Professional Studies M.A. - Individualized Plan of Study

Degree: Master of Arts
https://www.towson.edu/cla/departments/interdisciplinary/grad/professional/

Program Director: Dr. Karen Eskow
Phone: 410-704-2128
Email: keskow@towson.edu

Individualized Plan of Study

This highly flexible concentration is ideal for the working professional, as each student designs a curriculum that best fits their present career needs and future aspirations. The concentration is particularly well suited for students who wish to integrate specialized study with a broader understanding of related fields. It also permits individuals primarily interested in personal growth to design a program that corresponds with their interests.

An individual plan of study places special responsibility on the student. In consultation with the program director / adviser, the student will design and submit a plan of study, which may be built around a chosen track, inclusion of a graduate certificate or combined courses from the humanities, fine arts, social sciences or practical areas of study. Students may choose from tracks in election security and democracy, student affairs, leadership development, mental health studies, non-profit studies. Students who would rather design their own route through the program may choose not to declare a track. Tracks are approved by the program director and are not available for the Art History Concentration. 

Tracks

Declaring a track is optional and students are limited to one track. Students should consult with the Program Director if they wish to change their track.

Course Offerings

Most courses are offered in the evenings on campus.  Some courses are offered online or partially online.

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines and a full listing of materials required for admission can be found on the website.

Degree Requirements

All students must complete 36 units of graduate course work. No more than three 500-level graduate courses can be counted toward the degree. A minimum of 12 units of electives must be earned at Towson University. Up to 12 units may be taken through via Inter-Institutional Registration (IIR) or Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP) with the University System of Maryland or at Morgan State University with the permission of the program director.

Students must complete the eight elective courses (24 units) including courses from at least three disciplines in consultation with the program director. A maximum of 15 units that may be taken in any one discipline.

Required Courses
LBPS 601APPROACHES TO GRADUATE RESEARCH 13
LBPS 602CULMINATING SEMINAR IN LIBERAL AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 13
One 600/700-level writing course, selected from courses offered in the professional writing (PRWR) program approved by the program director. 3
One 600/700-level course in the liberal arts.3
Electives24
Track specific elective course work (11 units - see tracks on separate tab) and additional electives selected by the student (13 units) 2
Completion of a graduate certificate, and additional electives selected by the student. 3
All Electives selected by the student (24 units) 2
Total Units36
1

The introductory seminar should be taken within the first 9 units of degree work.  The culminating seminar should be taken during the student's final term in the program.  Students must earn a grade of "A" or "B" in each of these seminars.  They may be repeated once for the purpose of grade change.

2

Students must consult with the program director prior to selecting their electives.

3

To learn more about Graduate Certificates go to the graduate programs page, select Graduate Certificate program type and browse the list of certificates offered at Towson University.

Professional Studies - Individualized Program of Study Tracks

Track Specific Elective Course work (Total 11 Units)

Declaring a track is optional and students are limited to one track. Students should consult with the Program Director if they wish to declare or change their track.  

Courses listed below may require permission from the department that owns the course; therefore, it is important that students consult with their adviser for course selection prior to registration.

Courses marked * will require additional department consent for eligibility and space availability.  In this case the student must request “permission to enroll” from the department.

Election Security & Democracy Track

The Election Security & Democracy track focuses on specialized skills and knowledge around election security processes and technology, increasing opportunities for students related to election processes, journalism, policy, law, and management.

Required Course
LBPS 695INDEPENDENT STUDY IN LIBERAL AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES2
Elective Course Options
Select three from the following:9
EBTM 720
SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYTICS
EBTM 730
BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT
IHSM 612
PLANNING, PREVENTION AND RISK MANAGEMENT
IHSM 615
STRATEGIC AND TACTICAL PLANNING
POSC 549
U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY POLICY
POSC 553
INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Total Units11

Leadership Development Track

The Leadership Development track focuses on generalized leadership knowledge, skills, and development.

Required Course
LBPS 695INDEPENDENT STUDY IN LIBERAL AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES2
Elective Course Options
Select three from the following:9
HRD 601
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RESOURCES *
HRD 627
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT *
HRD 640
LEADERSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE *
HUMA 615
POWER
IHSM 614
TEAM BUILDING AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
LJEC 600
LEADERSHIP IN JEWISH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES
LJEC 611
MANAGMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES:LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION
Total Units11

Non-Profit Studies Track

The Non-Profit Studies track focuses on general knowledge, skills, and development for the non-profit sector. 

Required Course
LBPS 695INDEPENDENT STUDY IN LIBERAL AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES2
Elective Course Options
Select three from the following:9
FMST 550
FUNDAMENTALS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR
FMST 555
FUNDRAISING, FRIENDRAISING AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
HRD 640
LEADERSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE *
ILPD 668
LEADERSHIP & GROUP DYNAMICS
LJEC 600
LEADERSHIP IN JEWISH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITIES
MCOM 551
PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
PRWR 619
GRANT AND COMMUNITY WRITING *
PRWR 621
BUSINESS WRITING *
PRWR 629
CONTENT STRATEGY AND WRITING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE *
Total Units11

After completing coursework consistent with their individualized plan of study, students will:

  1. Explain and apply methods of graduate level research.
  2. Identify, interpret, and draw conclusions from qualitative and/or quantitative data.
  3. Demonstrate clear, evidence based professional writing.
  4. Define, apply, and communicate knowledge acquired through the specific focus of study.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge and application of specific technologies and software.
  6. Explain the relationship between program of study and professional goals.