Plans for a hope and a future — and a degree that helps you get there.
Your story isn't finished. This is where the next chapter starts.
We believe every adult learner comes to Union with a unique story shaped by work, family, sacrifice, and perseverance. The School of Adult and Professional Studies (SOAPS) honors that journey by providing flexible, fully online degree programs that help you take the next step with confidence.
SOAPS offers bachelor's degrees in organizational leadership, Christian leadership, and professional studies, designed for adults balancing careers, families, and other responsibilities. With eight-week courses, credit for prior learning, and personalized advising, you can complete your degree in as little as 18 months. Whether you're returning to finish what you started or earning your first degree, Union will meet you where you are and help you reach where you're called to go.
Affiliate Programs
Our Associate of Science in Professional Studies offers concentrations that lead to these programs.
Soft skills empower leaders to build relationships, solve problems, and influence performance. In fact, LinkedIn's 2019 Global Talent Trends reported that 89% of recruiters say that soft skills are either equally or more important than hard technical skills.
Join us for intensive sessions designed for those who aspire to develop the skills to be successful leaders, today and tomorrow.
Intensive program
All courses are completely online, affordable, and designed to fully equip you with the tools to be a top performer.
- Explore your personal leadership style
- Lead with courage and integrity
- Impact people and manage teams
- Advance diversity and inclusion
- Create vision and strategic direction
- Shape culture and values
- Navigate change and challenges
You will walk away with improved leadership skills and earned college credit! Take all the courses or choose a specific course that interests you.
Fall 2026 Course Schedule
What it Means to be a Leader
(1 credit hour)
Oct. 12 – Dec. 10, 2026
This course provides students with an overview of leadership based on a foundational understanding of leadership in the public and private sectors. You will learn the traits and contingency approaches in the field of leadership, including the influence of emotions, courage, integrity, and ethics.
Price per course: $446
A one-time fee of $25 will cover materials for the course.
Meet Our Faculty
The SOAPS team combines academic expertise with genuine care for every adult student they serve. From your first inquiry to graduation day, they provide the personalized advising, scheduling flexibility, and personal encouragement that adult learners need — because finishing a degree takes more than coursework. It takes a community that believes you can.
Brooke Emery
Dean of the School of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate & Adult Admissions; and Professor of Marketing
Brooke Emery
Dean of the School of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate & Adult Admissions; and Professor of Marketing
Beth Madison
Professor of Science
Beth Madison
Professor of Science
Meet Our Staff
Laura Hailey
Academic Support and Data Coordinator, SOAPS & Graduate and Adult Admissions
Laura Hailey
Academic Support and Data Coordinator, SOAPS & Graduate and Adult Admissions
Virginia Lampley
Administrative Assistant to SOAPS & Graduate Admissions
Virginia Lampley
Administrative Assistant to SOAPS & Graduate Admissions
Dawn Patterson
Academic Advisor and Testing Administrator
Dawn Patterson
Academic Advisor and Testing Administrator
Luanne Powell
Senior Program Director
Luanne Powell
Senior Program Director
