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 Regents Online Campus Collaborative (ROCC, previously known as RODP). Because the MPS degree is offered online, the student must follow the ROCC hardware and software requirements, and is eligible to complete all registration, advising, bookstore purchases, and even conduct library research online through both the ROCC 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 and Urban Affairs must also consult the Graduate School policies detailed at the beginning of the Graduate Catalog, which pertain 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: 1) Application for Admission to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research; 2) application fee; 3) Graduate Record Examination scores; 4) one official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended; 5) three letters of recommendation; and 6) 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 2.75 on a 4.0scale from an accredited college or university.
2. An acceptable score on the GRE, generally at least 146 verbal and144 quantitative and a 4.0 on analytical writing.

Applicants with five or more years of qualified professional work experience may submit a portfolio in lieu of the GRE. The portfolio is to 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/recognitions. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately. Applicants should submit their applications and the GRE scores or portfolio to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research of Tennessee State University. The admission decision will be based on the entire academic and professional record. Applicants will be granted unconditional admission if the overall record (based on the above variables) 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 Graduate Studies and Research upon 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. Graduates of accredited colleges who have not taken the Graduate Record Examination (and do not have five years of qualified professional experience) must take the GRE during the first semester of enrollment (prior to mid-term is preferred) in courses for graduate credit. They must also obtain a 3.00 GPA in all classes the first year or until unconditionally accepted.
2. Graduates of accredited colleges who have five years of qualified professional experience but who do not have completed portfolios must submit the requested documents during the first semester of enrollment (prior to mid-term is preferred) in courses for graduate credit. They must also obtain a 3.0 GPA in all classes the first year or until unconditionally accepted.
3. Students who present a grade point average (GPA) below 2.75must, at the time of application, submit GRE scores or portfolio which are acceptable to the Department of Public Administration. After admission, those students are required to obtain a 3.00 GPA in the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework.

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.