The Program

Master of Professional Studies Regent's Online Degree Program 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 MPS 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 MPS 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 cumulative 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.

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 MPS program and discussing how the program will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals; and two, official 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

The Graduate School reaches its decision regarding an applicant's admission after it receives the recommendation by the University College Graduate Program.  The University College does not make the decision.  For more information, read: Admission Regulations. 

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)

B. Concentration Requirements: four courses. (12 credit hours)

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

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

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)

Note: A proposal must be submitted to and approved by the MPS coordinator before the PRST 7998 permit will be issued.  Template: [PDF]

Application Checklist

1) Complete the University of Memphis Graduate School application, available online at http://www.memphis.edu/admissions/grad_adm.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, 100 Brister Hall, Memphis, TN 38152.

Portfolio to include:

• Professional resume;

• A 500 to 600 word essay detailing the reasons for wanting to enter the MPS  program and discussing how the program will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals;

• Two, official 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. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately.

For advising and more information, contact:
Master of Professional Studies
901.678.4056 / 901.678.3066
mpsuniv@memphis.edu
100 Brister Hall
Memphis, Tennessee 38152