Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has introduced a new Master of Professional Studies degree program, offering students a customizable path to graduate education. This program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including two core courses and the completion of two certificate programs within TCNJ's academic schools.

Students have the opportunity to start earning certificates immediately, with these credits counting towards the master's degree. The program is set to launch in 2024, pending state approval.

“This personalized degree will allow students to create their own path toward professional growth by stacking together two certificates,” stated Suzanne McCotter, dean of graduate and continuing education at TCNJ. “We are excited that both prospective students and their employers will be able to create a sequence of educational experiences that can be of such great value.”

Candidates may select from existing professional certificates offered by the schools of Arts and Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, and Nursing and Health Sciences. Future certificate programs are also being developed.

Examples of potential certificate combinations include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism with Public Health for nonprofit diversity initiatives; Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership with Public Policy for government reform work; or Professional Writing and UX/UI paired with Health/Risk Communication for public health education roles.

“Students who have already earned one eligible certificate are already halfway towards their master’s degree,” added McCotter. “This program also partners with the Master of Educational Studies program which similarly allows students to pair any two certificates from the School of Education.”

The degree can be completed in two to six years according to individual schedules. Courses are available in on-campus, hybrid, or fully online formats.

For more information on eligible certificates for this Master's program, visit the program’s website.