Master of Arts in Professional Development

This master's degree is offered to exclusively online students. It is available to new students who take all courses in the degree program online for $550 per credit hour.

The Master of Arts in Professional Development adopts a unique approach to graduate studies. Designed especially for professionals who desire to expand their knowledge and credentials beyond the boundaries of their bachelor's degree, the M.A. in Professional Development enhances a broad and diverse educational experience, and students may select the single-discipline track from business, criminal justice, higher education, counseling, leadership, English as a Second Language, missions, professional life coaching, training and development, or an interdisciplinary track.

Business Concentrations

M.A. in Professional Development concentrations pertaining to Business include Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Management Information Systems. These concentrations seek to equip professionals with a knowledge and implementation of the skills necessary to expand their career possibilities as accountants, auditors, financial advisors, business or sector managers, advertising marketers, public relations work, database administrators, and computer systems consultants, or to assist them in developing and owning their own company.

Education Concentrations

M.A. in Professional Development concentrations pertaining to Education include English as a Second Language and Higher Education. These concentrations seek to equip professionals with the administrative, financial, legal, ethical, and practical ramifications needed for a successful career as an instructor for students ranging from elementary to college-age, educational administrators in the school, county, or district level, or as a curriculum developer for elementary, middle-high school, and college educations. 

Human Relations and Career Development Concentrations

M.A. in Professional Development concentrations pertaining to Human Relations includes Communication, Professional Life Coaching, and Training and Development (24-hour Concentration), Counseling, and Criminal Justice. Human Relations concentrations provide professionals with the skills and credentials necessary for an effective career as a communicator, equipper, trainer, designer, and developer for a broad spectrum of clientele. These professionals possess the knowledge needed to work with people of all ages in various situations and places, such as shelters, rehabilitation centers, non-profit organizations, ministry work in the church, law enforcement offices, or security offices.

Servant Leadership Concentrations

M.A. in Professional Development concentrations pertaining to Servant Leadership include Leadership Studies, Church Leadership, and Missions. These concentrations seek to cultivate and challenge students and professionals to take up the mantle of servant leadership by engaging the culture and community around them through secular, non-profit, or international work.

Meet the M.A. in Professional Development Program Director