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The part-time, online master’s program with endless career options

The part-time, online master’s program with endless career options

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This year has been one of upheaval and change for many people. Facing such difficult times can make people reassess their career goals, some out of necessity, some out of a desire to make themselves eligible for promotion opportunities. More than ever before, people are realizing the value of having a versatile skill set and a high level of education.

For those working in public administration, emergency services, criminal justice, political science, national security and public health sectors, pursuing a master’s degree offers a leg up for promotions, salary, and competitiveness in the job market. According to the Census Bureau, only about 13.1% of the population has an advanced degree.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to find the time to pursue higher education when you already work full time. Utah Valley University (UVU) has a plan to change that.

Master of Public Service offers value to degree-seeking students

The Master of Public Service (MPS) offered by UVU offers an engaging, broad-based program based entirely online. So while you work full time, take care of your family and balance a social life, you can also add advanced education classes to the mix.

The value in this degree comes from the versatility of careers you can pursue. Obtaining this degree will give you the skills for managing, leading, and administering vital public services and public safety functions across a wide range of careers and fields.

Students create their own tailored experience

The program is offered on a part-time, flexible basis with six semesters over the course of two years. For the first year, students take a carefully-curated course load of two classes per semester, which covers the basics of each core skill set. In the second year, students can personalize their experience based on their career goals with elective courses.

Electives are subject to change, but current classes include Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Planning and Response, Issues in Public Health and Information-based Decision-Making.

The coursework takes place online, but the cohorts can occasionally meet together in-person or virtually to take advantage of peer mentoring and cooperative work opportunities.

Shutterstock
Shutterstock

A cohort of 25 students moves through the coursework together. The small class sizes help facilitate close connections between students and instructors during their years of school. These connections are also beneficial for networking opportunities after graduation.

Traditionally, universities have offered a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree, but UVU’s MPS degree offers a tailored, unique experience for those with an emphasis in emergency services, public administration, political science, national security, public health and criminal justice.

According to the UVU website, "30% of MPS students have a background in criminal justice, another 30% have a background in emergency services or management and 40% have interest or experience in one or more of a variety of areas, including health services, education, non-profit, community services and local government."

The MPS degree at UVU is currently the only one offered in the state, making it a highly sought after program.

How to apply

Requirements for admission to the program include:

  • Official transcripts of your bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 or above cumulative GPA (or last 60 semester credits)
  • MPS graduate school application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Up-to-date resume
  • Essay questions

There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. With per-semester resident tuition rates at just $2,688 for the 6-semester program, UVU’s program offers competitive resident rates to Utah residents and to residents of states participating in the Western Regional Graduate Program.

According to UVU, graduates holding a Master of Public Service degree can earn on average $18,000 more per year than with a bachelor’s degree, offering high value for the student’s investment.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for law enforcement and emergency management directors are projected to increase by 5% in the next eight years. Public health administration is expected to grow by 18%, with the BLS citing an aging baby-boom population as a contributing factor to this need for an expanded health sector.

Registration for UVU’s MPS program runs through August 1 for the 2020 fall cohort. Check out the UVU website for more information about applying and career opportunities a MPS could open up for you.

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Utah Valley University

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