Program Overview

Professional Studies, Training and Development Concentration, M.P.S.

The Training and Development concentration of the MPS degree (Master of Professional Studies) is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program for working professionals who wish to earn a graduate degree and excel in their careers.

Program Description

This program is designed for the working adult, available completely online, and provides a flexible schedule. It does not require a GRE. The value of education is increasingly critical to a successful workplace, and the need for teachers and trainers to provide that education has grown exponentially. This Training and Development concentration offers preparation for teaching adults in the corporate training environment or facilitating courses in an online environment.

Career Opportunities

The master's in Training and Development program is designed for those interested in organizational needs analysis, instructional design, human resources management, and other areas of training and development. Some potential career paths for graduates from this program include:

• Case Consultant
• Enterprise Support and Training Specialist
• Lead Delivery Specialist
• Leave of Absence Analyst
• New Equipment Training Instructor
• Senior Communication Specialist

Employers of some of the master's in Training and Development graduates include:

• Deloitte
• City of Franklin
• Brown and Brown
• Kellog Brown and Root
• State of Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee State University

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Professional Studies program requires:

1. An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
2. An acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken (at least 3.0 for unconditional admission);
3. Competency in word processing, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases;
4. Regular access to a computer and reliable Internet connection.

Application Procedures

Applicant must:

1. Submit application with the appropriate application fee;
2. Submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
3. Submit a portfolio of works for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five years of full-time work experience, or those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five years of full-time work experience.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Training and Development requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours. Candidate must:

1. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit;
2. Complete a professional project during the final semester of the program.

Curriculum

The program includes:

Core Courses (12 hours)

• PRST 6000 - Leading Organizational Transformation
• PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics
• PRST 6300 - Research Methods
• PRST 6600 - Statistical Analysis

Training and Development Concentration (12 hours)

• HSC 6530 - Effective Program Management
• PRST 6400 - Instructional Design for Training and Development
• PRST 6410 - Evaluation of Learning
• PRST 6470 - Facilitation of Learning

Specialization Option (3 hours)

Students will select at least one of the following courses:

• BCED 5660 - Corporate Communication
• BCED 6680 - Women and Minorities in Business
• BLAW 6520 - Current Legal Topics in Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Fraud
• MGMT 6680 - Seminar in Human Resources Management

Professional Project (3 or 4 hours)

• PRST 6998 - Professional Project

Faculty

• Dr. Pamela Duke Morris, Associate Professor

Scholarships

• Graduate Studies Scholarships

General Information

• Online Student Resources
• Graduate Student Forms

Admission Information

• Graduate Application
• GRE Alternative Portfolio
• GRE Information