Master of Professional Studies

[boalex207]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

[cookderosa]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

IMO, if you have to explain what the degree is, you're behind the 8 ball.

[sanantone]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

IMO, if you have to explain what the degree is, you're behind the 8 ball.

I agree. It would help to know, though, if the MPS has a concentration that will be marketable. Regardless, one can find an MBA or MS for less than $10k. I know that the MBA is a generalist program that is losing value, but MPS and Master of Liberal Studies programs are even less focused.

[ThatBankDude]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

IMO, if you have to explain what the degree is, you're behind the 8 ball.

I agree. It would help to know, though, if the MPS has a concentration that will be marketable. Regardless, one can find an MBA or MS for less than $10k. I know that the MBA is a generalist program that is losing value, but MPS and Master of Liberal Studies programs are even less focused.

The MBA losing value is a subjective discussion. Just getting an MBA does not automatically mean success just like not getting one does not automatically mean failure. Work ethic, drive and ability to network all play a role in ones success. Personally, the MBA did wonders for my career as it took me to Assistant Vice President in a bank before I even completed the degree.

[sanantone]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

IMO, if you have to explain what the degree is, you're behind the 8 ball.

I agree. It would help to know, though, if the MPS has a concentration that will be marketable. Regardless, one can find an MBA or MS for less than $10k. I know that the MBA is a generalist program that is losing value, but MPS and Master of Liberal Studies programs are even less focused.

The MBA losing value is a subjective discussion. Just getting an MBA does not automatically mean success just like not getting one does not automatically mean failure. Work ethic, drive and ability to network all play a role in ones success. Personally, the MBA did wonders for my career as it took me to Assistant Vice President in a bank before I even completed the degree.

That can be said about any degree, but the truth is that some degrees have more utility than others, and supply and demand affects how much competition one will face.

[Ideas]

Depends a bit on the MBA concentration.

[cookderosa]

Of course everything is subjective to a point.

The MPS, in my opinion, would be a good master's if you work in a career-tech field that doesn't really have master's degrees but you need one. That assumes, that the MPS would add some kind of educational value, not just resume bling, but it's getting harder and harder to differentiate from the crowd- If I were guessing, I don't think it's a career-maker- but it could remove a wall that is standing in your way.

[ArthurLK11]

What are you trying to do with the degree? I think if you're getting it to try and increase your marketablility and job prospects, you should probably look at getting a degree in that specific subject. If you're going to use it as personal growth or just to check the box to get a raise at work, go for it. 

I took a quick look at the school's website. Look like their concentrations are all areas that are relatively common and you can find many other similarly priced online masters in those fields that are MAs, MSs, and MBAs. They're 33 credits and only 12 of those credits are in the specialization. Getting a MPS degree in Sports Management for example probably won't look as well as an MS in Sports Management. Main reason for me is that the MPS only has 4 classes that cover Sports Management while the MS will probably have around 10. This is true for all the subjects.

[boalex207]

What's the current thinking/trends on the value/prestige/credibility of an MPS? As compared to MBA/MPA/MS/MA?

My present prospect is the MPS from Missouri State University - it can be had for less than $ 10K, and comes from a RA, B & M state school.

IMO, if you have to explain what the degree is, you're behind the 8 ball.

This is why I shied away from a Master of Legal Studies, which was my original program of interest.
The degree name didn't appeal to me.
I also thought I'd get a lot of "So, you're a lawyer?" and/or "Why didn't you just go to law school?"

[ReyMysterioso]

Do you have a job? Do you sometimes have to learn new skills or do some research to accomplish some goal at your job? Congratulations! You are ALREADY a master of professional studies!
Joking aside, the MPS probably has its uses. Primarily probably as a box-check degree to get a raise or promotion at a company that requires an advanced degree as a glass ceiling. If you're looking at job markets or career changes, it probably won't do much for your resume.