Graduate School

Individual program requirements described in The University of Memphis Graduate Bulletin, 2008-2009, are subject to change. Please consult your department or the Graduate School web page for changes that may occur before publication of the next issue of this Bulletin. Every graduate student is expected to comply with the general requirements of the Graduate School (see Admissions Regulations, Academic Regulations, and Minimum Degree Requirements) and the program requirements of the degree being pursued.

I. The University College offers the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) with a major in Liberal Studies, the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) with a concentration in Strategic Leadership, and the Master of Science with a major in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences.

MALS program objectives are to develop: (1) an ability to conceive and develop an interdisciplinary program of study; (2)a high level of proficiency in written and verbal communication skills; (3) an ability to integrate research from various disciplinary perspectives in an interdisciplinary program of study; and (4) an ability to identify and research a topic from interdisciplinary perspectives and communicate the findings in oral and written presentations.

The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Strategic Leadership is an interdisciplinary graduate degree for leaders in the workplace; the degree includes coursework in leadership, communication, strategic planning and assessment, organizational structure, and research/data analysis.

The Master of Science with a major in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences provides an advanced educational option for both school personnel and other individuals perparing for, or pursuing, careers based on family and consumer sciences and marketing education subject matter. This degree serves all disciplines in family and consumer sciences and marketing education in an advanced integrative, interdisciplinary program that allows individualization.

II. MALS Degree Program

The MALS is interdisciplinary in nature, permitting students to elect courses from departments that offer the Master of Arts degree and, from the professional colleges, courses that are liberal in content.

A. Program Admission and Prerequisites

Applicants to the program are evaluated as they apply and may be admitted for the fall or spring semesters or for the summer semester. All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Admission to the Graduate School
2. Completion of the MALS admission form
3. Personal interview with the MALS program director
4. An essay of approximately five double-spaced, typewritten pages, detailing personal and academic goals to be satisfied by the MALS program and suggesting curriculum to be designed to meet these goals
5. Two letters of recommendation

1. Acceptance by the MALS program director of a MALS Contract
2. Completion of program core: UNIV 7000, 7100, 7200, 7996
3. Completion of 21 semester hours of approved graduate courses taken from at least two different departments, no more than 9 semester hours of which can be at the 6000-level. No more than 12 semester hours of courses can come from a single department.
4. No more than nine semester hours of transfer credit. Credit previously earned at another university must be presented for evaluation not later than the end of the student’s second semester of enrollment.
5. Successful completion of UNIV 7996 Special Project, followed by an oral presentation and defense
6. Successful completion of an oral or written comprehensive examination

III. MPS Degree Program

A. Program Admission and Prerequisites

1. Completion of an undergraduate degree with a grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university.
2. An acceptable score on the GRE General Test, generally at least 400 verbal, 500 quantitative and a 4.0 on analytical writing.
3. Applicants with five or more years of professional work experience may submit a portfolio in lieu of the GRE. The portfolio is to include: a resume; a 500 to 600 word essay detailing the reasons for wanting to enter the MPS program and discussing how the program will help the applicant achieve personal and professional goals; and two sealed letters of professional reference. Other items that an applicant may submit in the portfolio include a description of professional responsibilities, professional achievements, and professional awards/recognitions.
4. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for unconditional admission might be admitted conditionally if their entire academic and professional records indicate potential for success in the program. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, taking prerequisite undergraduate courses, enrolling in specified graduate-level courses, and achieving a specified grade point average.

B. Program Requirements

1. Completion of MPS program core: PRST 7100 Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics, PRST 7200 Globalization and the Professions, and PRST 7300 Research Methods.
2. Completion of 21 semester hours of graduate courses for the concentration. For the Strategic Leadership Concentration, complete at least one course from each of five subject areas and two additional classes from any of the subject areas:
1. Leadership Theory (PRST 7500 Foundations of Leadership, LDSP 7000 Current Issues and Cases in Leadership, or ELPA 7560 Small Group Leadership)
2. Research/Data Analysis (QM 7770 Computer-Based Decision Modeling or PRST 7600 Statistical Analysis)
3. Organizational Structure and Change (PADM 7310 Leadership in Organization or PRST 7800 Organizational Skills and Development)
4. Communication (COMM 7110 Leadership and Communication, JOUR 7450 Public Relations Management, or PRST 7700 Conflict Management and Negotiation)
5. Strategic Planning and Assessment (TECH 7105 Project Planning and Scheduling or MGMT 7040 Human Resources Management).
3. Successful completion of PRST 7998 Professional Project.
4. Successful completion of an oral or written comprehensive examination.

IV. MS Degree Program--Major in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences

A. Program Prerequisites

1. Completion of an undergraduate major in one of the several specific areas of family and consumer sciences or a closely allied field such as marketing, art, or science
2. Completion of application procedures for admission to the Graduate School
3. Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Exam
4. Satisfactory undergraduate grade point average
5. Completion of academic deficiencies in course work if, after faculty evaluation of transcripts, it is deemed necessary.

1. A total of 36 semester hours is required of all students, six hours of which must include either thesis or internship in one specific area of Consumer Science and Education.
1. Eighteen semester hours are required in the major as a program core, which consists of the following courses:
1. CSED 7300 Independent Study in Consumer Science and Education (3)
2. CSED 7600 Entrepreneurship in Consumer Science and Education (3)
3. CSED 7700 Professional Practices in Consumer Science and Education (3)
4. CSED 7800 Consumer Issues: Family Systems Management (3)
5. CSED 7996 Thesis (6) NOTE: Students should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before beginning to write.
Or

6. CSED 7400-7407 Internship in Consumer Science and Education (6)
2. A minimum of nine semester hours of 7000 level course work supportive of the major must be taken in a collateral area outside University College.
3. A minimum of nine semester hours of required research/technology electives to include:
1. IDT 7060 Microcomputers and Learning (3)
Or

2. IDT 7061 Computers, Technology, and Learning in the Classroom (3)
Or

3. IDT 7048 Media and Technology Utilization (3)
And

4. EDPR 7521 Introduction to Educational Research (3)
5. EDPR 7541 Statistical Methods Applied to Education (3)
2. Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination for all students. Successful completion of an oral thesis defense for those electing the thesis option. Successful completion of an exit interview and/or presentation for those electing the internship option.

7000. Foundations of Liberal Studies. (3). Analytical introduction to graduate liberal studies and its theoretical framework; readings in and concerning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. PREREQUISITE: Approval of MALS program coordinator. Must be taken during the first semester in the MALS program.

7100. Research in Interdisciplinary Studies. (3). Methods of inquiry and research appropriate to interdisciplinary studies. PREREQUISITE: Approval of MALS major advisor and MALS program coordinator.

7200. Liberal Studies Seminar. (3). Interdisciplinary examination of major issue, historical period, theme. Subject matter will change from semester to semester. PREREQUISITE: Admission to MALS program or permission of instructor and MALS program coordinator.

7300. Professional Issues and Ethics. (3). Classical approaches to ethics presented with their application to decision points confronted in various professions, as well as analysis of issues of diversity and moral responsibility in professional practice.

7350. Globalization and the Professions. (3). Examines relationship between globalization and the professions.

‡7796. Independent Study. (3). Research into interdisciplinary area of study supportive of individualized MALS program. May be repeated once. PREREQUISITE: Approval of MALS out-of-class learning contract by instructor of record, student’s major advisor, and MALS program coordinator.

‡7996. Special Project. (3). Supervised research based upon knowledge and skills learned in MALS program. Creative or performance component acceptable. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of UNIV 7100; approval of MALS special project contract by major advisor and MALS program coordinator.

‡7998. Professional Project. (3). Supervised research that serves as the integrative culmination for the Master of Professional Studies student. PREREQUISITE: Approval of Professional Project contract by faculty advisor and the MPS program coordinator.

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (PRST)

7100. Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics. (3). Classical approaches to ethics presented with their application to decision points confronted in various professions, as well as analysis of issues of diversity and moral responsibility in professional practice.

7200. Globalization and the Professions. (3). Analysis of globalization and its effects on the workplace, including the interactions of advancing communications technology, multi-national corporations, and global societies.

7300. Research Methods. The study and application of research methods appropriate to professional studies.

7470. Facilitation of Learning. (3). Prepares trainers to design and facilitate programs that work effectively and efficiently with adult learners; provides necessary theory and experience to ensure competent facilitation of learning; students plan and conduct training sessions and receive feedback.

7920. Diversity in the Workplace. (3). Examines processes and techniques to conduct an organizational analysis and identify training needs in an organizational environment, with emphasis on how langauge, gender, race, tradition, education, economic structure, and organizational philosophy interact.

‡7998. Professional Project. (3). Supervised research that serves as the integrative culmination for the Master of Professional Studies student. PREREQUISITE: Approval of Professional Project contract by faculty advisor and the MPS program coordinator.

CONSUMER SCIENCE AND EDUCATION (CSED)

6204. Furnishings Problems and Presentations. (3). (HMEC 6204). Problems in planning, coordinating, and purchasing of home furnishings. PREREQUISITE: CSED 2004, 4304.

6205. Behavioral Science Aspects of Clothing. (3). (HMEC 6205). Interdisciplinary study of clothing and appearance: concepts, methodologies, and applications of behavioral science to clothing.

6300. Family Resource Management. (3). (HMEC 6300). Investigates values, goals, and human and material resources necessary for individuals and families to make informed management decisions throughout the life span.

6304. Trends in Housing and Home Furnishings. (3). (HMEC 6304). Major trends and influences on contemporary residential furnishings as these affect home furnishings merchandising. PREREQUISITE: CSED 2104.

6383. Materials and Methods in Family and Consumer Sciences Economics. (3). (HMEC 6383). Methods in high school subjects with an emphasis in Consumer Science and Education instruction; open to graduate or transfer students seeking update or initial certification. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

6393. Occupational Methods in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. (3). (HMEC 6393). Special emphasis on instructional strategies and evaluation through classroom and on-site participation. PREREQUISITE: CSED 4383 or 6383 and permission of instructor.

6405. Textiles. (3). (HMEC 6405). Selection, use, and care of textiles related to properties of fibers, yarn structures, fabric construction, and finishes; morphology and chemistry of fibers, finishes, dyes, fabric maintenance, and procedure involved in fiber, yarn, and fabric identification.

6904. Study Tour in Housing and Home Furnishings. (1-3). (HMEC 7904). On-the-scene knowledge about housing and home furnishings. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Only 6 hours applicable to degree. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

6906. Study Tour in Fashion Merchandising. (1-3). (HMEC 6900-006). On-the-scene knowledge about fashion merchandising. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Only 6 hours applicable to degree. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

7300. Independent Study in Consumer Science and Education. (1-3). (HMEC 7300). Opportunity for creative, directed, independent study in a specific area of Consumer Science and Education to provide breadth and/or depth to the student’s program of study. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

†7312 Internship in Child Care Services. (3). (HMEC 7311). Materials, methods, and coordination of work experiences for occupational Home Economics including supervised on-the-job experience in a selected occupational area (child care services) for the teacher. PREREQUISITES: CSED 2102, 6101, 7393, or their equivalents.

†7313. Internship in Food Service. (3). (HMEC 7312). Materials, methods, and coordinating of work experiences for occupational Home Economics including supervised on-the-job experience in a selected occupational area (food service) for the teacher. PREREQUISITES: CSED 2202, 3302, 4202, 6502, 7393, or their equivalents.

7393. Seminar in Vocational Family and Consumer Sciences. (1-3). (HMEC 7393). Analysis of the philosophy, curriculum, operation, and evaluation of vocational programs in family and consumer sciences with scope and direction based on Federal Vocational Legislation and State Department of Education: Rules and Regulations.

†7400. Internship in Consumer Science and Education. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience in a selected area of Consumer Science and Education. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

†7401. Internship in Child and Family Studies. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

†7403. Internship in Family and Consumer Sciences. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

†7404. Internship in Housing/Home Furnishings. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

†7405. Internship in the Fashion Industry. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

†7406. Internship in Marketing Education. (3-9). (HMEC 7302). Supervised field experience. PREREQUISITE: Permission of Department Chair.

7600. Entrepreneurship in Consumer Science and Education. (3). Principles involved in initiating, managing, and accepting risks associated with entrepreneurial pursuits as applied to consumer science and education disciplines, e.g. private practice, consulting, technical assistance, and educational services; and operation of shops, day care centers, food service establishments, and boutiques.

7700. Professional Practices in Consumer Science and Education. (3). Adaptation and implementation of current professional strategies with focus on the development of written, verbal, and visual skills.

7800. Consumer Issues: Family Systems Management. (3). Utilizes a systems approach in the analysis of consumer issues from a managerial perspective with emphasis on major family situations across the life cycle.

†7996. Thesis. (1-6). (HMEC 7996). Students should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before beginning to write.

†Grades of S, U, or IP will be given.

6840. Israel: Antiquity in Modernity. (3). (Same as ANTH 6840). Interdisciplinary examination of relationship between ancient traditions and modern issues in Israel. Emphasis on relationship between historical conditions, conflicts, and interconnections and new choices facing Israel.

6841. Biblical Archaeology. (3). (Same as ANTH 6841, ESCI 6841). Relationship between historical texts in Hebrew Bible and historical evidence from archaeological research in Israel and surrounding area. Emphasis on how archaeological evidence and Biblical narratives illuminate each other.

‡7796. Independent Study, (3). Directed individual study or research. May be repeated once. PREREQUISITE: Completion of out-of-class learning contract and approval of the director of Bornblum Judaic Studies.

‡Grades of A-F, or IP will be given

7010. Cooperative Occupational Education. (3). (MKED 6610). Study of occupational education programs that use work experience coordinated with related in-school instruction to provide clear preparation in vocational education. (Spring semester only)

7630. Instructional Development in Marketing, Merchandising, and Management. (3). Developing instructional materials and techniques for high school and post-secondary marketing education programs. PREREQUISITE: MKED 7010 and 7641. (Fall semester only.)

7641. Techniques of Coordination in Marketing Education. (3). (MKED 6641). Selecting training agencies; developing job analyses; selecting and briefing the training supervisor; selecting and working with advisory committees; utilizing other community and resources.

7650. Research Problems in Marketing Education. (1-3). Individual investigation and reports of research problems. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

7690-99. Workshops in Marketing Education. (1-9). (MKED 6690-99). Group study of selected phases of the marketing education program, designed to assist both in-service prospective marketing and distributive education teacher-coordinators in improvement of the teaching-learning processes contained in three phases of program operation: classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and student organization advisement. See on-line class listings for topic. May be repeated; however, credit applicable to a degree is limited.

7700. Marketing Education Study Tour. (1-3). (MKED 6700). An opportunity to gain on-the-scene knowledge about specific areas of instruction within marketing education. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours; however, the student should consult with major advisor to determine the maximum credit that may be applied to a degree program. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

†7993. Occupational Experience Practicum. (1-3). Practical experience in occupational specialty area for certification and/or occupational updating; employment in occupational specialty area; comprehensive research report. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.

† Grades of S, U, or IP will be given.