After three years of planning and perfecting the curriculum, West Liberty University is now offering a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree.
“We believe this program will fill a void in our curriculum that many professionals and our own recent graduates will welcome,” said Provost Brian Crawford. Approved by the Higher Learning Commission this past August, classes began in late September at the Highlands Center campus.
“There is a real need for this type of quality degree program for working adults and we are pleased to offer it in a convenient location and format,” said Dr. Thomas Michaud, dean of the School of Professional Studies.
The MPS structure and curriculum emphasizes learning directly relevant to professional employment in both for-profit and non-profit fields. Two tracks or areas of emphasis are offered, organizational leadership and justice leadership.
“Many other colleges offer an accelerated master’s program but few are as affordable, convenient and adaptable as this one,” said Michaud. Most classes meet on Saturdays. Others are offered online.
The MPS in Organizational Leadership track prepares graduate students to become fully competent leaders as they discover their own leadership style. It will broaden critical reasoning and offer skills needed to create positive change at every level of an organization. A 30-hour program, students can complete the degree within 14 months.
The MPS in Justice Leadership track is designed for working professionals in the fields of law enforcement and justice administration. A weekend schedule focuses on relevant history and theory, research, ethics and best practices for leadership in the criminal justice system. This 36-hour program has both Friday evening and Saturday classes.
“Many criminal justice agencies require graduate level education for career development and advancement and this is a perfect solution,” Michaud said.
In addition to the new master’s degree, the School of Professional Studies offers undergraduate degrees that fit the busy schedules of working adults, including the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration (BLA), the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).
Located within the Highlands shopping complex, the Highlands Center campus features plenty of free parking. For more information, please call 304-217-2800 or email tmichaud@westliberty.edu.
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