Master’s Degrees at SPCS
The School of Professional and Continuing Studies is one of three schools of the University that offers graduate-level coursework. The Robins School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration, while the Richmond School of Law offers the Juris Doctor degree.
SPCS master’s degrees combine theory and real-world practice to give students the skills and knowledge to move their careers to the next level. As a graduate student, you’ll explore emerging trends, unique opportunities, and innovative strategies in your respective career fields and area of study. As such, some of our degrees are well suited for students interested in career change.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Curriculum and Instruction: For educators who wish to be leaders in their field by learning to use appropriate techniques to motivate and encourage learners.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: For educators seeking an administration/supervision endorsement for leading a public and private school.
Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
HR Management: For professionals seeking a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of management principles related to human resources.
Master of Liberal Arts (MLA)
Liberal Arts: For professionals seeking to build a valuable base of knowledge and experience for career enhancement and advancement. Includes an optional concentration in Public History
Master of Nonprofit Studies (MNPS)
Nonprofit Studies: For nonprofit managers, those seeking to transition from positions in the corporate sector and those who seek to lead or establish a nonprofit organization.
Master of Teaching (MT)
Master of Teaching: Post-bachelor’s pathway to teacher licensure in elementary education or secondary and comprehensive subject areas.
Review course requirements for each degree below.
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Core Courses
18 semester hours
Elective Courses
6 semester hours.
Elective options vary by semester based on school division requests and needs within the field of education.
Research Experience
6 semester hours
Capstone Experience
Comprehensive Written Examination to be completed during the final semester.
Program Option
Gifted Education
12 semester hours. Substitute the following courses as an alternative for a portion of Core Coursework.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Core
15 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses. Each course includes a 30-hour practicum.
Professional Studies
15 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses. Each course includes a 10-hour practicum.
Field Experience
7 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses. Reflective Leadership Seminar residency includes 170 hours in practicum.
Capstone Experience
All candidates must complete a Comprehensive Written Examination.
Master of Human Resource Management
Total: 30 semester hours
Core Courses
18 semester hours
600-Level Courses
12 semester hours. HRM 697U is required. Students may then choose 3 of the remaining 600-level courses to complete the requirement.
Master of Liberal Arts
Required Core
15 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses.
Required Focus
15 semester hours. All candidates must select 5 additional graduate courses in consultation with the program coordinator. A Concentration in Public History may be selected as the required focus.
MLA Concentration in Public History
Master of Nonprofit Studies
Total: 30 semester hours
Required
15 semester hours
Elective
12 semester hours. Select 6 hours (2 classes) from each group below.
Content Specialization
6 semester hours. Topic for NPS 598U must relate to content specialization as determined by the program chair.
Systematic Design and Inquiry
6 semester hours. Topic for NPS 598U must relate to systematic design and inquiry as determined by the program chair.
Integrative Seminar
3 semester hours
Master of Teaching
44 semester hours total
Professional Studies — All
9 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses.
Professional Studies — Elementary
18 semester hours. Elementary education candidates only.
Professional Studies — Secondary & Comprehensive
18 semester hours. Secondary & comprehensive education candidates only.
Elective
3 semester hours from department-approved list. All candidates must take one elective graduate course, which may include initial coursework to meet add-on endorsement requirements in Gifted Education, Special Education or ESL.
Clinical Experience
14 semester hours
