Professional Studies, Strategic Leadership Concentration, M.P.S.

Professional Studies Major

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The Master of Professional Studies program is designed to affordably and flexibly meet the education needs of working adults who are not generally served by traditional methods. Offered completely online and available twenty-four hours and seven days a week, this unique program is taught by professors who are best suited to help you develop the skills necessary to excel in your career field.

This course is developed and taught in conjunction with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and the TNeCampus. Because the MPS degree is offered online, the student must follow the TNeCampus hardware and software requirements and is eligible to complete all registration, advising, bookstore purchases, and even conduct library research online through both the TNeCampus website and the TSU website.

This graduate professional degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework and is available in three concentrations.

Policies

All applicants to graduate programs in the College of Public Service must also consult the Graduate School policies detailed at the beginning of the Graduate Catalog, which pertains to all TSU graduate students.  All students are expected to be familiar with and to adhere to both Graduate School policies and specific departmental requirements for their degree and/or graduate certificate.  A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate courses taken at Tennessee State University is required for successful completion of graduate certificates or graduate degree programs; individual programs may also have more restrictive policies as detailed in their Catalog section (for example, C grades in core courses are not accepted for the Ph.D. in public administration). We abide by Graduate School policies including those regarding retention, probation, suspension, and time limitations for degrees (see the front matter of this Catalog).  Per Graduate School policy, a given course in our programs may be repeated one time only, and the second grade will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2) courses in a given program for the purpose of improving grades.

Admissions Process

Applicants for admission must provide the following via the online application system of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (GradCAS): 1) Application for Admission; 2) application fee; 3) one official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended (submitted electronically via GradCAS, not directly to the Graduate School); 4) three letters of recommendation; and 5) a Statement of Purpose explaining why the applicant seeks admission to the MPS program.

Admission Requirements

• Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They must be in good standing at the last school attended.
• Students must possess basic computer literacy and writing skills
• Students must adhere to the admission deadlines.

Unconditional Admission:

1. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university.
2. The GradCAS application must include a resume which shows the type of work done over the period and provides details of the employers; position descriptions of all positions listed on the resume; a 500 to 600 word essay describing the professional work accomplished and how the MPS will help the individual advance in the profession; examples of written documents showing professional responsibilities, honors and professional achievements; and a list of professional awards/recognition.
3. An unconditional admission will be based on the applicant’s entire academic and professional record that indicates a high potential for success in the program.

Conditional Admission:

Conditional Admission into the MPS program may be granted temporarily by the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies with the recommendation of the Department of Public Administration. Continuation in the program as a degree-seeking student is contingent upon fulfilling specific requirements stipulated in the conditional admission letter.

1. Students who present a grade point average (GPA) below 2.7 must, at the time of the GradCAS application, submit a resume which is acceptable to the Department of Public Administration. The resume must provide details of the employers; position descriptions of all positions listed on the resume; a 500 to 600 word essay describing the professional work accomplished and how the MPS will help the individual advance in the profession; examples of written documents showing professional responsibilities, honors and professional achievements; and a list of professional awards/recognition.
2. Graduates of accredited colleges who have five years of qualified professional experience but do not have completed resumes must submit the requested documents during the first semester of enrollment (prior to mid-term). Additionally, conditionally admitted students are required to obtain a 3.00 GPA in the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework in order to remain in the program.
3. Students that are admitted conditionally, and do not have five years of qualified professional experience must obtain a 3.00 GPA in the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework in order to remain in the program.

Advisor:

Each student admitted to the MPS program is assigned an advisor. Students should consult with their advisors prior to registering for classes in each term of enrollment.

Degree Requirements:

Total credits required for graduation: 33

Students in the MPS program are required to take 33 total credits for graduation. The students cannot take more than 3 courses in any one discipline. Students transferring to the program cannot transfer more than 12 hours.

Concentration I: Strategic Leadership

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The Master of Professional Studies with a Concentration in Strategic Leadership prepares students to lead in today’s rapidly changing professional environment. Because the MPS degree is offered completely online, it offers the flexibility to plan your education around your schedule, family activities, and job demands. This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in the areas of leadership, communication, strategic planning and assessment, organizational structure, research, and data analysis.