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Professional Leadership

Those mastering the leadership skills and knowledge necessary to compete in our world will find success in today's rapidly changing professional environment. Students pursing studies in professional leadership learn about operations and their constituencies, will improve or develop administrative skills, will examine how corporate and nonprofit organizations serve the community.

Non-Profit Development and Administration, (B.P.S.)

The goal of this interdisciplinary curriculum is to help persons understand the role of nonprofit in society and to prepare them to organize, develop, and administer nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations include educational, scientific, religious, and other charitable organizations as well as private foundations, community-based organizations, professional and fraternal associations, and  civic and social organizations.

The guidelines are designed to serve persons who have worked, or who want to work, within the nonprofit sector as employees, or have served in the community as volunteers. They will want to learn how nonprofit organizations serve the community, to learn about their operation, and their constituencies, and to improve or develop administrative skills in order to work in the nonprofit sector. Persons who wish to enter the nonprofit sector or make a career change will also be served by these guidelines. Graduates of the program will likely enter such careers as communications director, volunteer director, or program director for a nonprofit agency. This curriculum can also prepare for graduate study in master's degree programs in the fields of public administration, applied anthropology, business administration and social work.

Urban Studies Concentration, (B.P.S.)

This program provides a structure of study for students interested in the origin, evolution, and function of cities and metropolitan areas. Courses have been chosen to allow exploration of multiple perspectives on the dynamics of urban change, the causes of urban problems, and the sources of urban innovation. Special emphasis is given to the physical development of communities, and the interaction of that development with the social, economic, and environmental well being of communities. The curriculum considers theories, ideologies, and practices to support solutions to urban and regional problems and offers students opportunities to engage in addressing local challenges with community partners. This course of study prepares students for pursuit of a professional master's degree in a related discipline (e.g., City Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, etc.)

Admission to the Program

Undergraduate students admitted to University of Memphis may pursue a degree in the College of Professional and Liberal Studies by completing Declaration of Major form. 

Once accepted, students must seek academic advising prior to the start of each semester. Advisors will provide guidance in developing a meaningful educational plan that is compatible with the student's abilities, values, interests and career goals. Academic advising is available in-person, by phone and web conference. 

Fees and Scholarships

Students are encouraged to visit University and Student Business Services regularly to review fee charts, deadlines and other important details as they are subject to change. 

The College of Professional and Liberal Studies offers several scholarships for students meeting the stated requirements. Students may apply for scholarships through Tiger Scholarship Manager.

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Degree Requirements

Students in the Organizational Leadership concentration will select from a set of courses to form a coordinated plan of study. Requirements for this program include general education, core requirements, thematic studies, senior project and general electives. Students should seek guidance from their advisor every semester and follow the assigned degree plan. A minor may be pursued with this degree through the submission of a completed minor application. Approval must be granted from the graduation analyst of the minor they are seeking as well as the College of Professional and Liberal Studies graduation analyst. 

Thematic Studies

Thematic studies focus on significant themes in social, political, and religious history. All College of Professional and Liberal Studies students must complete 6 credit hours of thematic studies courses. These courses are offered on campus and online in many interdisciplinary topics.

Prior Learning Assessment

Students who wish to accelerate the completion of their degree may be eligible to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) which includes credit earned by CLEP or DSST standardized exams, Experiential Learning Credit, or departmental credit by examination.

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File for Graduation

Undergraduate students who are within two semesters of graduation should review the required process to file for graduation. All parts must be completed by the posted deadline. 

Career Development

Students interested in learning more about career options in professional leadership should review information and set an appointment to meet with a Career Specialist in our Career Services Office.

Local and National Organizations

Alliance Management Institute

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