Professional Studies, Operations Research Concentration, M.P.S.

Pamela D. Morris, Program Director
(615) 898-5920
Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu

The University College offers the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) with concentrations in Human Resources Leadership, Leadership in Nutrition, Operations Research, Strategic Leadership, and Training and Development. For more information, contact Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu, call (615)898-5920, or visit www.mtsu.edu/mps.

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 2.75 for unconditional admission)
3. completion of a portfolio of works based on criteria below:

   1. for those with a 3.25 GPA or higher; OR

   2. for those with a 2.75 GPA or higher and five (5) years of full-time work experience.

4. competency in word processing, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases. Students must be computer literate (using email,posting discussions, using chat, web page navigation, uploading attachments, etc.) as well as have excellent time management skills in order to be successful in the online course environment;
5. regular access to a computer and reliable Internet connection.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

1. Applicant must submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
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 (5) years of full-time work experience OR those with a 3.25 GPA with less than five (5) years of full-time work experience. Applicants who meet this requirement may inquire about the portfolio requirements by e-mailing Pamela.Morris@mtsu.edu or going to www.mtsu.edu/university-college/mps/portfolio.php.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Operations Research requires completion of minimum of 30 semester hours.

Candidate must

1. complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit (See Curriculum section below for specifics):
2. complete a professional project during the final semester of the program.

Curriculum: Professional Studies, Operations Research

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Core Courses (12 hours)

• PRST 6000 - Leading Organizational Transformation  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6000 - Leading Organizational Transformation

  3credit hours

  Focuses on the leadership aspects of creating, implementing, and monitoring initiatives that will help an organization's employees make the essential transitions necessary to enable their organization to successfully transform to the needs of its operational environment.

• PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics

  3credit hours

  Introduces the discipline of ethics and values. Explores the various theories and practices that have led to, and continue to dominate the study of ethics and values in public service. Students will display their knowledge of ethics and values in various reading, writing, and oratorical assignments.

• PRST 6300 - Research Methods  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6300 - Research Methods

  3credit hours

  Study and application of research methods appropriate to professional studies. Provides a general introduction to research methods as well as providing practical exposure to problem statements, literature reviews, writing the research proposal, and organizations of the research report. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies briefly covered in preparation for later courses in these areas.

• PRST 6600 - Statistical Analysis  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6600 - Statistical Analysis

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PRST 6300. Explores the fundamental principles that form the foundation of the scientific process. Ultimate goal is to enhance student's ability to effectively interpret and translate the results of research.

Operations Research Concentration (9 hours)

• BIA 6905 - Applied Business Analytics  3 credit hours  

  
  

  BIA 6905 - Applied Business Analytics

  3credit hours

  (Same as MBAI 6905.) An applied approach to the understanding, development, and application of prescriptive and data analytic tools to model and analyze business data. A hands-on focus utilized with both commonly-used spreadsheet software and specialized business intelligence software for the student to develop skills for self-service business analytics.

• HSC 6530 - Effective Program Management  3 credit hours  

  
  

  HSC 6530 - Effective Program Management

  3credit hours

  Addresses the knowledge and skills required for developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating programs to meet the needs of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. In addition, it covers the aspects of writing grant proposals to support those programs.

• PRST 6320 - Effective Techniques in Survey Design and Implementation  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6320 - Effective Techniques in Survey Design and Implementation

  3credit hours

  Focuses on the introduction of using surveys as well as techniques for designing, developing, and implementing surveys, while also considering the most effective tools for specific survey needs. Also investigates considerations to keep in mind when developing survey questions and best practices for administering surveys, including communication strategies for supporting high response rates.

   

Specialization Electives (6 hours)

• BCED 5660 - Corporate Communication  3 credit hours  

  
  

  BCED 5660 - Corporate Communication

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: BCED 3510 or equivalent. Research and analysis of case studies of significant research; case studies in business communication; communication policies, principles, and procedures from the executive's viewpoint.

• BIA 6910 - Business Intelligence  3 credit hours  

  
  

  BIA 6910 - Business Intelligence

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: BIA 6905 or QM 6770 or equivalent. A more advanced look at the application of business intelligence tools to solving business problems. Coverage will include the development and deployment of sophisticated reporting and dashboard systems to monitor and manage operations. Industry-standard business intelligence software utilized.

• COMM 6650 - Conflict Management and Resolution  3 credit hours  

  
  

  COMM 6650 - Conflict Management and Resolution

  3credit hours

  Explores the role of communication in conflict management/resolution between or among individuals or groups. Potential topics may include interpersonal and workplace conflict, tools for conflict resolution, including mediation and negotiation. 

   

• PRST 6770 - Computer-based Decision Modeling  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6770 - Computer-based Decision Modeling

  3credit hours

  Advanced techniques in quantita­tive methods. Modeling and optimization techniques. Compu­ter applications emphasized.

Professional Project (3 or 4 hours)

• PRST 6998 - Professional Project  3 to 4 credit hours  

  
  

  PRST 6998 - Professional Project

  3 to 4credit hours

  Capstone course for the Master of Professional Studies degree. The integrative culmination of the program of study.­

PRST 6998 must be taken during the final semester of the program. Students should begin planning their projects when they enter the M.P.S. program. They should consult their advisors about appropriate topics and submit their proposals for approval prior to entering this course.

Students applying for EXL Scholar Designation should take EXL 6000 for 1 credit hour.

NOTE:

MPS students are limited to no more than 6 hours of prior learning assessment (PLA) credit and transfer credit combined.