Master's of Professional Studies
Master's of Professional Studies
The Master of Professional Studies (MPrS) Program is designed as a graduate degree that builds upon existing graduate certificate programs to provide students with specialized, advanced skill sets that can be immediately applied in professional contexts. The program was developed to address a gap in online graduate education by offering a flexible, customizable graduate degree structure aligned with workforce needs.
The MPrS program will utilize existing graduate courses currently offered at Loyola University New Orleans and will be overseen by the City College Faculty Steering Committee in collaboration with relevant academic units, discipline areas, and Associate Deans from the corresponding Loyola colleges.
The MPrS differs from other graduate programs currently offered at Loyola by providing a high degree of curricular flexibility. Students are required to complete two existing graduate certificates, allowing them to tailor the degree to their professional goals. In addition to certificate requirements, students must complete an MPrS-specific adult online learning course (one credit hour) and a capstone course (three credit hours) to earn the Master of Professional Studies degree
Mission
The MPrS degree program aligns with the mission of City College to serve post-traditional learners by offering accessible, flexible, and career-relevant educational opportunities delivered fully online. The program supports the University’s Jesuit mission by promoting lifelong learning, professional formation, and access to high-quality education at a cost that represents strong value to students.
In addition to advancing the goals of City College, the MPrS program supports the University’s strategic priorities related to enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and expansion of graduate offerings. The program aligns with institutional goals to broaden and strengthen the graduate degree portfolio, a key priority identified in the forthcoming Strategic Plan.
Curriculum Structure and Progression
A minimum of 31 credit hours is required for degree completion.
Students who complete two twelve-credit certificate programs must complete an additional three-credit elective to meet the minimum 30-credit requirement. Electives must be reviewed and approved by the Program Director.
Up to six (6) credit hours may be transferred into the program in accordance with university transfer credit policies.
Two approved graduate certificate programs
One required MPrS capstone course (three credit hours)
One required adult online learning course (one credit hour)
Approved Graduate Certificates
Select two certificates that align with your career goals and interests. Each certificate is linked to one of Loyola's 100% online graduate degree programs. For questions about Loyola’s stackable certificates, request more information
The Business Leadership certificate provides a comprehensive foundation in the quantitative, financial, and strategic principles essential for effective leadership. You’ll develop practical skills in financial analysis, resource management, strategic decision-making, and organizational leadership, culminating in an integrative assessment that demonstrates your ability to apply core business competencies to real-world challenges
Required Courses:
- BA 601 Applied Business Mathematics (3 credits)
- ACCT 715 Financial & Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
- FIN 700 Financial Management (3 credits)
- MKT 700 Strategic Marketing (3 credits)
- MGT 700 Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
- BA 7xx Graduate Business Certificate: Integrative Assessment (0 credits)
The criminal justice certificate provides an introduction to theories and research methodologies related to criminal behavior, crime prevention, and the systems that help us maintain a more lawful society. You’ll develop a strong foundation in the statistical methods required for careers in criminology and justice.
Required Courses:
- CRIM A700 Theories of Criminal Behavior (3 credits)
- CRIM A710 Research and Statistics Methods (3 credits)
- CRIM A712 Graduate Statistics (3 credits)
- CRIM elective at the 700 or 800 level (3 credits)
Apply credits from this certificate to the master of criminology & justice program.
What role does social media play in a company’s marketing strategy? How can companies use social and digital analytics? How can companies use social media ethically? This certificate examines all of these questions and more, using the latest best practices and research.
Required Courses:
- CMMN A735 Ethics & Diversity (3 credits)
- CMMN A782 Social Media (3 credits)
- CMMN A820 Corporate & Social Responsibility (3 credits)
- MKT B820 Digital Marketing & Analytics (3 credits)
Apply credits from this certificate to the master of business administration or master of science in marketing & communications programs.
Learn how to help businesses develop and incorporate more informed, ethical, and socially responsible communication strategies. In the strategic communication certificate, students are introduced to marketing and communications strategies that can help improve key metrics and provide a customer-centered experience.
Required Courses:
- MKT B700 Strategic Marketing (3 credits)
- CMMN A735 Ethics & Diversity (3 credits)
- CMMN A810 Crisis Communication (3 credits)
- CMMN A820 Corporate & Social Responsibility (3 credits)
Apply credits from this certificate to the master of science in marketing & communications program.
Additional Course Requirements
Capstone Course
Course Objectives & Goal
The three credit MPrS Capstone Course serves as the culminating academic experience of the graduate program. Students integrate knowledge acquired across their selected certificate programs with professional practice by designing and completing an applied project or paper addressing a real-world challenge in their field. Through applied research, critical analysis, and professional communication, students demonstrate mastery of program-level learning outcomes.
Online Adult Learning Course
Course Objectives & Goals
The one credit course is designed for Loyola online graduate students to enable them to more fully understand the learning process in an online environment and to reflect on their own learning and educational journeys as adult learners. The online education experience comes as a culture shock to many students, hence the goal of this course is to equip Loyola graduate students with knowledge, skills and habits necessary to navigate their online academic experience successfully and enhance their critical thinking skills.
Students will learn about theories of adult learning and development, growth mindset, and research-based strategies to be successful as an online learner. They will also discuss technical particularities of online education. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on how these theories apply to their own learning, academic and personal goals. Readings will primarily come from the fields of adult education and psychology. The course will also draw from our Jesuit identity through reflection, respect, and appreciation, aiming to enrich the educational experience at Loyola.
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