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MS in Leadership, Concentration in Professional Administration

The sublimity of administration consists in knowing the proper degree of power that should be exerted on different occasions.

— Charles de Montesquieu

See if this sounds familiar. You’re out with family or friends enjoying a meal and good conversation. While everyone else is just relaxing, you’re noticing things. Lots of things. Some of them may be good. Some of them may be bad. The point is that everyone else is simply having dinner and you’re evaluating how well the restaurant is run.

Whether at work or in everyday life, that’s what it is to be someone who is always looking for how well things are going—and how to make them work better.  All you need is the credentials that will get your organization to really listen to your insights and ideas.

You’re ready to take on expanded responsibilities. To do that you want to enhance your skills and advancement potential...

The Master of Science in Leadership, Concentration in Professional Administration (MSPA) program is designed for professionals like you, those who are ready to move to the next level. MSPA graduates take responsibility for:

  • oversight of administrative processes
  • coordination, analysis and presentation of information
  • supervision of human and financial resources in support of organizational goals

At the end of this program you will be able to:

  • manage employee strengths to build more effective teams
  • understand and facilitate cross-functional roles and responsibilities
  • generate organizational change plans to implement workplace improvements
  • employ administrative and analytic principles to maintain and enhance organizational operations
  • develop communication tactics and strategies to apply in diverse situations
  • resolve conflicts to maximize productivity in a multigenerational workplace
  • use technology tools to access, manage, create and communicate information
  • understand strategies and systems used to plan, allocate and control the use of financial resources
  • employ organizational methods to recruit, hire, train and develop staff
  • recognize the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities

Curriculum

The 36-credit curriculum combines practice with theory. Real-world problems provide the primary context for much of the learning. Faculty infuse student learning with current theory and research while emphasizing practical application.

  • Leadership Core (12 credits)
  • Professional Administration concentration courses (15 credits)
  • Graduate electives (9 credits)
  • There is no thesis requirement

Program Structure

The academic year is structured with three semesters per year: a 15-week term in fall and spring and an eight-week term in summer. If you take two courses for the fall, spring and summer semesters, the degree can be completed in two years. Courses are entirely online. Students in the Pittsburgh area can also take courses on campus on alternating Saturdays.

As a student you'll have access to learning resources and support services including the Duquesne University Library, online writing center, and contact with faculty and advisors. You’ll join a peer-learning network of people from the community and corporate, nonprofit, government and military sectors. As a graduate you’ll join a network of more than 84,000 active alumni located around the globe.