This fall marks an exciting milestone for Missouri State University, as 17 students from Bolivia’s Universidad de Aquino (UDABOL) began the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program.

Seven years ago, our collaboration with UDABOL began with a bold vision to offer dual degree programs. We faced years of delays, including disruptions due to COVID-19 and political uncertainties in Bolivia, before being able to announce the program in 2023. 

To make the program more accessible and align with our mission of creating inclusive educational opportunities, we are delivering the program entirely in Spanish – a first for MSU. With the support of Dr. Luis Perez, former head of MSU’s management department, we hired Spanish-speaking educators who share our vision. 

Three weeks ago, we enrolled our first cohort of 17 students. The program will run until June 2025. These future leaders and innovators are from several countries in Latin America, and we feel honored to support them through their academic journey. Many additional students have already indicated their interest in future cohorts.  

Master’s degree details 

The MPS program is flexible and allows students to individualize their master’s program to align with their professional goals, address contemporary business challenges and provide practical application in Latin America. Courses offered by MSU’s Graduate College include: 

1. Talent acquisition: Strategies and compliance in modern hiring
2. Seminar: Contemporary business issues
3. Contemporary commercial challenges: Navigating the modern landscape
4. Communication in the workplace
5. Contemporary issues in professional studies: Legal issues in Latin America
6. Contemporary issues in professional studies: Change management

Looking ahead 

As we move forward with this program, our goal remains the same: to provide world-class graduate education that empowers students to achieve their professional dreams. We are grateful for UDABOL, our staff and our new GradBears for believing in this mission. 

To learn more about the MPS program, visit our Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs page.