The Program

Master of Professional Studies-Regents Online Degree Program offers a master’s degree with a concentration in Training and Development with a Specialization in Distance Training or On-Site Training.

Training and Development prepares individuals to specialize in today's rapidly changing professional environment. Students seeking an MPS in Training and Development will gain the skills to discuss, assess, and apply leadership theories and concepts; analyze, use, and report data for organizational assessment decision-making and program evaluation; apply instructional design theories and concepts; understand and assess e-learning technologies; and manage the design and implementation of instructional and training materials. This graduate professional studies degree consists of 33 hours of interdisciplinary coursework in the areas of distance learning in online, compressed video, computer-based training, and on-site training.

The student outcomes for the MPS with a concentration in Training and Development are based on the American Society for Training and Development E-Learning Competencies and 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)

PRST 7100	Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics	3 credits
PRST 7200	Globalization and the Professions	3 credits
PRST 7300	Research Methods	3 credits

B. Concentration: Students will complete the following five courses. (15 credits hours)

PRST 7770 OR PRST 7600	Computer-Based Decision Modeling (Prerequisite: PRST 7300) or Statistical Analysis	3 credits
PRST 7410	Evaluation of Learning (Prerequisites: PRST 7600 or PRST 7770 and PRST 7400)	3 credits
PRST 7420	Organizational Needs Analysis	3 credits
PRST 7400	Instructional Design for Training and Development	3 credits
PRST 7470	Facilitation of Learning	3 credits

Specialization Options: Students will complete two of the following seven courses.
(6 credit hours)

PRST 7430	Advanced Instructional Design for Training and Development	3 credits
PRST 7105	Project Planning and Scheduling	3 credits
PRST 7040	Human Resources Management	3 credits
PRST 7440	Engaging the Adult Online Learner (Prerequisite: PRST 7430)	3 credits
PRST 7450	Computer-Based Technologies for E-Training (Prerequisite: PRST 7400)	3 credits
PRST 7910	Employer and Human Resources Law (Prerequisite: PRST 7040)	3 credits
PRST 7920	Diversity in the Workplace	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

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