Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Professional Studies program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach to graduate education designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers and expand their leadership knowledge. Through specialized coursework and practical application, students build expertise in their chosen field while preparing to address real-world challenges across a variety of professional environments.
Why Choose This Program?
- Customize your graduate education around your professional goals and career interests
- Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world organizational and community challenges
- Strengthen leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making skills to further your career
Options + Tracks
Community Development
The Community Development concentration focuses on strengthening communities through strategic planning, collaboration, and community engagement. Students explore approaches that support economic growth, organizational effectiveness, and quality of life.
Higher Education Administration
The Higher Education Administration concentration prepares professionals to support student success and institutional effectiveness within colleges and universities. Coursework examines leadership, administration, and contemporary issues in higher education.
Information Technology
The Information Technology concentration explores the role of technology in modern organizations while preparing professionals to manage information systems, support innovation, and improve organizational performance.
Security and Safety Leadership
The Security and Safety Leadership concentration focuses on leadership, risk management, emergency preparedness, and organizational safety. Students examine strategies that support secure and resilient organizations and communities.
Curriculum & Coursework
Professional Studies students engage in coursework that combines leadership, organizational effectiveness, communication, and applied problem-solving. The program encourages students to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines while addressing challenges relevant to their chosen field.
Sample Courses:
- PRS 600 Foundations of Professional Studies
- PRS 610 Organizational Leadership
- PRS 620 Strategic Communication
Career Paths & Outcomes
A Master of Professional Studies prepares graduates to take on leadership and administrative responsibilities across a wide range of industries and organizations. The program’s interdisciplinary approach equips professionals to navigate change, solve complex problems, and contribute to organizational success.
Common Career Paths:
- Community Development Director
- Higher Education Administrator
- Information Technology Manager
- Safety and Security Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Operations Manager
- Project Coordinator
Student Experience
At UNA, Professional Studies students benefit from a flexible learning environment designed to support working professionals. Through applied coursework, faculty mentorship, and collaboration with peers from diverse professional backgrounds, students gain practical insights that can be immediately applied in their careers.
Opportunities include:
- Faculty mentorship and individualized guidance
- Interdisciplinary learning experiences
- Collaboration with professionals from diverse industries
- Leadership development and networking opportunities
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Nick Gordon
Instructional Staff
ngordon@una.edu
Dr. Erin Henthorne
Lecturer & Graduate Program Coordinator
ehenthorne@una.edu
Dr. Kevin Jacques
Instructional Staff
kljacques@una.edu
Dr. John LeMay
Instructional Staff
jolemay@una.edu
Dr. Molly Mathis
Instructional Staff
mjmathis@una.edu
Dr. Craig T. Robertson
Adjunct Instructor
ctrobertson@una.edu
Dr. Dennis Smith
Adjunct Instructor
dsmith9@una.edu
