Utility of MA in Professional Development?

Does anyone have an opinion about the general utility of a masters degree (or bachelors degree?) with an "emphasis" in Professional Development? One of the programs I'm in right now (Amberton University) has a Masters degree in Professional Development, which essentially allows the learner to sort of construct their own degree with only two core courses as requirements - all others assembled from a list of "electives". Therefore, one could stack it up with all business courses, all counseling courses, some combination of the above, or whatever.

This seems like an attractive option, but I'm concerned about the overall utility of the degree once completed. It sounds a bit like the "Masters in Liberal Studies" programs - a generalist advanced degree with no specific emphasis.

I'd appreciate any opinions - good, bad or otherwise.

Thanks.
- Carl

 

It allows you to choose your own emphasis within the areas that Amberton offers. You can focus in one area with a specific job in mind or take classes in several areas and be a jack-of-all-trades. You can also get 18 credits in one area and teach.

While Amberton officially says that the "Master of Arts in Professional Development does not emphasize specialization", I would pick an area and market it.

Utility is all in the eye of the beholder. It is up to you to sell it to prospective employers.

 

When I saw the name of this thread, I thought it was about a degree with a focus on corporate training or something like that.