Master of Science, Administrative Studies
Program Description
The Master of Science in Administrative Studies is a cross-disciplinary program which features enhancement of administrative abilities with areas of emphasis in Applied Communication, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Environmental Management, Project Management, and Sports Management. The program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are established in careers and are seeking professional growth and advancement within their vocations. The 33-hour program builds upon past work experience, and allows participants to expand their knowledge base, abilities, and skills which can lead to enhanced administrative roles within organizations.
A basic premise of the program is that for individuals to be effective in their career paths, they need to build from a core of courses designed to impart various skills common to effective administration and successful goal achievement. Hence, all students will take courses that build competencies in Communication, Personnel Issues, Information Systems, Legal/Political Issues, Budgeting, and Research Design/Methods. For the additional 12 hours of the program, students will select, with advisement, a discipline-option area that focuses on one application of administrative services.
The Master of Science in Administrative Studies may be taken via the Internet. All of the required 24 hours of core courses and the Communication, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Project Management and Sports Management options are available over the Internet. Currently, the 12-hour Environmental Management option is available only on campus. The Individualized option would depend on the selection of courses chosen.
Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in Administrative Studies is designed for mature individuals who are highly motivated to pursue an advanced degree. Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum standards for admission will not guarantee acceptance into the program.
In addition, students accepted into the program must have completed:
- a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University or equivalent education from a foreign university;
- a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of course work. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.00 are strongly encouraged to submit other indicators of their potential to succeed, such as GRE/GMAT scores, evidence of a strong work experience, portfolio, etc.;
- an up-to-date Resume submitted to the MSAS program director;
- two letters of recommendation from individuals able to speak to the applicants academic and professional abilities and potential to succeed in the program (submitted to the Program Director);
- all additional University and Graduate College requirements for admission to a degree program.
Degree Requirements (minimum of 33 hours)
- Core Requirements (21 hours)
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours ACC 600 Accounting Concepts for Managers 3 hrs COM 718 Applied Communication Research Methods 3 hrs PLS 756 Financial Management for State and Local Government 3 hrs COM 736 Concepts and Analysis of Communication in Organizations 3 hrs CIS 600 Information Systems in Business Organizations 3 hrs PLS 651 Administrative Law 3 hrs PSY 776 Personnel Selection, Placement and Classification 3 hrs Total 21 hrs - Research Methods/Research Requirement
- Research Methods Requirement. The research methods requirement is satisfied by completing COM 718, Applied Communication Research Methods, in the required core.
- Research Requirement. MSAS students are expected to demonstrate research and writing proficiency appropriate to their career path and program emphasis. Scholarly projects are required within the option area and a research methods course to satisfy this requirement. Students will complete a significant project as a capstone experience in an option area course.
- Option Areas (12 hours)
Six formal options exist for the Master of Science in Administrative Studies. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in an option. Options include Communication, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Project Management, Environmental Management, Sports Management and an Individualized Option. Under special circumstances and close supervision of the Program Director, students may be allowed to develop a specialized course of study to complete the option area of the degree.
Applied Communication Option (choose any of the following four courses):
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours COM 611 Conflict and Communication 3 hrs COM 617 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace 3 hrs COM 619 Ethical Issues in Communication 3 hrs COM 732 Theories and Concepts of Small Group Communication 3 hrs COM 713 Media Resources for Organizations 3 hrs Criminal Justice Option:
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours CRM 710 Justice Administration 3 hrs CRM 740 Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security 3 hrs CRM 750 Law Enforcement and Community 3 hrs CRM 770 Correctional Theory and Practice 3 hrs Homeland Security Option:
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours CRM 740 Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security 3 hrs CRM 745 Topics in Homeland Defense and Security 3 hrs PLS 717 Multidisciplinary Approaches to Homeland Security 3 hrs PLS 719 Strategic Planning and Organizational Imperatives in Homeland Security 3 hrs Environmental Management Option:
Required (6 hours)Course Code Course Title Credit Hours GRY 731 Environmental Assessment 3 hrs ECO 640 Economics of the Environment 3 hrs Elective hours (6 hours chosen in consultation with advisor)
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours BIO 632 Principles of Fisheries Management 3 hrs BIO 662 Limnology 3 hrs BIO 689 Game Management 3 hrs BIO 726 Advanced Limnology Methods 3 hrs CHM 760 Chemistry of Environmental Systems I 3 hrs PLN 671 Land Use Planning 3 hrs PLN 674 Open Space Planning 3 hrs GRY 748 Physiography and Resource Planning 3 hrs PLN 670 Planning Law 3 hrs Project Management Option:
Required Courses (6 hours)
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours TCM 701 Project Management 3 hrs TCM 750 Advanced Project Management 3 hrs Plus two of the following:
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours TCM 611 Product Design and Development 3 hrs TCM 645 Project Control Systems 3 hrs TCM 651 Cost Analysis for Industrial Management 3 hrs TCM 710 Project Leadership 3 hrs Recommended sequence: TCM 701, 2 electives, TCM 750
Sports Management Option:
The Sports Management Option is a 15 hour option that includes three 3 credit hour courses and one 6 hour field experience course. KIN 733 covers the research requirement for the MSAS program.
Required Courses (6 hours)
Course Code Course Title Credit Hours KIN 739 Principles of Sports Management 3 hrs KIN 780 Legal Aspects in Sports, Physical Education, Recreation, and Wellness Programs 3 hrs KIN 733 Current Problems in Sports Administration 3 hrs KIN 798 Field Experience in Sports Management 6 hrs Individualized Option:
Under special circumstances and close supervision of the Program Director, students may be allowed to develop a specialized course of study to complete the option area of the degree.
- Comprehensive Examination. This examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be given. Please note that comprehensive examinations are regularly administered in the fall and spring semesters with some option areas being available in the summer semester. See the MSAS website for more information.