The University College - The University of Memphis

Master of Professional Studies

THE PROGRAM

Master of Professional Studies-Regents Online Degree Program (M.P.S.-RODP) - Strategic Leadership prepares you to lead in today's rapidly changing professional environment. This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in the areas of leadership, communication, strategic planning and assessment, organizational structure, and research/data analysis.

The M.P.S.-RODP is designed to affordably and flexibly meet the needs of working adults who are not generally served by traditional methods. This unique program is taught by professors who are best suited to help you develop the skills necessary to excel in your career field and this program is offered completely online and available 24/7.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program are evaluated as they apply and may be admitted for the fall or spring semesters or summer session. Generally applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1) Completion of an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university.

2) An acceptable score on the GRE General Test, generally at least 400 verbal, 500 quantitative and a 4.0 on analytical writing.

3) Applicants with five or more years of professional work experience may submit a portfolio in lieu of the GRE. The portfolio is to include: a resume; a 500 to 600 word essay detailing the reasons for wanting to enter the M.P.S. program and discussing how the program will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals; and two sealed letters of professional reference. Other items that an applicant may submit in the portfolio include a description of professional responsibilities, professional achievements, and professional awards/recognitions.

Admission deadlines to the program:
             FALL         -   July 1
             SPRING     -   December 1
             SUMMER   -   May 1

Program Summary

Total credits required for graduation: 33

A. Core Courses: Students will complete the following three core courses for nine credit hours.

PRST 7100	Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics	3 credits
PRST 7200	Globalization and the Professions	3 credits
PRST 7300	Research Methods	3 credits

B. Concentration for Strategic Leadership: Students will complete seven of the following courses, including at least one course from each of the five subject areas.

Leadership Theory

PRST 7500	Foundations of Leadership	3 credits
LDSP 7000	Current Issues and Cases in Leadership	3 credits
ELPA 7560	Small Group Leadership	3 credits

Research/Data Analysis

QM 7770	Computer-Based Decision Modeling	3 credits
PRST 7600	Statistical Analysis	3 credits

Organizational Structure and Change

PRST 7310	Leadership in Organization	3 credits
PRST 7800	Organizational Skills and Development	3 credits

Communication

COMM 7110	Leadership and Communication	3 credits
JOUR 7450	Public Relations Management	3 credits
PRST 7700	Conflict Management and Negotiation	3 credits

Strategic Planning and Assessment

TECH 7105	Project Planning and Scheduling	3 credits
PRST 7040	Human Resources Management	3 credits

C. Professional Project: The Master of Professional Studies program requires every student to complete a professional project as the culminating experience in earning the degree.

PRST 7998

Professional Project

3 credits

Note: Once you have decided which classes you plan to take, please email rjmaxwll@memphis.edu or call 901-678-2716, the University College office for permits and advising clearance.

Master of Professional Studies Course Rotation

Fall 2008-Summer 2009 Fall 2009-Summer 2010

Course Courses
PRST 7100                    Fall Spring Summer                Fall Spring Summer
PRST 7200                    Fall Spring Summer                Fall Spring Summer
PRST 7300                  Fall Spring Summer                Fall Spring Summer

Leadership Theory
PRST 7500                    Summer                                Spring
LDSP 7000                    Spring                                   Summer
ELPA 7560                    Fall                                       Fall

Research/Data Analysis
QM 7770 Fall Spring Fall Spring
PRST 7600 Spring Summer Spring Summer

Organizational Structure and Change
PRST 7310 Fall Summer Fall Summer
PRST 7800 Spring Spring

Communication
COMM 7110                  Summer                                 Spring
JOUR 7450                    Spring                                   Summer
PRST 7700                    Fall                                        Fall

Strategic Planning and Assessment
TECH 7105 Spring Fall Summer
PRST 7040 Fall Summer Spring

Professional Project
PRST 7998 Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer

Application Checklist

1) Complete the University of Memphis Graduate School application, available online at

http://academics.memphis.edu/gradschool/applicant.html .

2) Take the Graduate Record Exam and have scores sent to the University of Memphis. Or, if you have at least five years of professional work experience, you may submit a professional portfolio in place of the GRE test. Please send the professional portfolio to the Master of Professional Studies Program, University College, University of Memphis, 218 Brister Hall, Memphis, TN 38152.

Portfolio to include:

Professional resume;
A 500 to 600 word essay detailing the reasons for wanting to enter the M.P.S. program and discussing how the program will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals;
Two sealed letters of professional reference.

Other items that an applicant may submit in the portfolio include a description of professional responsibilities, professional achievements, and professional awards/recognitions. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately.

For additional information, please call the University College at 901-678-2716 and ask for the M.P.S. advisor.