The Institute for Professional Development holds several principles as the foundation of its general mission:

Innovative Practices for Educational Needs
Institutions of higher education must exercise appropriate leadership in the development of educational structures and programs capable of meeting 21st-century needs. Although current educational practices have made important intellectual and cultural contributions to society, innovative educational methods and practices will be required to meet not only future needs but needs that remain unmet today. IPD principles and practices, when adopted by the private college or university, are examples of how innovative educational methods can be successfully institutionalized to meet the changing educational needs of American society.

Higher Education for Working Adults
The cornerstone of IPD's educational philosophy and practice is the recognition of the distinction between the younger college student who is still deciding on a career and the adult student who has established personal and professional goals and has experience in achieving those goals. By assisting partner institutions in successfully serving thousands of working adult students, IPD has found that students tend to be responsive to educational programs that acknowledge the proper role and place of their experiences in the learning process. This important distinction is reflected in the content of the adult program curriculum, instruction, and administrative infrastructure.

Application of Learning
IPD understands that education for working adults must harmonize with the students' personal and professional lives. This harmony is important because it ensures the working adult's educational experience will be of lasting benefit as a source for personal growth, professional renewal, and career advancement. For the educational experience to be academically and practically sound, it must form a relationship with the adult's professional growth and responsibilities. This integration of theory and practice is, in part, accomplished through a thesis, a business research project, applied management project, or a comprehensive capstone case study at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Integration of Theory and Practice
To facilitate this vital integration of theory and practice, the curriculum for each adult degree program is developed by the faculty of the institution in collaboration with local businesses, industries, and professional organizations related to the degree program. These programs are generally taught by full-time and adjunct faculty, working professionals with advanced degrees and teaching experience who understand the needs of today's workforce.