The PDP is designed for three critical sets of students: (a) young professionals looking to enter the workforce; (b) working professionals looking for additional skills to support their career advancement, and (c) entrepreneurs looking for additional skills to improve their operational capabilities. The PDP provides a diverse, multi-disciplinary, cross-functional learning experience for students. The program also encourages the development of working relationship that transcend the classroom environment.
Classes meet twice a week. An important part of the coursework is team assignments that foster collaboration and independent thinking. Team-building and cross-disciplinary collaboration are important elements in the PDP. An online collaboration platform enables students to work collaboratively on projects through the 6-month period. Students are tested on completion of courses in each module, with a final examination or capstone project.
The curriculum for the program is shown below.
Department of Language & Communication
CGS1100 - Use of English
Students will learn how to properly and effectively use the English language by developing their core grammatical skills.
CGS1101 - Creative Writing & Personal Expression
Students will learn how to convey their thoughts and ideas in writing and will develop an appreciation for the importance of being able to express themselves effectively through written communication.
CGS1102 - Public Speaking
For most people, this is a terrifying undertaking. Being able to communicate effectively in public is a lifelong skill that is needed in virtually all aspects of one’s life. This introductory course will focus on the preparation and delivery of effective oral communication in a public setting.
CGS1103 - Listening & Attentiveness
Most conflicts—in both personal and professional spheres– result from a failure to listen. The ability to listen effectively is key when communicating with others. In this course, student will learn ‘active listening’. They will acquire the skills to elicit, receive and interpret messages in the process of communication.
Department of Workplace Skills & Professionalism
CGS1104 - Computer Immersion
The aim of this course is to provide students with the basic computer skills needed in the workplace. In this course, students will learn how to use computer software such as Microsoft Office. In addition, this course will teach students how to utilize digital devices as educational tools. Students will be provided with tablet devices containing multimedia tools that would assist them in their studies.
CGS1105 - Essentials of Human Capital Management
This is an introductory course in human resource management. Every organization needs people and yet most organizations do not understand the mere rudiments of managing people. This course will provide that introduction and awareness around the management of people.
CGS1106 - Customer Service & Professionalism
This course will teach students how to interact professionally with customers in order to maximize client satisfaction. This is perhaps the most important element in determining how customers feel about a company or organization. This course will help students identify and focus on their customers.
CGS1107 - Essentials of Occupational Health & Safety
In this course, students will learn about various workplace hazards and how to maintain a safe and healthy working environment. The legal obligations around a safe workplace will also be explored.
Department of Financial Literacy
CGS1108 - Personal Finance & Money Management
Many businesses suffer financially because the personal finances of the sponsors or proprietors are unstable. This is a risk that is avoidable. Being financially stable requires one to constantly manage their personal finances. In this course, students will learn how to budget, save, and spend money responsibly while taking into account various financial risks.
CGS1109 - Mathematics & Numeracy
In this course, students will develop the ability to use numbers and think mathematically to effect measurements, expedite mental calculations, complete estimates, work with money, analyze trends, and create schedules and budgets. Comfort with calculations will serve students in ANY field of endeavor.
Department of Business Development
CGS1111 - Capital Formation & Business Planning
This course teaches students how to sell the idea of their business to prospective investors. Students learn how to estimate a defensible market potential for business ideas, and the methodology for developing a business plan. Students will learn how to collect and organize the information necessary to allocate resources, outline the strengths and weakness of their business ideas in an objective manner, with a view to attracting potential investors.
CGS1112 - Art & Design In Business
Products are works of art in their own right. Beautiful, well constructed products attract higher perceived value and therefore demand higher prices than products that lack aesthetic appeal. The purpose of this course is to teach students the importance of innovation and artistic appeal in their respective endeavors.
CGS1113 - Marketing & Personal Selling
Students will learn about theories and concepts used to effectively market goods and services. They will learn how to identify target customers from a domestic and global perspective, and will develop the ability to elicit useful information from prospective customers that will enable them better sell to those and other customers.
CGS1114 - Bookkeeping & Accounting for Small Business Owners
The need for this course is self-evident. It is a critical course for every small business owner, employee or professional.
CGS1115 - Introduction to Psychology
The purpose of this course is to teach students about the basics of psychology and how human interaction is governed to a great extent by psychological impulses and tendencies. This course will introduce a number of competing theories and perspectives on the fundamentals of human behavior.
CGS1116 - Behavioral Typology & Human Behavior
This course will use psychometric tests to explore interactions and personal preferences of students in individual and group settings, especially the workplace.
CGS1117 - Introduction to Law & Citizenship
This course will give students a general overview of the legal system. It will provide, perhaps for the first time ever for most students, an opportunity to learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Students will learn the basic aspects of law and critical legal thinking.
CGS1118 - Seminar on Health, Fitness & Wellness
This course will teach students about the importance of developing a healthy self. Students will explore topics and evolving practices in a variety of areas including physical fitness, nutrition, mind-body interaction, and weight management.