Students who enroll in graduate-level professional studies degree programs develop advanced skills that allow them to qualify for better jobs in their chosen fields. This requires a flexible program that empowers students with industry-specific, practical skills that prepare them to lead teams successfully and take on real-world challenges.

The new online Master of Arts in Professional Studies from Point Park University fills those requirements. The program is designed to help graduates quickly advance their careers. Taught by faculty with wide-ranging experience, graduates emerge prepared to meet the needs of the business world.

Students in the program can combine multiple areas of professional and academic interest into a single degree program. The 100% online program allows students to balance earning their graduate degrees with their work and personal responsibilities.

The program enables students to create a curriculum that meets their needs, earning 12 credits from two disciplines. Popular disciplines include advertising and public relations, business and administration, financial accounting, health care management, organizational leadership, and social media management.

What Is a Professional Studies Degree?

Students in a master’s degree program in professional studies focus on developing industry-specific skills while enjoying the benefits of a traditional graduate degree program. Graduate students develop skills that employers want, learning from hands-on, practical experiences.

These programs are intended for students with a bachelor’s degree who want to advance in their current field or master new skills to transition into a new field. Graduates from the interdisciplinary degree program have advanced skills, knowledge, and a competitive edge in a crowded job market.

The Point Park University Online MA in Professional Studies

The online master’s program in professional studies from Point Park University features the benefits of all the Pittsburgh-based University’s online degree program offerings. These benefits include class scheduling flexibility, engaging content, and a program designed with busy professionals in mind.

Point Park University’s mission rests on a clear set of values. They include promoting academic excellence, focusing on the needs of students, fostering an academic community built on mutual respect and diversity, and encouraging innovation.

The online program allows students to create an individual plan of study that aligns with their career goals and academic interests. Expert practitioners teach each course, giving students practical skills they can use in their current positions.

The 33-credit hour program typically takes one to two years to complete. Each course lasts eight weeks, with start times throughout the year. Point Park University also allows students to transfer up to 18 graduate credits to finish their degree faster.

MA in Professional Studies  Online Curriculum

Every student chooses courses in two disciplines. They also take three core courses: Seminar in Professional Studies, Capstone Proposal Seminar, and Capstone Project.

Students prepare for advancement into various careers. While each depends on the student’s field of study, popular examples include sales managers, training and development managers, compensation and benefits managers, and fundraising managers.

Enrolling in an MA in Professional Studies program allows students to advance their careers through learning practical skills, the latest strategic theories, specialized knowledge for their chosen fields, and connecting to a network of like-minded fellow students and experienced faculty. It can provide the next step for those motivated to boost their career to the next level.