Abilene Christian University to Open DFW Location
Abilene, TX (PRWEB) March 17, 2015 -- Abilene Christian University has announced plans to expand its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a new campus and several new graduate programs.
“The Metroplex expansion is part of a strategic plan to diversify and extend ACU’s reach,” said president Dr. Phil Schubert. “It allows us to serve a greater number of students who are seeking online and graduate degrees, particularly those students who want a degree from a Christian perspective."
The search for a site is underway, and new degree programs are moving through faculty approval and accreditation procedures of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Key programs that will launch out of the new campus are:
• Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Online (May 15 - Summer 1 Term), pending SACSCOC approval
• Master of Marriage and Family Therapy - Online (May 15 - Summer 1 Term)
• Certificate in Medical Family Therapy - Online (May 15 - Summer 1 Term)
• Master of Business Administration - Online (Aug. 15 - Fall 1 Term), pending faculty approval and SACSCOC approval
• Master of Divinity/Master of Christian Ministry - Online with residencies (Aug. 15 - Fall 1 Term)
• Dietetic Internship Program/Certificate - Dallas (currently active)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - Online (research, projected Fall 16 launch) - research and proposal phase
• Master of Communication Sciences and Disorders - Dallas (projected Fall 16 launch) - pending American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and SACSCOC approval
The university currently operates ACU at CitySquare on North Akard Street in downtown Dallas, which allows both undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to apply their learning in real-life situations. ACU students have won awards, including a global Design for Change award, and have been lauded by community leaders for their efforts to solve problems associated with poverty in urban settings while working alongside staff for the nonprofit CitySquare organization.
This new endeavor will build upon the university’s presence in the Metroplex by extending online and graduate offerings to a broader demographic. The site will provide a home base for an expanded selection of online degrees and also will allow for evening, weekend and short courses to be taught on-site. Most of the programs will be offered online or in a hybrid (online with residency) format. ACU will offer a limited number of programs that are face to face as opportunity arises in the future.
Two new leadership roles have been created to lead the effort. Dr. Stephen Johnson, vice president of academic affairs for ACU Dallas, will move to the Metroplex to lead the new site alongside Jay Goin, executive vice president for ACU Dallas.
“The new location will offer our sizable alumni base – including those who are working full time – convenient access to graduate degrees as well as reaching new students in the Metroplex who are seeking an exceptional, Christ-centered graduate school experience,” Schubert said.
Jason Groves, Abilene Christian University, http://www.acu.edu/, +1 (325) 674-2692, [email protected]
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