M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
Masters of Professional Studies
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MPS program at Missouri State is a 33-credit-hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students, though its flexible nature makes it suitable for part-time enrollment. It is explicitly designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking professional growth and advancement within their vocations, emphasizing the enhancement of practical skills across a variety of disciplines. The program is offered in online, seated, and hybrid formats, providing significant flexibility for working professionals. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified Missouri State undergraduate students, allowing them to count up to 12 hours of graduate coursework towards both their bachelor's and master's degrees.
Curriculum: The MPS curriculum is highly customizable and student-driven, requiring students to select 7 out of 8 core areas of study and then choose a specific focus area. The core areas of study provide foundational knowledge in professional competencies such as Finance/Budgeting/Economics; Law/Ethics/Regulatory Functions; Talent Identification/Leadership/Management; Research Design/Project Development/Data Analysis; Communication/Relationships/Environment; Technology/Networking/Security; Structure/Diversity; and Professional Writing. Students then select one of seven different emphasis (Option Areas) or an individualized option, including Applied Communication, Hospitality Administration, Screenwriting, Project Management, Sports Management, or others. One of the courses taken for the graduate certificate in the chosen focus area also serves as the Capstone experience, which may involve an internship, practicum, or research project representative of their focus area. This structure allows students to build a degree directly relevant to their professional goals.
Research Focus: While the MPS program emphasizes practical skills and professional development, it also integrates a component of research and inquiry. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in methods of inquiry, problem-solving, and professional writing relevant to their chosen career path and program emphasis. The "Research Design/Project Development/Data Analysis" area is a core component, ensuring students gain foundational knowledge in research methodologies. The culminating Capstone experience, which can be an internship, practicum, or a research project, requires students to apply these research skills to a real-world professional problem or question. This focus ensures graduates can critically analyze information, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute to professional knowledge in their respective fields.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a hallmark of the MPS program, given its strong vocational focus. The program is designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking professional growth and advancement within their vocations, directly aligning with current marketplace demands. Many of the focus areas, such as Project Management, Hospitality Administration, and Sports Management, are inherently tied to specific industries. The program encourages the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through course projects and the Capstone experience, which can include an internship. Faculty members often have professional experience in their respective fields, bringing practical insights into the classroom and potentially facilitating networking opportunities. The program's design caters to working professionals, enabling them to apply their learning directly to their current or prospective roles.
Global Perspective: The Master of Professional Studies program at Missouri State University, while primarily focused on enhancing professional skills relevant to the U.S. market, can incorporate a global perspective depending on the student's chosen focus areas and individual interests. Missouri State University's broader Public Affairs Mission, which includes "Cultural Competence" and "Ethical Leadership," encourages students to consider diverse perspectives and the global impact of their professional endeavors. If students choose focus areas that inherently have international dimensions, such as aspects of business, communication, or environmental studies, they can tailor their curriculum to include courses with a global emphasis. The university also welcomes international students, enriching the classroom environment with diverse viewpoints and experiences, which can contribute to a broader understanding of global professional practices and challenges.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 450 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) from Missouri State University is specifically designed to enhance the career prospects of working professionals by providing a customizable, interdisciplinary graduate education. This flexible degree allows students to blend advanced knowledge and practical skills from various disciplines, making them highly adaptable and valuable in a dynamic job market that increasingly demands professionals with diverse expertise.
Project Manager: With a focus area in Project Management, graduates are well-equipped to lead and manage complex projects across various industries, including IT, construction, healthcare, and business. They are skilled in planning, execution, risk management, and team coordination.
Organizational Development Specialist/Consultant: By combining areas like Applied Communication with Leadership/Management, graduates can excel in roles focused on improving organizational effectiveness, culture, and change management. They help companies streamline processes, enhance employee engagement, and adapt to new challenges.
Human Resources Manager: An MPS with an emphasis on Talent Identification/Leadership/Management and aspects of Law/Ethics can prepare graduates for HR leadership roles. They manage recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Communications Manager/Director: An Applied Communication focus within the MPS makes graduates ideal for leadership roles in public relations, corporate communications, or marketing. They develop and execute communication strategies, manage public image, and foster positive internal and external relationships.
Hospitality Administrator/Manager: With a focus area in Hospitality Administration, graduates are prepared for leadership positions in hotels, resorts, event management, or food and beverage operations. They manage operations, customer service, and strategic planning within the hospitality sector.
Sports Management Professional: An MPS with a Sports Management emphasis can lead to diverse careers in the sports industry, including sports marketing, event management, athletic administration, and facility operations for professional teams, collegiate athletics, or sports organizations.
Non-Profit Administrator/Program Director: Combining a focus on areas like Professional Writing (for grant writing) with Leadership/Management or even an Individualized Studies emphasis on social impact, graduates can effectively manage non-profit organizations, develop programs, and secure funding to address community needs.
Training and Development Manager: Graduates who combine Applied Communication with Talent Identification/Leadership can design, implement, and evaluate training programs for employees in corporate settings. They help enhance skills, improve performance, and foster professional growth within organizations.
Business Development Manager: An MPS with strong components in Finance/Budgeting/Economics and Communication can prepare individuals for roles in business development. They identify new opportunities, build client relationships, and drive growth for companies across various sectors.
Specialized Consultant (based on individualized focus): The highly customizable nature of the MPS, especially with the "Individualized Studies" option, allows graduates to create niche expertise. For example, combining Environmental Studies with Project Management could lead to an environmental project consultant role, or a blend of Cybersecurity and Law/Ethics could prepare for a cybersecurity policy consultant.
