The Professional Studies program helps students prepare for management positions in
the fields of information technology, healthcare administration, or business communications.
It’s among University College programs targeting online learning and nontraditional
students. The major consists of foundation courses in communications, statistics,
supervision, organizational systems, organizational relations, and international context
which can be completed fully online. Four concentrations are available: Health Administration focuses on classes in healthcare research, nursing leadership management, trends
and issues in nursing healthcare, community health nursing, and international health.
Information Technology centers on software analysis, database management, data communications, and operating
systems. Organizational Leadership courses concentrate on public relations, psychology, business etiquette, human resources,
and cultural diversity. International Organizational Leadership teaches about international management, international law, political economy, intercultural
communication, and international relations.
The Information Technology & Organizational Leadership concentrations are approved
for the Academic Common Market.
Tragedy to triumph: Degree goal assisted grief recovery
Recent grad Kim Gannon finished at age 50 what she started after high school, and
the focus on learning helped recovery from grief gripping her after the tragic death
of her youngest son with juvenile diabetes. “His diagnosis at age 3 brought me to
my knees, and losing him (at age 11) took years out of my life,” Gannon says. “… Making
the decision to further my education helped bring me back to life. It was a positive
force; it consumed me.” Online offerings opened the door to complete a B.S. in Professional
Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. Her advisor in the distance
learning area helped map out her major using previous credits and kept her motivated.
“Prior to enrollment, I had hit a wall in my career,” says Gannon, a State Farm auto
claim rep. “Obtaining a college degree made me competitive.” Her culminating project
on how to build a children’s playground in Woodbury later came to fruition, Lincoln’s
Place.
Adult graduate flourishing with Nashville Fire Department
Alana Brown graduated from MTSU in 2009 when she was 44-years-old. While she was finishing
up her Professional Studies degree with a concentration in organizational leadership
she was promoted to EMS District Chief within the Nashville Fire Department. Brown
had last attended college in 2001 when she was nine months pregnant. “I have two sons, who have both chosen MTSU for their bachelor’s degree programs,”
said Brown, a Mt. Juliet resident. “I wanted to provide them with a strong role model
and show them that hard work toward a goal pays off.” She said being organized was
a huge part of her being successful as an adult enrolled in college classes. Brown
is now exploring options for a Master's Degree, which she hopes to complete over the
next few years.
Related Media
-
Masters of Professional Studies - Strategic Leadership | "Why I Chose MTSU"
-
Professional Studies - Organizational Leadership | "Why I Chose MTSU"
-
Professional Studies - Organizational Leadership | "Why I Chose MTSU"
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
-
Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership | "Why I Chose MTSU"
The Professional Studies program seeks to prepare students in the Information Technology
concentration for a career in technology-based information management. The Organizational
Leadership and International Organizational Leadership concentrations include a background
for a variety of positions in the fields of business and communications. The Health
Administration concentration offers training that allows graduates to work in settings
such as hospital and health systems management, medical groups, pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, care management organizations, health IT firms, government/policy
organizations, health insurers, consulting firms, and corporate benefits programs.
Positions that prior students in these concentrations now work in include:
Health Administration
- Convalescent hospital administrator
- Food and Drug Administration manager
- Government administrator
- Health information manager
- Hospital administrator
- Insurance company representative
- Medical practice office manager
- Medical services manager
- Nursing home administrator
- Pharmaceutical company manager
- Public charity director
- Public health manager
- Residential care facility administrator
Information Technology
- Cloud architect
- Computer forensic investigator
- Data modeler
- Geospatial professional
- Health IT specialist
- Information technology consultant
- Information technology manager
- Information technology vendor manager
- Mobile application developer
- Programmer
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Systems engineer
- Web developer
Organizational Leadership and International Organizational Leadership
- Chief executive officer
- Chief financial officer
- Chief information officer
- Compliance director
- Corporate recruiter
- Director of quality systems
- Director of strategic planning
- Education administrator
- Global trade expert
- Health services manager
- International team manager
- Knowledge manager
- Management analyst
- Management consultant
- Operations manager
- Organization development consultant
- Strategic planner of innovation
- Strategy consultant
- Talent manager
- Vice president of human resources
- Vice president of marketing
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Aerospace Testing Alliance
- AllState Insurance
- American Eagle Airlines
- Bridgestone
- Calsonic
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Fisk University
- Goodwill Industries
- Olin Corp.
- United Healthcare
- U.S. Postal Service
- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
- Xerox
Students may choose from four concentrations to earn the Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
with a major in Professional Studies: Health Administration, Information Technology,
Organizational Leadership, and International Organizational Leadership.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Each concentration consists of 21 hours of core requirements and 18 hours directly
related to the chosen concentration. The degree requires a culminating special project
course designed to be taken during the final semester.
The University College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies (B.S.)
Health Administration
Professional Studies, Health Administration Concentration, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The Professional Studies program helps students prepare for management positions in the field of health administration. The Professional Studies major consists of foundation courses in communications, statistics, supervision, organizational systems, organizational relations, and international context. The Health Administration concentration focuses on classes in healthcare research, healthcare leadership management, trends and issues in healthcare, community health care, and international health.
NOTE: This major does not qualify you as an applicant for licensure consideration by the state of Tennessee. Many students who pursue this degree will be prepared for entry level healthcare administration positions. For information about the state of Tennessee's licensure requirements go to www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/BENHA_Online_Application.pdf.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Professional Studies, Health Administration Concentration, B.S.
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 36 hours |
| Electives | 43 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirements (36 hours)
Professional Core (18 hours)
Administration and Supervision
Choose one:
MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Concepts of the management functions of planning, organizing, and controlling with an emphasis on behavioral science concepts as applied to managing people in organizations.
PSY 3320 - Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours
Survey of the applications of psychology to business and Industry. Topics will include applied research methods, employee selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, motivation, work environment, job design, safety, and work stress.
PS 3250 - Public Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1005 or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of public management--organization theory, leadership, policy making, planning, budgeting, personnel, administrative law, bureaucratic behavior.
Organizational Systems
Choose one:
COMM 3250 - Communication in Nonprofit Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: COMM 2140. Explores theories and techniques involving communication between organizations and their constituencies. Identification and analysis of communication involving corporate philanthropy and fundraising, fundraising events, volunteers, image, and grant writing. Possible topics include health organizations, art organizations, and nonprofits.
COMM 3500 - Communication for Organizational Effectiveness
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and COMM 2140. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees, leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation. Possible topics include work-life balance and organizational identity.
Team and Organizational Relations
Choose one:
COMM 2140 - Introduction to Organizational Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces theories and processes pertaining to organizational communication; topics may include communication networks, teamwork, leadership and power, information technology, crisis communication, and organizational trends.
PRST 4510 - Using Teams to Facilitate Organizational Development
3 credit hours
Studies organizations as systems and how teams can help facilitate change in organizations.
Statistical Methods
Choose one:
PRST 4600 - Statistics for Professionals
3 credit hours
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.
PSY 3020 - Basic Statistics for Behavioral Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of college-level mathematics. Elementary descriptive and inferential statistics and their applications.
SOC 3050 - Data Analysis
4 credit hours
Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of social science data. Incorporates the use of a statistical package such as SPSS or SAS. Offers fundamental applied research skills for the job market. Laboratory required.
Written Communication
Choose one:
BCED 3510 - Business Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Keyboarding skills helpful.) A review of the theory and processes in oral and written business communication. Emphasis on the extensive functions of written and electronic communications.
ENGL 3605 - Applied Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 with C- or better. Focuses on helping students develop writing and reading skills relevant to the particular disciplines they will write in during and beyond their academic career. Students will read about, research, and write in genres relevant to their fields of study, including but not limited to things like literature reviews, reports, proposals, and educational materials.
ENGL 3620 - Professional Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements. A specialized writing course for students planning to work in technology, engineering, science, and government industries. Provides individual and collaborative practice in the discourse and conventions of professional and technical writing (PTW) genres including emails, memos, analyses, instructions, proposals, reports as well as PTW skills like user experience design and content strategy basics. Supplementary materials provided for employment packages (e.g., cover letters, resumes) and tips provided for LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning. Students can expect to complete three major writing projects (20 points possible) and 10 discussion boards (30 points possible) that expose them to the contexts, communities, and cultures of professional writing. Counts toward English writing concentration, writing minor, and Public Writing and Rhetoric major.
International Context
Choose one:
GS 3000 - Globalization
3 credit hours
Required of all Global Studies and Human Geography majors. Explores concepts and history of globalization including forms and processes. Introduces historical antecedents and contemporary issues of globalization such as globalism verses globalization and Americanization, migration and cultural diffusion, civil discord, global and regional governance, technology, environment, media, gender and inequality, regionalism, and the cultural landscapes of globalization/globalism. Requires off-campus activities. (Spring)
PS 4510 - International Political Economy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1010 or permission of instructor. The relation between politics and economics in international affairs and its implications for global peace, security, ecology, and social welfare.
Health Administration Concentration (15 hours)
HETH 3100 - Community Healthcare: Issues and Services
3 credit hours
Examines common health issues faced by individuals, families, and communities, as well as programs and services that address health issues. Emphasis on health promotion, health maintenance, illness prevention among populations, and resources available and/or needed.
HETH 3110 - Healthcare Research
3 credit hours
Introduces the research process and basic health research concepts. Includes overview of methodology, types of research, and application of research process through literature review and written research proposal.
HETH 3120 - International Health: Problems and Issues
3 credit hours
Explores the impact of public health practices around the world at the individual, community, and global level. Emphasis on factors that contribute to health, access to health, healthcare delivery, and the burden of both communicable and noncommunicable disease.
HETH 4100 - Healthcare Leadership and Management
3 credit hours
Examines managerial and leadership concepts, issues, roles, and functions as applied to the role of the healthcare professional in various settings.
HETH 4110 - Trends and Issues in Healthcare
3 credit hours
Introduces the structure, financing, and delivery of services in the U.S. healthcare system. Topics include public and private insurance, various health services, health service providers, health policy, characteristics of the healthcare workforce, and issues related to law and ethics.
Culminating Project (3 hours)
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
Electives (43 hours)
Curriculum: Professional Studies, Health Administration
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics (MATH 1530 recommended) 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives (UNIV 1010 recommended) 8 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- English Literature (Hum/FA) 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives 11 hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Junior
HETH 3100 - Community Healthcare: Issues and Services
3 credit hours
Examines common health issues faced by individuals, families, and communities, as well as programs and services that address health issues. Emphasis on health promotion, health maintenance, illness prevention among populations, and resources available and/or needed.
HETH 3110 - Healthcare Research
3 credit hours
Introduces the research process and basic health research concepts. Includes overview of methodology, types of research, and application of research process through literature review and written research proposal.
HETH 3120 - International Health: Problems and Issues
3 credit hours
Explores the impact of public health practices around the world at the individual, community, and global level. Emphasis on factors that contribute to health, access to health, healthcare delivery, and the burden of both communicable and noncommunicable disease.
- Administration/Supervision 3 credit hours
- Team and Organizational Relations 3 credit hours
- Organizational Systems 3 credit hours
- International Context 3 credit hours
- Electives 6 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
- Written Communication 3 credit hours
- Statistical Methods (all have prerequisites) 3 credit hours
- Electives (PRST 3995 prerequisite for PRST 4995/PRST 4997) 15 credit hours
HETH 4100 - Healthcare Leadership and Management
3 credit hours
Examines managerial and leadership concepts, issues, roles, and functions as applied to the role of the healthcare professional in various settings.
HETH 4110 - Trends and Issues in Healthcare
3 credit hours
Introduces the structure, financing, and delivery of services in the U.S. healthcare system. Topics include public and private insurance, various health services, health service providers, health policy, characteristics of the healthcare workforce, and issues related to law and ethics.
Subtotal: 30 Hours
International Organizational Leadership
Professional Studies, International Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The Professional Studies program helps students prepare for management positions in organizational leadership with a focus on international management. The Professional Studies major consists of foundation courses in communications, statistics, supervision, organizational systems, organizational relations, and international context. The International Organizational Leadership concentration teaches about NGOs and non-profits, international law, political economy, intercultural communication, and international relations.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Professional Studies, International Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S.
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 36 hours |
| Electives | 43 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirement (36 hours)
Professional Core (18 hours)
Administration and Supervision
Choose one:
MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Concepts of the management functions of planning, organizing, and controlling with an emphasis on behavioral science concepts as applied to managing people in organizations.
PS 3250 - Public Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1005 or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of public management--organization theory, leadership, policy making, planning, budgeting, personnel, administrative law, bureaucratic behavior.
PSY 3320 - Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours
Survey of the applications of psychology to business and Industry. Topics will include applied research methods, employee selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, motivation, work environment, job design, safety, and work stress.
Organizational Systems
Choose one:
COMM 3250 - Communication in Nonprofit Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: COMM 2140. Explores theories and techniques involving communication between organizations and their constituencies. Identification and analysis of communication involving corporate philanthropy and fundraising, fundraising events, volunteers, image, and grant writing. Possible topics include health organizations, art organizations, and nonprofits.
COMM 3500 - Communication for Organizational Effectiveness
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and COMM 2140. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees, leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation. Possible topics include work-life balance and organizational identity.
Team and Organizational Relations
Choose one:
COMM 2140 - Introduction to Organizational Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces theories and processes pertaining to organizational communication; topics may include communication networks, teamwork, leadership and power, information technology, crisis communication, and organizational trends.
PRST 4510 - Using Teams to Facilitate Organizational Development
3 credit hours
Studies organizations as systems and how teams can help facilitate change in organizations.
Statistical Methods
Choose one:
PRST 4600 - Statistics for Professionals
3 credit hours
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.
PSY 3020 - Basic Statistics for Behavioral Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of college-level mathematics. Elementary descriptive and inferential statistics and their applications.
SOC 3040 - Research Methods
3 credit hours
Issues and strategies used by sociologists in their scientific studies and in their applied work in society.
SOC 3050 - Data Analysis
4 credit hours
Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of social science data. Incorporates the use of a statistical package such as SPSS or SAS. Offers fundamental applied research skills for the job market. Laboratory required.
Written Communication
Choose one:
BCED 3510 - Business Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Keyboarding skills helpful.) A review of the theory and processes in oral and written business communication. Emphasis on the extensive functions of written and electronic communications.
ENGL 3605 - Applied Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 with C- or better. Focuses on helping students develop writing and reading skills relevant to the particular disciplines they will write in during and beyond their academic career. Students will read about, research, and write in genres relevant to their fields of study, including but not limited to things like literature reviews, reports, proposals, and educational materials.
ENGL 3620 - Professional Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements. A specialized writing course for students planning to work in technology, engineering, science, and government industries. Provides individual and collaborative practice in the discourse and conventions of professional and technical writing (PTW) genres including emails, memos, analyses, instructions, proposals, reports as well as PTW skills like user experience design and content strategy basics. Supplementary materials provided for employment packages (e.g., cover letters, resumes) and tips provided for LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning. Students can expect to complete three major writing projects (20 points possible) and 10 discussion boards (30 points possible) that expose them to the contexts, communities, and cultures of professional writing. Counts toward English writing concentration, writing minor, and Public Writing and Rhetoric major.
International Context
Choose one:
GS 3000 - Globalization
3 credit hours
Required of all Global Studies and Human Geography majors. Explores concepts and history of globalization including forms and processes. Introduces historical antecedents and contemporary issues of globalization such as globalism verses globalization and Americanization, migration and cultural diffusion, civil discord, global and regional governance, technology, environment, media, gender and inequality, regionalism, and the cultural landscapes of globalization/globalism. Requires off-campus activities. (Spring)
PS 4510 - International Political Economy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1010 or permission of instructor. The relation between politics and economics in international affairs and its implications for global peace, security, ecology, and social welfare.
International Organizational Leadership Concentration (15 hours)
Choose five:
COMM 2560 - Intercultural Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces how communication patterns are influenced by perceptions, values, and norms of behavior that vary among people of different cultural, racial, and national backgrounds. Content focuses on increasing understanding as well as improving abilities to facilitate cross-cultural interactions.
COMM 4200 - Communication in the Global Workplace
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: COMM 2140. Critical examination of multinational organizations and the expatriate experience, including analysis of organizational preparation and employee training.
GS 3010 - Education Abroad: Reflection and Application
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: GS 2010 or approval of department chair. Required of all Global Studies majors and minors. Completed after returning from the required education abroad experience, students reflect on their experiences abroad and its application to their coursework in the major/minor and application to their personal and professional lives. (Fall)
PS 3210 - International Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1010 or permission of instructor. The state system and national power, balance of power, balance of terror, game theory, psychological aspects of international conflict, decision making, diplomacy and negotiation, war, disarmament, and collective security.
PS 4275 - NGOs and Non-Profits
3 credit hours
(Same as GS 4275.) Key topics and issues surrounding the political environment and competing pressures that international non-governmental organizations and domestic non-profits confront. Formal readings paired with discussions from practitioners in the field and hands-on professional exercises.
PS 3500 - International Law
3 credit hours
General principles of modern international law taught by the case study method in a seminar format encouraging debate and discussion. Issues concerning the development of international law and human rights will be studied.
PS 4510 - International Political Economy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1010 or permission of instructor. The relation between politics and economics in international affairs and its implications for global peace, security, ecology, and social welfare.
Culminating Project (3 hours)
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
Electives (43 hours)
Curriculum: Professional Studies, International Organizational Leadership
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives (UNIV 1010/UNIV 2020 recommended) 8 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- English Literature (Hum/FA) 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives 11 hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Junior
- Administration/Supervision 3 credit hours
- Team and Organizational Relations 3 credit hours
- Organizational Systems 3 credit hours
- International Context 3 credit hours
- Written Communication 3 credit hours
- International Organizational Leadership concentration 6 credit hours
- Electives 6 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
- Statistical Methods (all have prerequisites) 3 credit hours
- International Organizational Leadership concentration 9 credit hours
- Electives (PRST 3995 prerequisite for PRST 4995/PRST 4997) 15 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Organizational Leadership
Professional Studies, Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The Professional Studies program helps students prepare for management positions in the field of organizational leadership. The Professional Studies major consists of foundation courses in communications, statistics, supervision, organizational systems, organizational relations, and international context. The Organizational Leadership concentration courses concentrate on public relations, psychology, business etiquette, human resources, and cultural diversity.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Professional Studies, Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S.
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 36 hours |
| Electives | 43 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirements (36 hours)
Professional Core (18 hours)
Administration and Supervision
Choose one:
MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Concepts of the management functions of planning, organizing, and controlling with an emphasis on behavioral science concepts as applied to managing people in organizations.
PSY 3320 - Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours
Survey of the applications of psychology to business and Industry. Topics will include applied research methods, employee selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, motivation, work environment, job design, safety, and work stress.
PS 3250 - Public Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1005 or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of public management--organization theory, leadership, policy making, planning, budgeting, personnel, administrative law, bureaucratic behavior.
Organizational Systems
Choose one:
COMM 3250 - Communication in Nonprofit Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: COMM 2140. Explores theories and techniques involving communication between organizations and their constituencies. Identification and analysis of communication involving corporate philanthropy and fundraising, fundraising events, volunteers, image, and grant writing. Possible topics include health organizations, art organizations, and nonprofits.
COMM 3500 - Communication for Organizational Effectiveness
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and COMM 2140. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees, leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation. Possible topics include work-life balance and organizational identity.
Team and Organizational Relations
Choose one:
COMM 2140 - Introduction to Organizational Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces theories and processes pertaining to organizational communication; topics may include communication networks, teamwork, leadership and power, information technology, crisis communication, and organizational trends.
PRST 4510 - Using Teams to Facilitate Organizational Development
3 credit hours
Studies organizations as systems and how teams can help facilitate change in organizations.
Statistical Methods
Choose one:
PRST 4600 - Statistics for Professionals
3 credit hours
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.
PSY 3020 - Basic Statistics for Behavioral Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of college-level mathematics. Elementary descriptive and inferential statistics and their applications.
SOC 3040 - Research Methods
3 credit hours
Issues and strategies used by sociologists in their scientific studies and in their applied work in society.
SOC 3050 - Data Analysis
4 credit hours
Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of social science data. Incorporates the use of a statistical package such as SPSS or SAS. Offers fundamental applied research skills for the job market. Laboratory required.
Written Communication
Choose one:
BCED 3510 - Business Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Keyboarding skills helpful.) A review of the theory and processes in oral and written business communication. Emphasis on the extensive functions of written and electronic communications.
ENGL 3605 - Applied Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 with C- or better. Focuses on helping students develop writing and reading skills relevant to the particular disciplines they will write in during and beyond their academic career. Students will read about, research, and write in genres relevant to their fields of study, including but not limited to things like literature reviews, reports, proposals, and educational materials.
ENGL 3620 - Professional Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements. A specialized writing course for students planning to work in technology, engineering, science, and government industries. Provides individual and collaborative practice in the discourse and conventions of professional and technical writing (PTW) genres including emails, memos, analyses, instructions, proposals, reports as well as PTW skills like user experience design and content strategy basics. Supplementary materials provided for employment packages (e.g., cover letters, resumes) and tips provided for LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning. Students can expect to complete three major writing projects (20 points possible) and 10 discussion boards (30 points possible) that expose them to the contexts, communities, and cultures of professional writing. Counts toward English writing concentration, writing minor, and Public Writing and Rhetoric major.
International Context
Choose one:
GS 3000 - Globalization
3 credit hours
Required of all Global Studies and Human Geography majors. Explores concepts and history of globalization including forms and processes. Introduces historical antecedents and contemporary issues of globalization such as globalism verses globalization and Americanization, migration and cultural diffusion, civil discord, global and regional governance, technology, environment, media, gender and inequality, regionalism, and the cultural landscapes of globalization/globalism. Requires off-campus activities. (Spring)
PS 4510 - International Political Economy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 1010 or permission of instructor. The relation between politics and economics in international affairs and its implications for global peace, security, ecology, and social welfare.
Organizational Leadership Concentration (15 hours)
Choose five from the following:
BCED 4660 - Corporate Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. (BCED 3510 recommended.) Research and analysis of case studies of significant research; case studies in business communication; communication policies, principles, and procedures from the executive's viewpoint.
COMM 2560 - Intercultural Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces how communication patterns are influenced by perceptions, values, and norms of behavior that vary among people of different cultural, racial, and national backgrounds. Content focuses on increasing understanding as well as improving abilities to facilitate cross-cultural interactions.
LEAD 3010 - Leadership Skills and Development
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. Focuses on individual leadership development. Emphasis on leadership practices and skill development.
MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Survey of the functions, processes, and institutions involved in the distribution of consumer and industrial goods and services. Decision making in marketing management introduced.
PS 4630 - Public Human Resources Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PS 3250 or permission of instructor. Human resources administration in government agencies. Patterns of position classification, compensation, recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisal, promotion, discipline, separation, collective bargaining.
PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles
3 credit hours
Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.
NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.
PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.
PSY 3230 - Psychological Disorders
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1410. Patterns of maladaptive behavior, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and antisocial behavior.
PSY 3320 - Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours
Survey of the applications of psychology to business and Industry. Topics will include applied research methods, employee selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, motivation, work environment, job design, safety, and work stress.
PSY 3590 - Personality
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1410. Historical and contemporary personality theory and research, including the trait, cognitive, and motivational approaches. Topics include personality development, the unconscious, the self, goals, emotions, coping, disorders, and personality change.
PSY 4360 - Organizational Psychology
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PSY 1410 or PSY 3320. Application of psychology to examine individual and group behavior in organizations; job design and organizational design and their effects upon work behavior; and organizational processes such as leadership, power, and decision-making.
SOC 3300 - Diversity in the Workplace
3 credit hours
Covers various aspects of organizational diversity, focusing primarily on the United States. Explores current patterns of social inequality in the workplace with a specific emphasis on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and family arrangements. Focuses on the link between these social patterns and workforce diversity.
Culminating Project (3 hours)
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
Electives
Curriculum: Professional Studies, Organizational Leadership
Freshman
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives (UNIV 1010/UNIV 2020 recommended) 8 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- English Literature (Hum/FA) 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives 11 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Junior
- Administration/Supervision 3 credit hours
- Team and Organizational Relations 3 credit hours
- Organizational Systems 3 credit hours
- International Context 3 credit hours
- Statistical Methods 3 credit hours
- Organizational Communication concentration 9 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
- Written Communication 3 credit hours
- Organizational Leadership concentration 6 credit hours
- Electives (PRST 3995 prerequisite for PRST 4995/PRST 4997) 18 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree programs offered by University College,
faculty are drawn from every discipline offered at MTSU. This benefit allows University
College students to gain from the expertise of all MTSU faculty and to have greater
latitude in selecting their specific areas of interest.
The multidisciplinary nature of this degree program allows students, in consultation
with their academic advisors, to choose courses from a variety of disciplines to fit
their individualized academic plans. Click on the ACADEMIC MAP tab to see a framework
for planning and course selection to meet degree requirements; however, the academic
map does not replace working with an academic advisor.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available fully online / hybrid.
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
