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A master’s degree is intended to prepare students for scholarly or professional careers, for more specialized study in the discipline, or to satisfy their desire to learn more about a subject. A master’s degree is a distinguished academic award conferred upon those who demonstrate a level of competence and accomplishment that is substantially higher than what is expected of undergraduate students. These competencies include the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, skills to analyze complex situations, proficiency to acquire, integrate and apply knowledge, leadership skills, a capacity to recognize and deal with ethical issues according to the standards of their particular profession, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Academic preparation in a master’s degree program should include coursework, independent research, peer interactions, often combined with a practical learning experience.
The University recognizes the necessity for a well-defined and articulated curriculum of study that includes contributions to learning provided by employment, volunteering in your community, service-learning and internship experiences. Furthermore, the University considers these professional experiences to be an integral part of the graduate curriculum in that they allow programs to develop and implement an enriched curriculum while providing students the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and dispositions they have acquired as a result of formal classroom activities. Finally, while encouraged and considered to be an integral part of the graduate curriculum, academic credit may not be granted for work, community volunteerism, service-learning or internship experiences, unless completed as part of a regularly scheduled course. A brief description of each graduate degree program follows.
Park University launched its first graduate program in 1982 with the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This graduate program was developed by Jerzy Hauptmann Ph.D., long-time professor and dean, after whom the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs was named. Accredited by the Accreditaton Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and designed as a cross-sector degree with a public service values foundation, the MPA resides in the College of Management. The degree prepares leaders for work and contributions in various sectors of society. Students develop skills needed to interface with organizations across sectors, while acquiring the knowledge base to work in a rapidly changing global community. The MPA program graduates leaders prepared to shape the future in these times of relentless change and to make a difference in their communities and in the world.
The Master of Education program was launched in 1995. Originally located at the Parkville Campus and taught in an accelerated format, this program was designed to serve the classroom teacher. Students are encouraged to utilize an action/reflection format in applying educational theory to their own classroom. In 2001, Park University added a degree program in Educational Administration to respond to a growing need for educational professionals certified in this area. A program in Leading Adult and Organizational Learning was added in 2004 and a two-year Urban Education program was launched in 2016.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was launched in January 1998 and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Park University’s School of Business, which is housed in the School of Business within the College of Management, is one of the largest not-for-profit business schools in the United States. Its mission is to provide quality, innovative, application-based learning. The MBA is designed to meet the educational needs of a growing and diverse business community. Whether advancing through the ranks of an international corporation or re-entering the workplace to join an organization, the business skills and tools one acquires in the MBA program are vital for success in the modern business environment.
The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program, instituted in the fall of 2005, is designed for professionals who wish to build upon their current career skills or seek career advancement, and for students seeking preparation for doctoral work. The degree blends the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to serve in corporate settings, the military, the nonprofit sector, government, politics, or to continue in a doctoral program.
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Park University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). MHA programs were offered for the first time in the fall of 2006. This program resides in the School of Business which is housed within the College of Management and is designed to prepare learners for the health challenges of a global society, by teaching them innovative approaches to healthcare leadership. Graduates of this program will find themselves prepared to deal with the evolving issues of today’s healthcare environment in a wide variety of public, private and nonprofit organizations.
The Master of Music in Performance program was instituted in the fall of 2008. The program, whose faculty is renowned worldwide, is an advanced course of study for musicians who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking careers as professional musicians. Students enrolled in the MMP program may select from two concentration areas of performance, piano or strings.
The Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics provides students with the technical, managerial, and strategic acumen necessary to leverage information technology and data to maintain a competitive advantage and improve operational outcomes.
The Master of Social Work program is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, values and skills needed to deliver effective and efficient advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 1701 Duke St. , Suite 200, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
Graduate Programs Offered Online
During the fall of 2002, Park University began offering its graduate degree programs online. Currently, the Master of Business Administration (all concentrations), the Master of Healthcare Administration (all concentrations), the Master of Public Administration (all concentrations), the Master of Education (educational leadership, educational technology, Leading Adult & Organizational Learning, language and literacy, and teacher leadership), Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics, and the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership are available online. Instructors and program developers involved in delivering these dynamic and expanding educational opportunities are required to complete online training courses prior to delivery. This requirement exemplifies Park University’s commitment to academic excellence and demonstrates the University’s commitment to provide quality educational opportunities in a rapidly changing world to diverse student populations. As a result, graduate students enrolling at Park can complete their degrees in traditional classes, in online classes or through our blended courses which combine traditional and online class formats, in a manner that suits their needs and enhances their educational experiences. Note: International students wishing to complete a Park University degree entirely online may do so from their home countries. International nonimmigrant students present in the U.S. on F-1 student visas are not eligible to pursue online degrees.
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