Online Graduate Degrees

The School of Agriculture offers a master of science degree. The purpose of this degree is to provide an opportunity for professional agricultural personnel to obtain an education at the graduate level or to prepare for terminal degree work at the doctoral level. Faculty advisors assist students in planning an appropriate course of study to meet their individual goals and to assure a balanced program.

The master of science degree in agriculture provides concentration in either agricultural science or agricultural education.

Options:

• Agribusiness Economics
• Agricultural Education
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Veterinary Hospital Management

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VIEW THE CURRICULUM

Contact

Dr. Kristie Guffey - GRADUATE COORDINATOR

Email: msu.ag@murraystate.edu

The Arthur J. Bauernfeind Graduate Program in Business at Murray State University has a long and rigorous tradition of excellence in management education, and a recognized capacity for meeting the educational needs and challenges of MBA students in the 21st Century.

Our specific comparative advantages and points of pride are the following: 

1. AACSB Accreditation: The world has over 16,000 business programs. Yet less than 5% of these are accredited by AACSB-International: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Murray State University is one of the 5% group of premier schools that are accredited by AACSB-International. 

   Find out why AACSB accreditation matters.

2. Quality at relatively Low Cost: While the quality of Murray State University’s MBA Program is well documented, many people may not know that we have one of the most efficient cost-to-quality MBA ratios in the country. Our on-campus tuition is competitively reasonable, as evident from the tuition link given on this MBA website. Tuition for our 100% online MBA is one of the lowest in the nation. Everyone (whether Kentucky resident or not) pays the same tuition on our 100% online, AACSB-Accredited MBA. 

3. Your Careers: Our MBA students do find Jobs. We recognize that for our students, the MBA degree is not an end in itself, but rather a means towards employment and promotion at the local, regional, national, or international levels. While we are honest enough to admit that not 100% of our MBA graduates get jobs within 3 months of graduation (the global economy is simply such as it is), many of our graduates do get gainfully employed, eventually, in a multitude of fields and specializations, at home and abroad. Earning an MBA does pay off exponentially for your career, as recent research reported by the Financial Times and by CNBC.

4. Non-Business Majors: For those whose undergraduate degree is NOT in Business—but rather in such non-business areas as agriculture, education, engineering, chemistry, biology, occupational safety and health, geography, physics, and mathematics, to name a few—please do not worry. See the MBA curriculum link on this website for more details. 

5. Quality MBA Faculty: The same faculty teach on our regular and 100% online MBA Programs. All have PhDs from such prestigious and diverse traditional (not online) Universities as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of Edinburgh in Scotland, United Kingdom. They conduct basic/discovery scholarship, applied or integration/application scholarship, and teaching/learning scholarship in top-tier peer reviewed journals in the USA and foreign countries, in keeping with our global footprints framework and emphasis. 

6. Access and Flexibility: MBA Classes are offered to fit your schedule. Classes are taught at night, during the day, as well as 100% online. Yes, you can complete our MBA 100% online even if, for instance, you are on active military duty, stationed in Germany or South Korea. 

Options:

• Accounting 
• Business Analytics*
• Cybersecurity*
• Economic Development*
• Finance*
• Forensic Accounting*
• General*
• Global Communications*
• Healthcare Administration*
• Marketing*
• Nonprofit Leadership*

* Available 100% online

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Learn more about the fully Online Master of Business Administration program.

Concentrations

• Online MBA - Forensic Accounting
• Online MBA - General
• Online MBA - Business Analytics
• Online MBA - Finance
• Online MBA - Forensic Accounting
• Online MBA - Global Communications
• Online MBA - Marketing
• Online MBA - Nonprofit Leadership
• Online MBA - Cybersecurity
• Online MBA - Economic Development
• Online MBA - Healthcare Administration

Contact

Debbie Nesbitt - PROGRAM Advisor

Phone: 270.809.4181 

Email: dnesbitt@murraystate.edu

Upon completion of the 30-hour program, you will earn a Rank II and Teacher Leader Master's designation as well as the Teacher Leader Endorsement. All certifications are required to take 15 hours of core courses in addition to the 15 hours of required for a specialization or endorsement. If you would like more information about the program, please download the advising guide or speak to your advisor.

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Contact

DR. KEMALY PARR - PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Phone: 270.809.2854 

Email: kparr@murraystate.edu

The Cybersecurity Management Master of Science program is a 30-credit hour program that prepares students to enter or transition into cybersecurity leadership roles. The program consists of eight 3-credit hour courses plus two 3-credit hour electives. The first two courses provide students with information security principles and technical foundation before progressing to advance topics such as information security management, risk management, incident response, digital forensic fundamentals, IT audit, compliance, and project management. The Cybersecurity Management MS program culminates in a senior capstone experiential learning course where students prepare and present an information security design, policy, or plan for an industry/business partner. This program prepares students for a wide spectrum of information security careers. Examples of potential student job titles are Information Security Officer, IT Risk and Compliance Analyst, Security Analyst, IT Risk and Compliance Analyst, Cybersecurity Manager, Chief Information Security Officer, and Information Security Manager.

The Master of Science in Economic Development will prepare students to work in the field of local and regional economic development. Students will gain both classroom and practical training in the methods of economic development. Students who graduate from the program should have the equivalent of two years of work experience in an economic development agency. In addition students should have the ability to lead a small economic development agency. It is our desire that students from this program pursue certification with the IEDC and become certified economic development professionals.

The Murray State Master of Science in Economic Development program can be completed either on Murray State’s campus, or in an online format. The degree is open to both full- and part-time students. Full time students should complete the degree in three semesters and one summer. 

The Master of Arts in English is a 30-hour degree comprising advanced coursework in research methods and content areas. The program is designed primarily for teachers in high schools and middle schools, prospective postsecondary instructors, students who want to lay foundations for doctoral work, and persons who simply love literature. It may be completed in as few as two years and is available on-campus or fully online.

The program offers two Routes—Traditional and 4+1. The traditional, self-contained program is for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. An accelerated 4+1 route allows undergraduate English students to complete the BA in English (Area) with the MA in as few as five years. Please see the current Academic Bulletin for more information on the 4+1 route.

The Human Development and Leadership Program is a 33 hour program. There is a core of seven classes that focus on people development skills. Then the student chooses a concentration area consisting of 12 hours. Students with a degree in Human Development and Leadership work in a very wide range of careers. They work in the non-profit area, for colleges and universities, and in business and industry.

Options:

• Criminal Justice
• Educational Administration
• Educational Data Management and Analytics
• Environmental Education
• Industrial Supervision
• Instructional Development
• Intercultural Communications
• Leadership Development
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Public Administration

The Master of Science in Information Systems prepares individuals for management careers in the vast and growing field of information systems. This field includes such diverse areas as software development, information management, data analysis, information security, information systems architecture, system planning, and systems analysis. Upon successful completion, graduates can move into careers as information systems managers, business analysts, software architects, college-level instructors, information systems auditors, project managers, consultants, etc. based on individual strengths, skills, and inclination.

Options

• Business Analytics
• General
• Information Security

Inquire. Include. Collaborate. Engage. Explore. Curate.* These six words describe what goes on in a 21st Century school library. Today’s school librarians provide a learning environment where students are engaged in their learning and classroom teachers collaborate to enrich their curriculum. Librarians promote digital citizenship and teach students to use technology effectively and efficiently. Sharing their love of literature and lifelong learning is one of the best aspects of the school librarians’ day. If this sounds right for you, join us at Murray State!

Murray State University offers a master’s degree in education in library media that is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree or above. Candidates with a master’s degree who are looking for a rank change may take this program, since a second master’s degree qualifies for a Rank I. The degree, together with the Praxis II for Library Media Specialist, will qualify students for certification as a school media librarian for P-12 in Kentucky.

There are two tracks:

• Certified teachers - MA in Education in Library Media for Certification in Library Media. The degree is 30 credit hours and all classes are online. The GRE is not required for admission to the program.
• Bachelor’s degree or non-certified - MA in Education in Library Media for Initial Certification. The degree is 40 hours and includes student teaching at the end of the program. Students seeking initial certification in education must meet all the requirement for admission to Teacher Education, including completing 200 hours of field experience, in compliance with 16 KAR 5:040 (3). The GRE is not required for admission to the program, but students must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test for Educators (CASE) (16 KAR 5:020) to be admitted to Teacher Education. The current test subjects and their passing scores are as follows: Mathematics-150; Reading-156, and Writing-162.

The Mass Communications masters program is a 30 hour, non-thesis track with 18 hours required and electives restricted mainly to graduate courses within the department. Capstone course, JMC 690, is a research or professional project in selected area of mass communications. This degree prepares students for careers in advertising, branding, broadcasting, communications, journalism, marketing, publishing, public administration, public relations, social media management, and more. This degree is available on-campus and 100% online.

Options: Public Relations

The Nonprofit Leadership Studies Graduate Program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles and functions in mission-driven nonprofit sector organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life at the local, regional, national, and global levels. Commitment to innovation, social entrepreneurship, social change, engagement, and advocacy guide the curriculum.

The NLS Graduate Program is built on core course content focused on the full range of organizational leadership roles and management functions central to the successful pursuit of the public good missions across the nonprofit sector. They include but are not limited to organizational development and strategic planning, human resource development, financial resource development, legal issues and advocacy, and innovation and social change strategies.

visit the program website

view the curriculum

Contact

Elise Lael Kieffer, Ph.D. - Program Director and Assistant Professor

Phone: 270.809.3307

Email: ekieffer@murraystate.edu

The Master of Science in Nutrition Services prepares students to effectively compete in a growing job market in which five of ten dietitians nationally hold M.S. degrees. The 33-credit-hour master's program will enable graduates of the R.D. certificate program to pursue additional higher education in the areas of professional counseling, education, science, statistics, psychology, management, and nutrition research. Students may transfer up to 12-graduate-credit hours of coursework from other Kentucky institutions when meeting the requirements of the 33-credit-hour M.S. graduate program. Advances in nutrition and genetic research, aging demographics, and accelerating rates of nutrition-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes fuel the demand for highly trained nutrition professionals.

Contact

Nichole Haynes, MS, RD, LD - GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Phone: 270.809.3152

Email: nhaynes5@murraystate.edu

The Department of Organizational Communication and Leadership offers the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Organizational Communication. Graduate study in organizational communication prepares students for effective membership, humane management, and prudent leadership in organizations. Coursework focuses on various organizational, interpersonal, and small group communication processes vital to personal and organizational success. Students acquire advanced communication knowledge and skills in such areas as conflict resolution, managerial communication, leadership, customer relations, team communication, organizational change, healthcare communication, persuasion, intercultural communication, training, and organizational learning. The program, which is theoretically and experientially oriented, provides students with course offerings allowing in-depth study and opportunity to pursue individual interests.

Coursework is designed for both focused study and maximum flexibility to meet the unique career goals of each student. The program prepares individuals

1. to enter areas of business, industry, government, and nonprofit administration, where knowledge of and competence in communication are essential;
2. to enter other vocations where communication is of prime importance (e.g. the ministry, law, public service);
3. to continue study of communication at the doctoral level; and
4. to teach organizational communication at the college level.

Recent degree options in organizational communication and the innovative “Weekender” master’s degree in organizational communication reflect the department’s commitment to respond to regional needs.

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VIEW THE M.A. CURRICULUM

VIEW THE M.S. CURRICULUM

Contact

DR. FRANCES SMITH - GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Phone: 270.809.3179

Email: fsmith@murraystate.edu

The Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs prepares individuals for careers in 2-year and 4-year postsecondary institutions and fields related to higher education through the service regionally, nationally, and internationally. The curriculum provides students with a foundation of research, administration, leadership, development theory, multicultural and diversity issues, group/team dynamics, and legal/ethical issues. One 150-clock hour internship provides the depth of experience needed for careers in postsecondary education and related fields.

This program targets those who desire a career in this exciting field as well as individuals with an established career in higher education looking for advancement. The core curriculum fosters growth in research, human relations, multicultural inclusion, and leadership theory. The supervised internship offers students an opportunity to test drive functional areas in higher education from an administrative perspective. Faculty advisors will work closely with each student to identify site placement to best serve his/her personal and professional goals.

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Contact

DR. Brian Bourke - PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Phone: 270.809.3588

Email: bbourke@murraystate.edu

The MPA program provides education and training for professional careers in government agencies and non-profit organizations. It is a great way to prepare students who seek a career in public service or to enhance the careers of those already employed in the public sector.

Currently, our non-thesis program requires students to complete seven core courses in subjects such as human resource administration, organization theory and behavior, public budgeting and fiscal administration, research methods, and public policy analysis, as well as a survey seminar in public administration. Non-thesis students are also expected to complete twelve additional hours of electives. There is also a capstone course requirement required of all students pursuing the non-thesis option.

We offer classes at a variety of locations and through a variety of formats. Courses are offered at the main campus in Murray, at the English Center at Fort Campbell, and at the Murray State campus in Hopkinsville. The degree can also be completed 100% online.

Concentrations

• Online MPA - General online
• Online MPA - Economic Development online
• Online MPA - Forensic Accounting online
• Online MPA - Healthcare Administration online
• Online MPA - Public and Community Health online
• Online MPA - Public Management online
• Online MPA - Nonprofit Leadership online

VISIT THE PROGRAM WEBSITE

VIEW THE CURRICULUM

Contact

DR. Jeremy Phillips - MPA DIRECTOR

Phone: 270.809.2699

Email: jphillips46@murraystate.edu

This masters program provides the educational skills to teach English to students whose first language is in another language. In addition to the six semester hours credit for practicum and internship requirements, the program requires 28 hours of specified coursework, including courses in applied linguistics, teaching methods, language and culture, course design, intercultural competence, evaluation, computer-assisted language learning, and seminars in grammar, writing, and speaking.

The M.A. in TESOL is the recognized teaching degree in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, a field that has shown phenomenal growth in the past few years. This degree is regularly cited as the preferred degree in position announcements for community college and university teaching positions in pre-college English programs for international students; positions in industry in training programs for non-English speaking employees; and positions to teach English in primary and secondary schools and colleges outside the U.S. The ESL Certificate Endorsement certifies holders of valid Kentucky Teaching Certificates to teach pre-K through 12 ESL in Kentucky public schools.