THE PROGRAM

Master of Professional Studies-Regents Online Degree Program (M.P.S.-RODP) - offers a master’s degree with a concentration in Human Resources Leadership.

Human Resources Leadership prepares individuals to specialize in attracting qualified employees to appropriate jobs which ultimately benefit the success of the organization by providing a link between top management and its workers.  Students seeking an M.P.S. in Human Resources Leadership will gain the skills to be leaders of this department working with top management to determine policies and requirements which ensure that human resource tasks are accomplished according to strategic plans and the goals of the organization.  This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in the areas of effectiveness of employee skills; training and development opportunities to improve skills; increasing employee satisfaction; developing and managing human resource programs and policies; compensation and benefits; and employee relations. 

The student outcomes for the M.P.S.-RODP with a concentration in Human Resources Leadership can be measured by the high demand for persons who have a graduate level education and are prepared and qualified to guarantee that the organization’s human resource department is handled with the most efficient, effective and economic means.  The program 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 and/or recognitions.

Admission deadlines to the program:
Fall - July 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - May 1

Program Summary

Total credits required for graduation: 33
Students complete nine hours of core requirements; 21 hours in the concentration; and three hours in the culminating project.

A. Core Courses: Students will complete the following three core courses. (9 credit hours)

1)  PRST 7100 - Professional Environment:  Issues and Ethics (3 credits)

2)  PRST 7200 - Globalization and the Professions (3 credits)

3)  PRST 7300 - Research Methods (3 credits)

B. For the Human Resources Leadership concentration, students will complete the following four courses. (12 credit hours)

1)  PRST 7040 – Human Resources Management (3 credits)

2)  PRST 7600 – Statistical Analysis (3 credits) (Prerequisite: PRST 7300)

3)  PRST 7910 - Employment and Human Resources Law (3 credits)

4)  PRST 7920 - Diversity in the Workplace (3 credits)

Students will select one of the following two courses. (3 credit hours)

1)  PRST 7500 – Foundations of Leadership (3 credits)

2)  PRST 7310 - Leadership in Organization (3 credits)

Students will select two of the following four courses. (6 credit hours)

1)  PRST 7700 – Conflict Management and Negotiation (3 credits)

2)  PRST 7930 – Compensation and Benefits (3 credits)

3)  PRST 7940 – Recruitment, Selection, and Retention (3 credits)

4)  PRST 7460 – Instructional Design Training and Development (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. (3 credit hours)

PRST 7998 - Professional Project (3 credits)

Master of Professional Studies Course Rotation

                              Fall 2009-Summer 2010       Fall 2010-Summer 2011

Course Courses

Human Resources Leadership

Professional Project

Application Checklist

1) Complete the University of Memphis Graduate School application, available online at http:/www.memphis.edu/admissions/graduate.php

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:
a) Professional resume;
b) 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;
c) Two sealed letters of professional reference;
d) Other items that an applicant may submit in the portfolio include a description of professional responsibilities, professional achievements, and professional awards and/or recognitions. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately.

For advising and more information, please contact the Master of Professional Studies office at 901.678.2716 or email Rebecca Maxwell at rjmaxwll@memphis.edu or Dr. Herb McCree at hmccree@memphis.edu.