Professional Studies

Program description

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is a cross-disciplinary program which promotes the enhancement of practical skills in a variety of disciplines.  The program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are seeking professional growth and advancement within their vocations. The 33-hour program allows participants to expand their knowledge base and refine skills necessary to keep up with the ever-changing marketplace.

Admission requirements

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is designed for 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.

Admission to the program requires all of the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University or equivalent education from a foreign university.
2. A GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work OR a GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work and a minimum score of 290 on the GRE or 450 on the GMAT OR completion of 9 credit hours of graduate course work with a minimum GPA of 3.00. These courses may be taken as a postbaccalaureate or nondegree-seeking graduate student and must be approved by the MPS Program Director.
3. A Resume
4. A written statement of goals and interest in the MPS degree. This written statement will be reviewed to assess the applicant's motivation and commitment to complete the graduate degree and as evidence of the writing skills necessary to succeed in the program.
5. All additional University and Graduate College requirements for admission to a degree program.

Accelerated Master's Option Admission requirements

Exceptional Missouri State University undergraduate students may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Professional Studies program in their junior year after admission requirements for the accelerated program have been satisfied.  Candidates for this option must have junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.20 or higher.  If admitted, up to 12 hours of 600-level or 700-level courses may be designated as "mixed credit" and count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  This option gives these undergraduate students the opportunity to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in 10 semesters and a summer.

Before enrolling in a course that will apply to both the undergraduate program and the master's program an undergraduate student must:

1. Be admitted into the accelerated program;
2. Receive prior approval from the MSIS advisor, department head of the undergraduate program, and the Dean of the Graduate College.  This is done by using a mixed credit form.

Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s).  See the Graduate College for further information.

Admission Requirement for the Accelerated Option:

1. Junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.20 or better;
2. A supportive recommendation letter from the applicant's undergraduate advisor, program director, or department head;
3. A written statement of purpose explaining why the student wants to pursue the accelerated Master's program along with the prospective plans following graduation.  ​​​​​​​

Degree requirements (minimum of 33 credit hours)

For core courses, work with the MPS advisor to select courses from seven of the eight areas listed below.  Your advisor will help navigate the available options to generate a program of study to meet your professional goals.  No more than 15 credit hours (generally 5 courses) form the College of Business can be counted toward the MPS degree. 

1.  Core courses (21 credit hours) - Select 7 of the following 8 areas of study.

• Finance/Budgeting/Economics

• Law/Ethics/Regulatory Functions

• Talent Identification/Leadership/Management

• Research Design/Project Development/Data Analysis

• Communication/Relationships/Enviornment

• Technology/Networking/Security

• Structure/Diversity

• Professional Writing

2.  Focus Area:  Graduate Certificate (12 credit hours)

The completion of a graduate certificate allows the student to focus on the area that aligns with his or her professional interests.  Prospective students are encouraged to visit with the Director of the MPS about the choice for a focus area.  Although any graduate certificate is an eligible avenue to meet the focus area requirement, students must be formally admitted to the certificate program in order to use it toward the MPS degree.  The following graduate certificates are currently aligned with the MPS, and students who choose one of these for a focus area are simultaneously admitted to both the degree and the certificate:

• Applied Communication
• Environmental Monitoring and Sampling
• Hospitality Administration
• Individualized Studies
• Project Management
• Screenwriting for Television and Film
• Sport Management

For information regarding other potential graduate certificates and associated admission requirements, visit https://graduate.missouristate.edu/FutureStudents/certificate-programs.htm.  

MPS students are expected to demonstrate competency in methods of inquiry, problem solving, and writing for their career path and program emphasis.  One of the courses taken for the graduate certificate also will serve as the Capstone experience.  This may involve an internship, practicum, or research project representative of their focus area.  Successful completion of the capstone experience will serve as the student's comprehensive examination.