Master of Professional Studies
UNA's Master of Professional Studies (MPrS) degree program is designed to meet the educational and career-oriented objectives of today's working professionals. The MPrS degree appeals to students interested in building organizational leadership skills in the areas of Community Development, Higher Education Administration, Information Technology, or Security and Safety Leadership. Students customize their area studies while enhancing their knowledge base specific to work and leadership within formal organizations.
Through this program students will demonstrate:
- an understanding of the nature and impact of major social, economic, and political forces, including population diversity, technological change, and globalization
- the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- the ability to conduct research and utilize research findings as a foundation for decision making
- the ability to lead, negotiate, and resolve conflicts

Cost
Tuition Calculator

Credentials
Master of Professional Studies

Mode
100% online and face-to-face availability

Time to Complete
About 2 years depending on course load
Why UNA?
Degree Requirements
The Master of Professional Studies degree is a 33-36 credit hour program. The following six courses, called the "core" component, are required of all students seeking this degree:
Course | Title | Number of Credit Hours |
PRS 601 | Applied Research for Professionals | 3 credits |
PRS 603 | Professional Communications | 3 credits |
PRS 607 | Leadership, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution | 3 credits |
PRS 609 | Organizations, Institutions, and Change | 3 credits |
PRS 611 | Globalization and Society | 3 credits |
PRS 695 | Capstone/Thesis | 3-6 credits |
Click the following link to view course descriptions: PRS Courses of Instruction.
As students complete the core component, they will also be completing 15 credit hours of coursework (5 graduate-level courses) in their area of specialization (i.e., Community Development, Higher Education Administration, Information Technology, and Security and Safety Leadership). Students are expected to communicate with their academic advisor regarding the selection and scheduling of their specialization coursework within the completion of 12 graduate credit hours. Advising appointments will be arranged around the student's schedule.
Areas of Specialization




Accreditation
The Master of Professional Studies degree is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Testimonials
"I chose the Master of Professional Studies program with a specialization in Community Development as it applies to many areas in life, but specifically to my role here at UNA. In the Advancement Office, our mission is to cultivate relationships and empower those around us while honoring our donor’s philanthropic goals. The program has prepared me with leadership, communication, and organizational skills that are necessary for connecting UNA and our community. These skills will benefit my efforts in donor engagement and help to make our campus and community more cohesive."
Morgan Fowler, Spring 2022 Graduate - MPrS in Community Development
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"I chose the MPrS program because it is an exceptional, flexible university program that offers an array of courses focused on theoretical research that interests me and practical skills that apply directly to my future career in higher education administration. The instructors are truly of the highest caliber. One thing I have found very helpful about this program is the online interactions and discussions with other students who have already built careers in my desired field. The information I am soaking up from the opinions of my experienced peers accompanied by our weekly course readings sheds light on how I should approach my career."
John Green, Current Student - MPrS in Higher Education Administration
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"[The MPrS degree] allowed me to focus on my specialization [in Information Technology] while not having to take courses that did not appeal to me. I really enjoy the wide range of specialization within the program as it provides unique dialogue in the courses."
Noah Stern, Spring 2022 graduate - MPrS in Information Technology
Admissions Requirements
Unconditional Admission:
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. The baccalaureate degree must bear a strong substantive and conceptual relationship to the applicant's area of specialization within the MPrS degree.
- Overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 minimum on a 4.0 scale or 3.0 GPA in last 60 hrs. of undergraduate study.
- The GRE/MAT is NOT required.
Conditional Admission:
Applicants who do not meet the cumulative GPA standard but who demonstrate a minimum of three years of successful full-time work experience in a professional field may be admitted conditionally. Such applicants must have current and/or prior employers complete the Job Verification form. Employers will send this fillable form directly to Dr. Craig Robertson (mps@una.edu).
Transfer Admission:
Students may transfer into the MPrS program up to 12 credit hours of graduate credit (grade of B or higher) with the approval of the MPrS Program Director. Contact the Department of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies with any questions you may have concerning the transfer of graduate credits hours.
Additional Requirements:
- Along with the graduate application, students must submit a Letter of Intent for evaluation. The letter of intent is an important element in defining the applicant's suitability for acceptance. It should introduce the applicant, address their reasons for applying, clearly identify the choice of concentration, and convey how the degree program will affect their future career plans. It should convey how the applicant's baccalaureate education and/or work experience has prepared them for graduate studies within their MPrS area of specialization, and identify possible graduate-level courses offered at UNA or other schools that may become part of the applicant's area of specialization (see Graduate Courses of Instruction).
- Three professional references must complete a fillable form for each applicant. Applicants input the email addresses of their references as part of the online application process.
- Transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions must be requested and sent directly through an electronic transcript service to the UNA Office of Admissions at graduate@una.edu or mailed to Office of Graduate Admissions, UNA Box 5078, Florence, AL 35632.
Admissions Deadline
UNA is flexible when it comes to accepting and processing applications. Applications are considered upon receipt, and admissions decisions are made within a few weeks. Naturally, we encourage prospective students to apply for admission as early as possible. We are committed to reviewing applications efficiently and providing our prospective students with equally efficient feedback.