The College of Professional and Continuing Education (COPACE)

Clark University’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (COPACE) is committed to educating students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Classes are held in the evening and taught by professors who are professionals in their fields. COPACE has a large number of students from around the world. As a result, our staff and faculty are particularly attuned to the needs of international students.

COPACE is one school within Clark University, which is a small, liberal arts-based research university. The University seeks to prepare students to meet the challenges of a complex and rapidly changing global society. Clark is committed to excellence in traditional academic disciplines and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. The free pursuit of inquiry and the open exchange of ideas are central to that commitment.

The following three Graduate Programs offered through the College of Professional and Continuing Education.

Master of Science in Professional Communication (MSPC)

The MSPC curriculum is designed to enhance communication skills and managerial techniques through courses that integrate theoretical models with practical application methods. This professional degree is structured to provide the essential skills in four main concentrations: Communication Management, Marketing Communication, New Media Technologies and Human Resources. Students may further specialize in such areas as: change management, project management, conflict management, intercultural management, communication design, and the use of e-commerce/e-business and social media in organizational operations.

Program of Study

The MSPC involves 12 graduate courses including 7 required foundation courses and 5 electives.
The required courses are:

• Advanced Professional Communication
• Communication Theory and Research
• Fundamentals of Business Analysis OR Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager
• Intercultural Communication
• Management Information Systems and Technology
• Organizational Communication OR Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Consultancy Skills Capstone

Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA is designed to develop and advance the managerial and analytical skills of those interested in careers in both public organizations and nonprofit institutions. The goal is to develop administrators who can effectively address the varied managerial, economic and political aspects of public issues and programs. The program also assists professionals from other fields who wish to make the transition to the administration of government, nonprofit or other public institutions.

Program of Study

The MPA involves 12 graduate courses including 7 required foundation courses and 5 electives.
The required courses are:

• Management Information Systems and Technology
• Issues and Cases in Public Administration
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership
• Policy Analysis
• Public Budgeting and Accounting OR Fundamentals of Business Analysis OR Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager
• Research Methods and Strategies
• Capstone Practicum

Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

The MSIT program is designed to develop the qualities of Chief Information Officers and emerging leaders in information technology. Students will gain management insight into new technologies and decision approaches for a constantly changing environment. They will learn to apply performance management techniques to achieve real-time shifts in strategy that respond to changes in the competitive marketplace. Clark offers an optional concentration in Cyber Security, a program that has been designed by industry practitioners and advisers. The course takes a progressive, multi-dimensional approach to cyber security management, connecting people, process, structure, and technology with strategic, tactical, and operational objectives.

Program of Study

The MSIT involves 13 graduate courses, including 7 required foundation courses and 6 electives. The required courses are:

• Information Technology Management
• Information Systems Analysis and Design
• Management Information Systems and Technology
• Cyber Security Fundamentals (formerly Data Security and Privacy)
• Legal and Financial Issues in Information Systems Management
• Business Intelligence OR Database Management
• Capstone

Advice for Prospective Students

Participants in the MSPC, MPA and MSIT degree programs comprise a mix of recent undergraduate degree-holders and working professionals. The teaching methods in these degree programs are designed to be highly interactive and project-oriented, supplemented by theory and current practice readings and lectures.

Why Clark?

The graduate degree programs offered through COPACE allow students to tailor each degree to custom-fit their individual aspirations. In addition, COPACE staff provide personal attention to every student and are available every weekday, during office hours and into the evening, to assist with students' advising needs.