Nov 28, 2024  
2020-21 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-21 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Professional Studies, Training and Development Concentration, M.P.S.


Pamela D. Morris, Program Director
(615) 898-5920
Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu

The University College  offers the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) with concentrations in Human Resources Leadership, Leadership in Nutrition, Operations Research, Strategic Leadership, and Training and Development. For more information, contact Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu, call (615) 898-5920, or visit www.mtsu.edu/mps.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the Master of Professional Studies program requires

  1. an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
  2. an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken (at least 2.75 for unconditional admission);
  3. three (3) letters of recommendation;
  4. completion of a portfolio of works OR Graduate Record Examination (GRE) based on criteria below:
    1. completion of a portfolio of works for those with a 3.25 GPA or higher; OR
    2. completion of a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of professional full-time work experience; OR
    3. completion of the GRE General Test with acceptable scores;
  5. competency in word processing, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases. Students must be computer literate (using e-mail, posting discussions, using chat, webpage navigation, uploading attachments, etc.) as well as have excellent time management skills in order to be successful in the online course environment;
  6. regular access to a computer and reliable Internet connection. To view hardware and software requirements please go to tnecampus.info/d2l-hardware-and-software-requirements.

NOTE: Candidates for the Master of Professional Studies may enroll for one semester before being fully admitted to the program.

Application Procedures


All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

  1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
  3. submit three letters of reference;
  4. submit official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A composite GRE score of 291 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) is expected for consideration of unconditional admission. Applicants with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of professional full-time work experience may submit a portfolio of works in place of a GRE score. Applicants who meet this requirement may inquire about the portfolio requirements by e-mailing Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu or going to www.mtsu.edu/university-college/mps/portfolio.php.

Degree Requirements


The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Training and Development requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours.

Candidate must

  1. complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
  2. complete a professional project during the final semester of the program.

Curriculum: Professional Studies, Training and Development


The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Training and Development Concentration (12 hours)


  • PRST 6400 - Instructional Design for Training and Development 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6410 - Evaluation of Learning 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6420 - Organizational Needs Analysis 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6470 - Facilitation of Learning 3 credit hours

Specialization Option (3 hours)


Students will select at lease one of the following courses:

  • MGMT 6680 - Seminar in Human Resource Management 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6430 - Advanced Instructional Design for Training and Development 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6440 - Engaging the Adult Online Learner 3 credit hours
  • PRST 6450 - Computer-Based Technologies for E-Training (prerequisite PRST 6400) 3 credit hours

Professional Project (3 or 4 hours)


  • 3 to 4 credit hours
  • PRST 6998 must be taken during the final semester of the program. Students should begin planning their projects when they enter the M.P.S. program. They should consult their advisors about appropriate topics and submit their proposals for approval prior to entering this course.

    Students applying for EXL Scholar Designation should take PRST 6998 for 4 credit hours.

    NOTE: The 5000 and 6000 levels numbering of courses for APSU/ETSU/TSU will be crosslisted with the 6000 levels used  by MTSU and TTU and the 7000 levels numbering of courses used at UOM.

NOTE:


MPS students are limited to no more than 6 hours of prior learning assessment (PLA) credit and transfer credit combined.