Arts and Sciences Professional Development (ASPD) One-Credit Courses

ASPD courses are designed to help liberal arts and sciences students discover their professional interests, recognize their strengths and skills, and develop tools, such as a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and more.

Our topic-specific courses serve as community and connection hubs—uniting students, teachers, alumni and employers around career pathways, such as financial services, management consulting, public policy, environmental justice, the creative and performing arts, and more. Find our courses on the Master Schedule each semester!

ASPD Course Examples

  • ASPD 2000: Passion, Path, and Purpose – Designed to provide you with guidance, support, and time you need to assess and explore your personal and professional skills, strengths, and interests; to create the professional and networking/connection tools you need to pursue opportunities with meaning and intention; and to craft a professional development plan that helps you achieve your short and long-term professional goals
  • ASPD 2004: Social Networking – Designed to guide you on professional networking techniques through online platforms (LinkedIn, Nova Network, and social media) to support your professional journey and grow social capital
  • ASPD 2005: Networking for Success – Designed to guide you on traditional networking techniques and strategies to best build social capital and work towards your professional goals
  • ASPD 2001: Introduction to Professional Writing – Focused on interviewing and writing personal statements for admission to graduation school, law school, medical school, etc.
  • ASPD 2011: Personal Finance – Dedicated to providing guidance and support for your financial wellness now and post-graduation
  • ASPD 2012: Professional Skills & Strengths – This section is designed for students who are part of the Center for Access, Success, and Achievement (CASA)
  • ASPD 2013: Introduction to Data Analysis – Dedicated to providing an introduction to data analysis and how one might use this in various professional settings
  • ASPD 2014: Public Policy Paths – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within public policy and learn from professionals in the field
  • ASPD 2015: Careers in Consulting – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within consulting and learn from professionals in the field
  • ASPD 2018: A Life Well Lived – Dedicated to exploring all aspect of wellness and how those related to your professional goals
  • ASPD 2020: Building a Resilience Resume – Dedicated to crafting a strong resume that fully communicates your unique story to the reader
  • ASPD 2021: Adulting 101 – Dedicated to supporting you as you prepare for life after graduation and transition out of Villanova
  • ASPD 2022: Careers in Financial Services – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within financial services and learn from professionals in the field
  • ASPD 2023: Navigating Roadblocks – Dedicated to support you as you overcome challenges within your professional career journey, staying motivated, and finding creative solutions
  • ASPD 2024: Understanding Financial Reporting – Dedicated to learning about financial reporting and gaining and understanding on how you might use this in your professional career
  • ASPD 2025: Careers in Sustainability – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within sustainability and learn from professionals in the field
  • ASPD 2028: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace – Dedicated to gaining an understanding on how to bring and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
  • ASPD 2033: Rewrite Your Story – Dedicated to exploring your own personal story and setting goals based on your interests and goals
  • ASPD 2034: Career Pathways in the Creative and Performing Arts – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within the creative and performing arts and learn from professionals in the field
  • ASPD 2036: Global & Post Grad Opportunities – Dedicated to exploring opportunities (jobs, fellowships, service) post-graduation and how to best prepare for the application process
  • ASPD 2101: The Road Less Traveled (Exploring Health Careers) – Dedicated to exploring various pathways within healthcare and learn from professionals in the field

*Note that each course may not be offered each semester. E-mail Kate Szumanski (kathryn.szumanski@villanova.edu) with any questions about when a course might be offered.