Park University

Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership

In Plato's Republic, he discusses the appropriate training that should be a part of educating political leaders. Since the time of the classic Greek philosophers, countless individuals have speculated about the principles of leadership. The search for effective leadership continues today as contemporary organizations become more complex. The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership starts with the premise that communication is the essence of effective leadership. The student trained in communication is uniquely qualified to provide innovative leadership to the global community. This graduate program is designed for professionals who wish to build on their current career skills, advance to a new position or organization, or desire personal enrichment. The complexities of relationships and the competitive nature of business demand leaderswith highly polished interpersonal and organizational skills. This degree provides the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to serve in corporate settings, the military, non-profit, government, politics, or other areas. ... [-]

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

The Master of Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership degree is designed to allow certification for a principalship in a 36-hour program. It is offered in the eight-week format, classes meeting one evening per week, for 4 1/2 hours. Full-time enrollment is one course per eight-week term. Full-time enrollment during the academic year and two courses for two summers allows completion in two calendar years. Students who are employed full-time are encouraged not to take a heavier load.

Admission Requirements

Each applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher learning or four years of equivalent full-time college work from an accredited foreign institution. The minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) required for admission is 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be considered for admission if they provide an acceptable GRE or GMAT score or meet other requirements per the program director's discretion. In some circumstances, a probationary status may be granted to those who do not meet minimum admission standards. Although entrance test scores by themselves do not constitute the sole or final criterion for granting or denying admission to any student, each program that uses test scores will consider them, in combination with other criteria, as an essential part of the requirements for granting full admission. Applicants who hold a master's degree are not required to submit scores on GRE or GMAT. Admission may be withdrawn... [-]

Master of Education Degree in Teacher Leadership

The Master of Education degree in Teacher Leadership, which contains four strands, is designed to meet the practical needs of the classroom teacher and uses a praxis model that ties theory and practice together, in each course.

The program strives to develop reflective educators who can be change agents in the lives of their students, in their school and communities and culminates with two capstone courses: Critical Reflections Seminar and Action Practicum, or by completion of the Thesis Option. The degree requires twenty-one hours of core courses and fifteen hours of electives, which are specific to the student's selected strand.... [-]

Master of Education in Adult Education

This program embodies a progressive and coherent prospectus in the following fundamental areas:

Program Goals/Learning Outcomes

Learners completing the MED in Adult Education will:

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

The Master of Education program, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, is designed to provide advanced coursework on topics specific to working with young children, birth through grade three. The Master of Education degree, with Early Childhood emphasis, assumes a strong, current background in the principles of early childhood education, child growth and development, curriculum, teaching strategies, assessment, working with families and community, and advocacy. The degree is not designed to provide coursework for certification in early childhood education.

Admission Requirements

Each applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher learning or four years of equivalent full-time college work from an accredited foreign institution. The minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) required for admission is 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be considered for admission if they provide an acceptable GRE or GMAT score taken within the past five years of application date, or meet other requirements per the program director’s discretion. In some circumstances, a probationary status may be granted to those who do not meet minimum admission standards.Although entrance test scores by themselves do not constitute the sole or final criterion for granting or denying admission to any student, each program that uses test scores will consider them, in combination with other criteria, as an essential part of the requirements for granting full admission. Applicants who hold a master's degree are not required to submit... [-]

Master of Education in Language and Literacy

The Master of Education in Language and Literacy degree is designed with three tracks, for three types of educators: The Classroom Teacher track, for K-12 educators already holding certification and teaching in public and private schools. This track is designed to help "regular" classroom teachers enhance the literacy development of all learners in their classrooms, and to help them work effectively with learners who have literacy needs, within their classrooms. This track does not lead to additional certification. The Special Reading Teacher/Literacy Coach track, for educators desiring to work as literacy coaches or special reading teachers, in various public and private settings. The degree program meets the International Reading Association's Standards for Reading Professionals (2003 revision) for Category II: The Classroom Teacher and Category III: The Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach. This track leads to Missouri Special Reading certification. This certification is not available as an initial certificate; candidates must already be certified in another area. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher track, for educators desiring ESOL linguistics and second language acquisition basics as well as ESOL methods, materials, and assessments for public and private schools. This degree program meets the International Reading Association's Standards for Reading Professional, National TESOL Standards as well as Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ESOL Standards. This track leads to Missouri ESOL certification. Certification is not available as an initial certificate; candidates must already be certified in another area. Courses will be offered in the... [-]

Master of Music

The Master of Music degree program is an advanced course of study for musicians who hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking careers as professional musicians.

Admission Requirements

Each applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher learning or four years of equivalent full-time college work from an accredited foreign institution. The minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) required for admission is 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Individual programs may require appropriate entrance test scores such as the GRE or GMAT. Although entrance test scores by themselves do not constitute the soleor final criterion for granting or denying admission to any student, each program that uses test scores will consider them, in combination with other criteria, as an essential part of the requirements for granting full admission. Applicants who hold a master's degree are not required to submit scores on GRE or GMAT. Admission may be withdrawn if it was granted on the basis of substantially incorrect information or on the omission of relevant facts, which, if known at the time of the admission, would have resulted in denial. In order to complete the application process, applicants must submit to the Graduate School the following documents unless otherwise indicated by policy: ... [-]

Master of Public Affairs

The M.P.A. program allows you to be adaptable in your career, understand and prepare for multisector and cross-sector realities, and successfully lead in your changing environment. Because the M.P.A. is a values-driven program, you will focus not only on doing things the right way, but on the courage to do the right things.

Prepare for the unscripted future

The cross-sector, liberal-arts base of the M.P.A. degree is designed for those navigating the changing and dynamic work environment of the 21st century.

Learn from widely published, highly experienced and qualified faculty

Your courses will be led by seasoned academicians and Ph.D. researchers. In addition, Park University has attracted well-known leaders as faculty. Our courses are taught by leader-scholars who are former mayors, city managers, executive directors of nonprofit organizations, state and local government officials, and heads of national an international professional organizations. This combination of faculty brings enormous vitality and real-world currency into the classroom—both online and face-to-face. ... [-]