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MPS Admission Portfolio

Instructions for Creating an Admission Portfolio
NOTE: To submit a Portfolio for admission the Masters in Professional Studies Program, you must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. If you do not have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher, you may apply for Conditional Admission by contacting the MPS advisor through e-mail at dgotcher@mtsu.edu, or by phone at either (615) 898-5611 or (615) 904-8042.

The portfolio is a formal presentation of the characteristics and attributes you feel will contribute to your successful completion of the program. These should include:

• a resume containing (1) a detailed description of professional responsibilities as related to the areas of study in strategic leadership program (leadership, data analysis, organizational structure and change, communication, strategic planning/assessment); (2) professional achievements; (3) professional awards/recognitions; (3) training; and, (4) any continuing education you have completed.
• documentation of items contained in the resume such as official job descriptions, certificates, etc. are also recommended.
• 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. In lieu of the GRE, this essay will be an important tool the advisory committee will use in assessing your potential success in the program. In addition to detailing the reasons for wanting to enter the MPS program and how it will help you fulfill your personal and professional goals, we offer the following suggestions for you to consider as you construct your essay:

Tell the advisory committee how you have personally experienced/demonstrated some of the following behaviors in your work environments.

Discussed, assessed, or applied leadership theories and concepts.
Historical development of leadership theories, personal assessment and development, values and ethics, motivation, power, follower-ship, group dynamics, diversity, collaboration, conflict management, situational/contingency leadership, citizenship, change management.

Analyzed, used, and reported data as appropriate for organizational assessment and decision.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis and interpretation of data, formats for reporting data, ethical use of data, use of technology in data analysis.

Prepared or structured an organization for change.
Transformational and entrepreneurial leadership, creativity and innovation, continuous improvement processes, learning organizations, succession plans, cultures of change, designing organizational structures for change.

Communicated effectively with organizational stakeholders.
Theories and concepts of organizational communications, role of communication in leadership, impact and use of communications technology, definitions of stakeholders, communications with employees, governing boards, donors, suppliers, and regulatory/accrediting agencies, marketing communications and public relations, lobbying and political activities.

Planned, implemented, and assessed organizational strategies.
Visionary leadership, mission driven organizations, strategic intelligence, strategic planning processes, development of action plans, strategic positioning, development of strategic partners/alliances, implementation of actions plans, assessment processes, benchmarking.

Submit your portfolio to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies, Box 42, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. The portfolio material must be submitted as a packet, not mailed separately. Materials included in the packet will not be returned to the student.