The Master of Science in Administration degree is an interdisciplinary program developed to meet the educational needs and interests of administrators in organizations. The primary focus of the degree program is applied action grounded in theory. The principal elements of this degree are knowledge, competencies, and practical processes needed for successful careers in administration.
The program includes a core of courses that provides the students with a base of common knowledge and competencies required for successful administration. In addition, the program provides a concentration of specialized courses in the student’s area of professional interest. The program culminates in an integrative applied project that links the concepts of the program to the world of work and demonstrates the unity and coherence of the student’s course of study. Specific courses will be selected by an academic advisor in consultation with the student.
This program leads to an MSA degree and is identical whether on-campus or through Global Campus. Credit for course work in either program is interchangeable.
To be admitted to the Master of Science in Administration program, a candidate must meet the requirements for regular admission to Graduate Studies at CMU (a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 or, optionally, 3.0 in the final 60 semester hours of graded coursework toward the bachelor's degree). At least 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework must be graded. Applicants who possess an undergraduate GPA less than 2.7 may be considered for conditional admission. Those students not meeting the requirements for regular admission to the MSA program must provide a statement of purpose explaining both their undergraduate performance and their success strategy. A maximum of 6 hours taken before admission to the MSA program may be counted toward the degree.
Students are recommended to take the following courses and/or acquire knowledge in the following two courses:
The free competency assessment is administered online, and each takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To prepare for the competency assessment, students can complete a free, online self-paced review workshop that allows students to independently review the Accounting or Statistics subject matter in preparation for the competency assessment. The review materials will serve as a refresher and provide working knowledge on the subject matter that will be utilized in future MSA coursework. Review of this material is recommended for all MSA students prior to taking MSA 600 and MSA 602. For more information on competency requirements and competency assessment preparation, see https://www.cmich.edu/global/advising/Pages/msa-competencies.aspx.
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation will be allowed an opportunity to raise the cumulative GPA to a 3.0 according to Graduate Studies policy. Students dismissed from the program may petition for readmission no sooner than one academic year after the semester they were dismissed. Coursework which is over seven years old may not be used toward the MSA degree and certificates.
Applicants with TOEFL scores of 213 CBT, 550 PBT or 79 iBT and above or IELTS scores of 6.5 and above may be granted Regular admission to the MSA Program. Students with TOEFL scores between 500 and 549 PBT or 173 and 210 CBT or 61-78 iBT or IELTS scores of 5.5 or 6 should review the International Student Admission section on TOEFL scores in this Bulletin. Applicants who have satisfactorily completed a 4-year baccalaureate degree entirely in the United States qualify for English Proficiency. All students from non-exempt countries lacking proof of English Proficiency must be assessed by CMU’s English Language Institute. All exceptions must be approved by the MSA Director’s office.
International students on student visas must obtain departmental approval in order to take online courses.
Upon admission to the MSA program, the student will be assigned an advisor. The student is required to meet with his or her advisor to determine prerequisite(s) and core area requirements and to select the courses to meet the concentration's requirements. A record of the program authorization will be placed in the student's file in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. Any course taken without the express written consent of the MSA Director may not be approved for fulfillment of the degree requirements. When appropriate, other courses may be substituted in a concentration with the approval of the MSA Director. Conditionally admitted students should review their admission letter as they may be required to complete accounting and statistics competency requirements within their first 9-12 semester credits. Students are also strongly encouraged to take MSA 600 before the mid-point of their program.
The MSA Program will consider graduate transfer credit for courses taken by correspondence. Courses must either be recommended by ACE for graduate credit or graduate level courses taken at a regionally accredited institution. Credit will be based on applicability of the courses to the student’s concentration and the MSA Program. Students should also review the Graduate Transfer Credit policy found in this bulletin for additional requirements.
Accelerated Master of Science in Administration
(Currently enrolled CMU Undergraduate students only)
Undergraduate students majoring in the following Global Campus majors: Integrated Leadership Studies, Community Development, or Administration, or any main campus major with the approval of the Registrar's Office may pursue a Master of Science in Administration degree in any selected concentration, while fulfilling the final year requirements for their Bachelor’s degree. The Accelerated Master of Science in Administration program allows students to reduce the total number of credits to complete their undergraduate degree and graduate level degrees by applying up to 12 credits toward the graduation requirements on both degree programs.
Admission Criteria
To be eligible for the Accelerated Master of Science in Administration program, the student must have:
- An overall cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 including all General Education requirements (including transfer and AP credits), the semester that they apply for admission to the Accelerated MSA program. This includes all forms of credit to include transfer credit from another institution.
- CMU undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 the semester that they apply for admission to the Accelerated MSA program
- Minimum of 86 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s degree with no less than 18 remaining credit hours to complete the undergraduate degree.
During the final academic year, students will complete 12 credits of MSA coursework that will be the final courses taken and counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The student must earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course below. If the student does not earn a 3.0 GPA or higher in each course that is intended to be applied to the graduate degree, the student will be dematriculated from the accelerated program and the MSA courses taken in the accelerated MSA program can only be used on the student’s undergraduate program. The student may apply for regular admission to the MSA program and will need to retake or replace the previous credits. The following courses are used for dual counting for the Bachelor’s degree and the Accelerated MSA Program:
First Semester
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Second Semester
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
Note: Early undergraduate advising required.
*Student appeals for concurrent admission into the Accelerated MSA Program are submitted to and reviewed by the MSA department.
Program Requirements
Concentrations
Note: Some concentrations are not available at the main campus location.
Select one of the following:
Acquisitions Administration
The Acquisitions Administration concentration prepares administrators with a focus on acquisitions by providing a knowledge base in purchasing, regulatory concepts and related factors in acquisitions administration. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (6 hours)
Electives (9-12 hours)
Select three or four of the following:
| IET 500 | Production Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| IET 527 | Industrial Safety Management | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 542 | Inventory and Materials Management | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 543 | Management and Control of Quality | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 504 | Strategies and Proposals in Government Acquisitions | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 540 | Legal Considerations of Contract Administration | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 712 | Implementation and Reform of Public Programs | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 714 | Program Analysis and Evaluation | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 514 | American Public Policy Making | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 522 | Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law | 3(3-0) |
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Engineering Management
The purpose of the concentration is to provide a program of study for the students who intend to pursue a career in this field or for engineers who have the need to acquire managerial skills. Students will gain the knowledge needed to manage industrial, engineering, high tech and "green" energy organizations. The concentration combines the analysis and integration of theory, principles, and research in technology, industrial and engineering management with administrative science.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (18 hours)
| IET 500 | Production Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| IET 501 | Application of Industrial Management Principles | 3(3-0) |
| IET 524 | Technology and Environment | 3(3-0) |
| IET 650 | Project Management | 3(3-0) |
| IET 670 | Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Quality | 3(3-0) |
| IET 680 | Sustainability and Green Technology | 3(3-0) |
Total: 36 semester hours
General Administration
Statement of Purpose for the Concentration
The General Administration concentration is designed to serve the needs of a very heterogeneous group of students. The intent is to offer a program of study which provides moderate structure through study in areas that are applicable to a wide variety of administrative settings. In addition, the student is afforded considerable flexibility in designing a program of study which avoids duplication of previous course work, training, or experience by allowing additional study in areas of choice.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
General Administration Concentration Areas (15-18 hours)
Guide to Choosing Courses
Students are encouraged to complete courses listed within a broad range of categories. Students may substitute up to six (6) credits of courses on this concentration providing the courses are consistent with one or more of the categories listed below. The use of the substitutes must be recommended by the advisor and approved by the MSA Director.
Concentration Courses I
Information Systems and Analysis
The integration of computer and production systems into administrative decision making.
| BIS 601 | Information Systems | 3(3-0) |
| CPS 603 | Computer Information Systems | 3(3-0) |
| IET 500 | Production Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MKT 555 | Market and Sales Forecasting | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
Concentration Courses II
International Systems, Issues, and Problems
The study of systems, issues, and problems that impact upon dynamic organizations operating within a global environment.
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| FIN 573 | International Finance | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 667 | International Business | 3(3-0) |
| MKT 560 | International Marketing | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 510 | The Culturally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 618 | International and Comparative Employment Relations | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 555 | International Law I | 3(3-0) |
Concentration Courses III
Legal and Political Systems
The nature of legal and political systems and how they impact the operation of organizations and individual decision making.
| ECO 515 | Collective Bargaining and Labor Law | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 609 | Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Private Sector Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 514 | American Public Policy Making | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 522 | Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law | 3(3-0) |
Concentration Courses IV
Organizational Behavior/Human Resources Administration
The study of individuals within the work organization and the systems and processes that affect their behavior.
| CED 555 | Human Relations Skills | 3(3-0) |
| COM 665 | Seminar in Communication and Negotiation in Employee Relations | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 643 | Human Resource Management | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 646 | Labor Relations Issues | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 502 | Workforce Improvement Strategies in Corporate/Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 503 | Gender and Generational Supervision | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 506 | Evaluation, Coaching and Mentoring | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 608 | Succession Planning | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 647 | People and Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 711 | Public Personnel Management | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 785 | Strategic Leadership | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 535 | Organizational Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Concentration Courses V
Organizational Communications
Improving communication of individuals and groups within and between organizations.
| COM 560 | Communication and Social/Organizational Change | 3(3-0) |
| COM 561 | Communication in Conflict Management | 3(3-0) |
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 610 | Grants and Fund Procurement | 3(3-0) |
| JRN 670 | Public Relations Management | 3(3-0) |
| MKT 555 | Market and Sales Forecasting | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 607 | Program Management in Complex Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 677 | Disruption, Innovation, Transformation and Change | 3(3-0) |
Concentration Courses VI
Social and Economic Systems
The nature of social and economic systems and how they constrain, control, and impact the operational effectiveness of operations.
| IET 524 | Technology and Environment | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 622 | Strategic Planning for Public/Non-Profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| PHL 518 | Professional Ethics | 3(3-0) |
| SOC 512 | Industrial Sociology | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both ECO 515 and MGT 646 on a certificate or degree program.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Health Services Administration
The Health Services Administration concentration is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required for directors, administrators and supervisors in health services. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (12 hours)
| HSC 507 | Introduction to Health Service Organizations and Systems | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 520 | Health Services Administration | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 570 | Financial Aspects of Health Services Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 571 | Legal Aspects of Health Services Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| HSL 611 | Healthcare Administration and Ethical Compliance | 3(3-0) |
| HSL 631 | Healthcare Law, Compliance and Risk Management | 3(3-0) |
| HSL 651 | Fundamentals of Healthcare Finance | 3(3-0) |
Note: You may only select ONE of HSC 507 OR HSL 611 and only ONE of HSC 570 OR HSL 651 and only ONE of HSC 571 OR HSL 631.
Note: Advisors may recommend to the MSA Director the substitution of another course for HSC 520, if the student has appropriate management experience.
Electives (3-6 hours)
Select from the following:
| HSC 516 | Travel Course in Health Education | 1-15(Spec) |
| HSC 538WI | Development of Proposals and Reports in Health Administration | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 544 | Biostatistics | 3(2-1) |
| HSC 545 | Health Planning | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 572 | Quality Improvement in Health Services | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 581 | Managed Care: Origins, Organizations, and Operations | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 617 | Community and Public Health | 3(3-0) |
| HSC 700 | Program Evaluation in the Health Fields | 3(3-0) |
| HSL 641 | Health Economics and Policy Implication | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 608 | Succession Planning | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 647 | People and Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Human Resources Administration
The Human Resources Administration concentration provides a program of study for the student who is pursuing, or intends to pursue, a career in the field of Human Resources. The concentration is designed to provide students with an overall background in the field as well as in the specific areas of Labor Relations, Staffing, Training and Organization Development. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Course Requirements (15-18 hours)
Guide to Choosing Courses:
Students are required to take one course from Category 1, preferably before taking other courses in the concentration. In order to produce the strongest preparation, it is recommended that students take one course from Categories 2 and 3 and two courses from Category 4.
Category 1 - Survey of Human Resources Administration Courses (Required)
Take one of the following, preferably before taking other courses in the concentration.
| MGT 643 | Human Resource Management | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 711 | Public Personnel Management | 3(3-0) |
Category 2 - Labor Relations Courses
It is recommended that students take one of the following:
| COM 665 | Seminar in Communication and Negotiation in Employee Relations | 3(3-0) |
| ECO 515 | Collective Bargaining and Labor Law | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 646 | Labor Relations Issues | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 618 | International and Comparative Employment Relations | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both ECO 515 and MGT 646 on a certificate or degree program.
Category 3 - Training and Organization Development Courses
It is recommended that students take one of the following:
| CED 555 | Human Relations Skills | 3(3-0) |
| COM 560 | Communication and Social/Organizational Change | 3(3-0) |
| COM 561 | Communication in Conflict Management | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 649 | Seminar in Organizational Development | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 502 | Workforce Improvement Strategies in Corporate/Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 503 | Gender and Generational Supervision | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both COM 560 and COM 561 within the HRA concentration.
Category 4 - Staffing Courses
It is recommended that students take two of the following:
| MGT 645 | Personnel Compensation Practice and Process | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 647 | Employee Selection and Evaluation | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 506 | Evaluation, Coaching and Mentoring | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 608 | Succession Planning | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 647 | People and Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 536 | Personnel Psychology | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 636 | Advanced Personnel Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both MGT 647 and PSY 536 on a certificate or degree program.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Note: No more than a total of 15 hours of College of Business courses may be used on the program plan.
Information Resource Management
The Information Resource Management Concentration is designed to enable students to develop a comprehensive management approach to the introduction of information systems in an organization, in order to ensure that the information technology solution which is chosen will be deemed the one most appropriate. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses I (3 hours)
| BIS 634 | Seminar in Information Systems Issues | 3(3-0) |
Required Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIS 601 | Information Systems | 3(3-0) |
| CPS 603 | Computer Information Systems | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both CPS 603 and BIS 601 on an IRM concentration or certificate.
Required Courses III (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIS 630 | Information Systems Process Management | 3(3-0) |
| CPS 510 | Software Systems Engineering | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both CPS 510 and BIS 630 on an IRM concentration or certificate.
Required Courses IV (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIS 635 | Business Systems Applications | 3(3-0) |
| CPS 612 | Software Project Management | 3(3-0) |
Note: Students may not count both CPS 612 and BIS 635 on an IRM concentration or certificate.
Electives (3-6 hours)
One to two specialized courses determined by the MSA Director.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
International Administration
The International Administration concentration is designed to provide the appropriate educational background for students who are interested in practicing administration in international settings. Those who have administrative responsibilities with international dimensions, but work in the United States, would also find it helpful.
Students will demonstrate a sensitivity to contemporary cultural variations and the need for understanding them. This may be evidenced by graduate or undergraduate coursework, experience or other appropriate means.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (15-18 hours)
Select from the following:
| ANT 506/SOC 506 | Comparative Cultural Systems | 3(3-0) |
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| FIN 573 | International Finance | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 667 | International Business | 3(3-0) |
| MKT 560 | International Marketing | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 510 | The Culturally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 618 | International and Comparative Employment Relations | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 551 | Seminar in International Relations | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 555 | International Law I | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 642 | Problems and Processes of International Development I | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 651 | Comparative Political & Economic Systems | 3(3-0) |
Note: When appropriate, other courses may be substituted with the approval of the MSA Director.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Leadership
The Leadership Concentration enables students to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of leadership, group dynamics, organizational change, management of conflict, negotiation, cultural diversity and communication. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Course (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 677 | Disruption, Innovation, Transformation and Change | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 785 | Strategic Leadership | 3(3-0) |
Electives (12-15 hours)
| CED 555 | Human Relations Skills | 3(3-0) |
| COM 560 | Communication and Social/Organizational Change | 3(3-0) |
| COM 561 | Communication in Conflict Management | 3(3-0) |
| COM 665 | Seminar in Communication and Negotiation in Employee Relations | 3(3-0) |
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| ECO 515 | Collective Bargaining and Labor Law | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 646 | Labor Relations Issues | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 649 | Seminar in Organizational Development | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 502 | Workforce Improvement Strategies in Corporate/Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 503 | Gender and Generational Supervision | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 506 | Evaluation, Coaching and Mentoring | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 510 | The Culturally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 607 | Program Management in Complex Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 608 | Succession Planning | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 609 | Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Private Sector Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 647 | People and Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 677 | Disruption, Innovation, Transformation and Change | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 785 | Strategic Leadership | 3(3-0) |
| PHL 518 | Professional Ethics | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 531 | Group Dynamics | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 535 | Organizational Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Plus one specialized course determined by the MSA Director
Note: Students may not count both ECO 515 and MGT 646 on a certificate or degree program.
Note: Students may only count MSA 677 or PAD 785 as an elective if not counted as a required course above.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Philanthropy and Fund Raising
The purpose of the concentration is to provide an appropriate educational experience for students who intend to pursue careers in the field of philanthropy and fundraising. Students will gain an understanding of the history and cultural traditions of philanthropic and fundraising organizations as well as the knowledge to manage such organizations. Decision-making skills, analysis and integration of theory and application will strengthen students' understanding of the roles, influence and impact of the discipline in the economic, political, and social arena.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (15 hours)
| MSA 612 | Grants Fiscal Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 643 | Administration of Annual, Capital Campaigns and Major Gifts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 644 | Philanthropy: The Role of Foundations, Non Profit Organizations in | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 645 | Strategic Philanthropy: Corporations, Foundations, Individuals and | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 646 | Foundations of Philanthropic Organizations | 3(3-0) |
Electives (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| EDL 609 | Administration of Volunteer Programs | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 610 | Grants and Fund Procurement | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 641 | Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Philanthropy | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 642 | Principles, Theory and Ethical Practices in Fundraising and Grant Making | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 521 | Fund Development & Grant Writing for Public & Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
Total: 36 semester hours
Project Management
This program is designed to develop practitioners in the field of project management. Curricula focuses on project management fundamentals, such as decision making, planning, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, cost and value management, and organizational behavior. The program will integrate theory with the development of both hard skills- budgeting, planning and technical knowledge and soft skills such as motivation, community relations, communication and conflict resolution. Graduates will prepare for leadership positions as project management professionals and gain important preparation for the Project Management Professional certification exam.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (12 hours)
| BUS 501 | Project Management Fundamentals | 3(3-0) |
| BUS 505 | Application of Project Management Principles | 3(3-0) |
| BUS 507 | Advanced Project Management Methodologies | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 647 | People and Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
Electives (3-6 hours)
Select from the following:
| COM 560 | Communication and Social/Organizational Change | 3(3-0) |
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 607 | Program Management in Complex Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 609 | Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Private Sector Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 611 | Contract Administration | 3(3-0) |
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Public Administration
The Public Administration Concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in public sector administration. Broadly, the objectives of the program are to provide students with background and competency in five areas including:
- the political, social, and economic environment of public administration;
- public management process;
- public policy analysis;
- research and analytic methods; and
- organization theory and behavior.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (15-18 hours)
Select five or six from the following:
| COM 665 | Seminar in Communication and Negotiation in Employee Relations | 3(3-0) |
| ECO 515 | Collective Bargaining and Labor Law | 3(3-0) |
| MGT 646 | Labor Relations Issues | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 610 | Foundations of Public Administration | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 622 | Strategic Planning for Public/Non-Profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 655 | Managing Modern Local Government | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 661 | Administration and Policy in American State Government | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 711 | Public Personnel Management | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 713 | Public Budgeting and Finance | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 714 | Program Analysis and Evaluation | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 775 | Organization Theory and Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| PAD 785 | Strategic Leadership | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 514 | American Public Policy Making | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 522 | Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 563 | Politics and Policy in Urban Communities | 3(3-0) |
| PSC 566 | Intergovernmental Relations in the United States | 3(3-0) |
Note: Only one of the following may be used to fulfill concentration requirements: ECO 515, COM 665, or MGT 646.
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Recreation and Park Administration
The Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Administration concentration is designed to provide students with background and competencies in administration, grant writing, evaluation, current issues, as well as areas of individualized interest. Students will select 15-18 credits in consultation with their advisor.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (6 hours)
| RPL 611 | Evaluation in Recreation and Leisure Services | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 618 | Issues in Leisure | 3(3-0) |
Electives (9-12 hours)
Select from the following:
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 511 | Liability and Risk Management in Leisure Services | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 521 | Fund Development & Grant Writing for Public & Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 545 | Marketing of Leisure Services | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 636 | Recreation Facility Operations and Management | 3(3-0) |
| RPL 640 | Recreation Program and Event Administration | 3(3-0) |
Cognate Courses (0-3 hours)
Select any course offered within any MSA degree program concentration or one of the following courses, in consultation with an academic advisor and approved by the MSA Director:
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 634 | Managerial Accounting Concepts | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 635 | Financial Management | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 640 | Quantitative Applications in Decision Making | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 660 | Marketing Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 681 | Administrative Practicum | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 690 | Internship | 1-3(Spec) |
| MSA 696 | Special Topics | 3(3-0) |
Note: MSA 681 and MSA 690 are only available to students admitted to Central Michigan University's Mount Pleasant campus.
Total: 36 semester hours
Research Administration
The purpose of the concentration is to provide an appropriate educational experience to Research Administration professionals that will allow them to gain insight into the most recent developments in the field, gain practical experience, meet the growing data and informational needs and demands in their respective organizations, and to advance in the research administration profession.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (12 hours)
| MSA 611 | Contract Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 612 | Grants Fiscal Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 613 | Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 614 | Ethics in Research Administration | 3(3-0) |
Electives (6 hours)
Select from the following:
| MSA 615 | Sponsored Project Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 616 | The Practice of Research Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 617 | Clinical Research Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 622 | Research Facilities Administration and Cost | 3(3-0) |
Total: 36 semester hours
Training and Development
This program is designed to develop practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead, support, diagnose problems and implement solutions that enhance organizational performance. Graduates will prepare for leadership positions as human resource professionals, training and development specialists, organizational development consultants, instructional designers, and performance technologists.
Required Core I (15 hours)
| MSA 600 | Foundations of Research Methods in Administration | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 601 | Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 602 | Financial Analysis, Planning and Control | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 603 | Strategic Planning for the Administrator | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 604 | Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism | 3(3-0) |
Required Core II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| MSA 698 | Directed Administrative Portfolio | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 699 | Applied Research Project in Administration | 3(Spec) |
Required Courses (12 hours)
| EDL 612 | Methods and Techniques of Training and Development | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 624 | Planning for Instruction in Nontraditional Settings | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 502 | Workforce Improvement Strategies in Corporate/Non-profit Organizations | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 503 | Gender and Generational Supervision | 3(3-0) |
Electives (6 hours)
Select two of the following:
| COM 560 | Communication and Social/Organizational Change | 3(3-0) |
| COM 667 | Seminar in Intercultural Communication | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 620 | Administration Within Diverse Populations | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 626 | The Adult Learner | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 501 | The Emotionally Intelligent Organization | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 506 | Evaluation, Coaching and Mentoring | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 608 | Succession Planning | 3(3-0) |
| MSA 677 | Disruption, Innovation, Transformation and Change | 3(3-0) |
Total: 36 semester hours