Innovative Regional Education
Serving the unique needs of adult learners across the state of Iowa and beyond for more than thirty-one years, Buena Vista University Professional & Online Studies offer students of all ages the opportunity to complete their education without giving up their lives or settling for less than a quality education. With sites located throughout the state, BVU is working with area communities and community colleges to provide opportunities to a growing number of students each year. Our diverse menu of degree programs has been developed to meet the needs of regional marketplaces and continues to evolve to meet new challenges. That means that every BVU student gains marketable professional skills that can be applied in a workplace close to home.

Making Opportunity Accessible
Our Professional & Online Studies is designed to meet the special needs of the adult college student. We offer evening classes and eight-week terms that fit into the real-life schedules of working adults. We also offer online courses to help meet the busy demands of your everyday life. Because we deal exclusively with students seeking to complete degrees, we facilitate the smooth transfer of credits from community colleges and other institutions of higher education. Because our schedules are tailored to meet the needs of our students, undergraduates with 60 credit hours or an associate degree can acquire a bachelor’s degree in a short period of time. Because we understand the economic realities our students face, we keep our costs competitive. The staff are knowledgeable and willing to help students with the process of applying for financial aid. Many students also benefit from employer tuition reimbursement plans.

Keeping It Personal and Practical
BVU's Professional & Online Studies offer academic excellence. Small classes mean students interact and build relationships with fellow students and faculty. Our top-notch faculty members have both academic credentials and real-world experience in the subjects they teach. Most of them are practicing professionals as well as BVU instructors. They not only understand the theory of their academic discipline but its practice. So students are not just challenged in class; they are inspired by the practical applications of what they learn.

Since we are small educational centers, we can offer a unique style of personal attention. Offices are open during the evening so that staff members are there when the students are, ready to answer all questions and address any concern about admissions, scheduling, financial aid, career advising. Our primary goal is to support the academic success of every student.

Securing a Brighter Future—for Individuals and for Iowa
Since 1975, our Professional & Online Studies have made it possible for 11,000 of graduates to secure better jobs, achieve promotions, find personal satisfaction, continue their education, and pursue new opportunities in Iowa. Eighty-two percent of our graduates remain in the state. They are teaching in Iowa schools, managing local businesses, making Iowa communities safer and more livable, and improving the state’s economic outlook by helping Iowa be more attractive to industry.