The Program

Master of Professional Studies Regents Online Degree Program with a concentration in Strategic Leadership prepares you to lead in today's rapidly changing professional environment.  This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in the areas of leadership, communication, strategic planning and assessment, organizational structure, and research/data analysis. 

The MPS 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/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

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

B. Concentration for Strategic Leadership: Students will complete seven of the following courses, including at least one course from each of the five subject areas. (21 credit hours)

Leadership Theory

Research/Data Analysis

Organizational Structure and Change

Communication

Strategic Planning and Assessment

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.

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