Is an MPS on the same level as an MS/MA?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by soupbone, May 11, 2010.

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  1. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    The title pretty much describes exactly what I'm asking but I'll go a little depper. I've been considering the MPS through Penn State ---> Penn State | Online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security | Overview and while I thoroughly enjoy the subject material I don't want there to be any future issues as to the weight it carries.

    In other words how do you feel an MPS is perceived in comparison to an MS/MA? I know I'll get some anecdotal evidence but I'm ok with that. I'm just trying to reassure myself that choosing this path will not hinder me since there are several schools that offer MS/MA's in Homeland Security as well. Thanks!

    *EDIT*
    Also for clarifications sake I really like Penn State because of the options (kind of like concentrations) that they offer. Specifically I like the Agricultural Biosecurity and the Public Health Preparedness options. I would be open to other schools but so far most are simply Homeland Security degrees with no concentrations.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 11, 2010
  2. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member


    I see two factors:
    (1) The MPS desisignation is not nearly as well known as a MA or MS. However if you spell it out on your resume then it looks OK (I have the same issue with my MAS - very few people know what it is - occasionally I use MAeroSc when in Europe).
    (2) An MPS from Penn State carries a more prestige than a MA or MS from most other schools.

    Personally I would like such a degree and have investigated the University of Middlesex MProf and DProf programs in the past.
     
  3. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member


    I see two factors:
    (1) The MPS designation is not nearly as well known as a MA or MS. However if you spell it out on your resume then it looks OK (I have the same issue with my MAS - very few people know what it is - occasionally I use MAeroSc when in Europe).
    (2) An MPS from Penn State carries a more prestige than a MA or MS from most other schools.

    Personally I would like such a degree and have investigated the University of Middlesex MProf and DProf programs in the past.
     
  4. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    This is what I am looking for too, I am trying to milk some Post 9/11 GI Bill at Georgetown University's MPS in Technology Management. I did several searches, the MPS leaning forward the Professional sides instead of both Professional and Academia. You might have hard time to apply to Doctorate degree if a Master degree is required.
     
  5. Arch23

    Arch23 New Member

    It IS a master's degree and is the same level as other master's, albeit with a more professional focus (as in the case of the DBA vs PhD in Business). If you earn the MPS in the appropriate area and at Penn State, I would surmise that in most cases, hiring committees would find you more attractive than MA/MS graduates of other schools, as Ian has mentioned.
     
  6. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    Thanks guys/gals....I appreciate all the comments so far. I guess my biggest concern is exactly what's being discussed. Penn State is a widely recognized school but the MPS is not. I really love the degree path itself and feel like it's one of the best options as far as Homeland Security goes. I'm almost done with my app and I'll hopefully be submitting it tomorrow. Anyone have any opinions on the two programs I'm interested in?

    I think both Public Health Preparedness and Agricultural Biosecurity are very good concentrations but I think the PHP might be too closely related to an MPH. Thoughts?
     

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