practice basic research and data analysis methods, study the ethics of biomedical inquiry and application, and develop the ability to analyze critically and apply health care administration principles to personal, social and organizational issues.
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Certificate in Health Counseling
This program will provide a student with the understanding of the many risk factors associated with the development of chronic, degenerative diseases that could potentially be modified in individuals if they were more informed about the way they can affect their health for the future. The certificate provides a knowledge base in health psychology and health counseling, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also provides the opportunity for a supervised practicum. Students are prepared for work in a variety of settings including work-site wellness centers, community outreach centers, public health agencies, clinics, and hospitals.
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Certificate Program in Medical Records and Coding
The Health Care Information field is one of the fastest growing employment areas in the nation. Medical Records and Coding positions are available in hospitals, medical group practices, insurance companies, home and community care agencies, and nursing homes. Graduates can enter the new field of health information management and electronic medical records administration. Highlights of the program include the possibility of completion in 18 months (28 credits), a design in accordance with the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) standards (leading to Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) certification), the inclusion of an internship requirement to gain practical experience, and that it is creditable and transferable toward the BPS in Health Care Administration degree (see above).
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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies Certificate
The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies Certificate fulfills New York State’s educational requirement for the CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) qualifications and will prepare students for the work experience component required for certification. This certificate program will provide the knowledge in drug and alcohol abuse studies in addition to counseling skills in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for those who experience drug and alcohol dependence, as well as for their families. Skills gained from this certificate program can lead to careers in psychology, social work, school settings, therapy practices, and human resources.
For more information about these programs, contact our Admissions Office
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BPS in Criminal Justice