Master of Professional Studies Degree Program in Organizational Leadership

Capstone Experience

The college requires graduate students to complete a culminating learning experience in the form of an applied research capstone project, which involves the submission an action research project through a written paper and oral presentation.

Grade Range Grade Point Description

A 93-100 4.0 Exceptional A- 90-92 3.67 B+ 87-89 3.33 Above Average B 83-86 3.0 Average

B- 80-82 3.0

C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72 2.33 Below Average 2.0 Marginal 1.67

D+ 67-69 1.33

D 63-66 1.00

D- 60-62 F 0-59 A I L P T .67

0 Failing Audit Incomplete Lifelong Learning Pass Transfer

W Withdraw

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Graduate students are expected to maintain a satisfactory academic record (3.0 GPA or higher) at Central Penn and must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher to be eligible to graduate. Grades will be rounded to the hundredth point.

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

When a student’s cumulative graduate grade point average is 3.0 or better, that student is in good academic standing.

Academic Probation

When a student’s cumulative graduate grade point average falls below a 3.0, that student is on academic probation. A student on academic probation will have one term to achieve good academic standing.

Academic Dismissal

When a student’s cumulative graduate grade point average falls below a 3.0 for two consecutive terms, that student is moved from academic probation to academic dismissal.

Readmission after Dismissal

A student who fails to achieve good academic standing for two consecutive terms is academically dismissed and suspended from the college for two terms. After the two term suspension, a student may reapply through the graduate admissions process. Readmission to the College is not guaranteed. Students who are reaccepted will be accepted under a new college catalog and subject to any College, School, or Program changes. Students who are accepted under a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and given one term to achieve good academic standing.

Right to Appeal

The student has the right to appeal academic standing decisions. See the Academic Grievance Policy for more information.

Master of Professional Studies Degree Program in Organizational Leadership

Master of Professional Studies

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Organizational Leadership program helps students to advance in their careers by utilizing a collaborative, applied-concepts approach to leadership studies, which is offered in-person and/or fully online. Each course emphasizes ethics, application, and professional relevance by addressing various leadership components commonly found in businesses and organizations. The program offers three concentrations: a) Organizational Development, b) Financial Analysis, and c) Healthcare Management. Courses are offered in a blended format or fully online. Program learning outcomes are facilitated by an accelerated 33 credit-program of study and are assessed using a final examination and a capstone research project.

Mission Statement

The MPS program provides students with the knowledge and understanding necessary to become effective and ethical leaders in a complex and dynamic work environment. Through interdisciplinary methods, students develop an understanding of the organization and apply practical approaches to problem solving based upon leadership paradigms, through coursework, experiential learning, and personal development.

Program Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of leadership theories by linking educational and professional experiences to accomplish organizational goals. • Examine the components of ethical leadership and its influence on values and decision making. • Critically analyze the interrelationships, both historical and current, between the leadership and the organization to strategically address the needs of the global organizational community. • Analyze the different methodologies of research, including the preliminary considerations in selecting a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research design. • Apply effective communication by utilizing appropriate resources and technology in order to plan and deliver prepared presentations confidently and persuasively to diverse audiences. • Design, execute, and present a field-specific research project that synthesizes elements of organizational leadership and applies selected knowledge, skills and experiences.