Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Advancement
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Welcome to CPSA!
The College of Professional Studies and Advancement (CPSA) was established in 2014 after the merger of the College of Management and Business (CMB) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to best serve our students. As we enter the 2020 academic year the University and College are working to build upon its strategic planning efforts and success of the last five years to bring further distinction to the growing graduate Business, Counseling and Psychology programs.
In the last five years the college has seen growth in our Graduate Business Programming, including the expansion of concentrations in our MBA programming, our reaccreditation in CACREP in our counseling programs, the addition of our addictions studies track in counseling and the development of a new Doctoral Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision (launching later this year). Finally, with the addition of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and the Florida School of Professional Phycology we have expanded our offerings in psychology to include a clinical track leading to a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.
CPSA is continuing to build on our strong track record of educating diverse students who are known for giving back to their communities. The college’s mission is to provide current and aspiring professionals with the innovative and relevant education, hands-on experience, and personalized guidance necessary to advance their careers and improve their own lives and the lives of others.
As Dean of the College, I am excited about the direction we are headed. Our curriculum is designed to meet professional standards and employer needs. CPSA is using input from employers across multiple sectors as well as professional organizations and associations to create innovative teaching approaches aligned to industry related competencies.
All of our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees emphasize gaining practical knowledge and usable skills through experiential learning and community engagement.
Our more than 2,500 students range from first-generation college attendees to Life Long Learners (18-95 years of age). CPSA has highly flexible and accessible programs at four Illinois locations, as well as in Florida. To make it easier for working adults to succeed, we offer evening and weekend classes, in addition to online and web-enhanced courses. Alumni of the University, and our programs, are seeing immediately applicability of skills and knowledge gained in our programs, they’re seeing an increase in wages, as well as opportunities to advance in current or new careers.
Our college faculty are engaged practitioner-scholars with vast professional experiences who understand the needs of today’s learner. We are committed to providing highly personal and supportive experiences for our students through the completion of their degree programs. CPSA faculty and students forge collaborative relationships that foster peer support and the development of lasting professional networks.
I am proud of the learning and professional environment we have created for our students and our partners. The college is dedicated to understanding and being engaged with local, regional and national issues focused on social justice and leadership matters impacting our society today. We’re proud of our alumni who actively seek to improve the lives of others while at the same time do well for themselves and their communities. I invite you to find out more about the programs and our students. Contact us directly to see how your organization or company might partner with CPSA.
Sincerely,
Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D.
CPSA Dean
