School of Professional Studies

Business Administration

Phil Vardiman, Program Director
ACU Box 29327
Abilene, TX 79699 

Phone: 325-674-2153
Email: pxv02b@acu.edu

Faculty

Ian Shepard, Professor

Introduction

The mission of the Master of Business Administration is to prepare business professionals for administrative roles that call on them to demonstrate ethical management and decision-making skills informed by principles of Christian vocation. This is accomplished through equipping business leaders to:

• Practice effective leadership of themselves, their teams, their organizations, and their external constituents;
• Lead organizational innovation efforts through effective integration of strategy with appropriate organizational processes and technologies;
• Engage in data-informed decision-making; and
• Make ethical decisions informed by values and goals that are consistent with relevant laws and Christian principles.

Admission Requirements

• Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
• An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college, university, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate or graduate GPA for standard admission. Applicants with a 2.5 - 2.9 GPA and 2+ years of work experience can be reviewed for probationary admission.
• Résumé and letter of intent required; letters of recommendation may be requested by the Program Director.
• Course prerequisites for admission to the program include basic accounting, economics, and statistics.
• Acknowledgement regarding the Christian identity of the university/program.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated full-time responsibility in professional or entrepreneurial positions, OR a satisfactory GMAT score (50th percentile or better). Acceptable (equivalent) GRE score (50th percentile or better) may be substituted for the GMAT with the approval of the Program Director.
• Program Director may waive GMAT or professional work requirement for ACU students who have above a 3.0 GPA.

International applicants to the MBA will be required to complete the standard graduate application requirements for all international students applying for an ACU graduate degree, including TOEFL scores and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States (http://www.acu.edu/graduate/prospective-students/international/index.html).

Certificate in Business Analytics

The graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is offered for those students who work in business, management, or related fields and have a need to manage, analyze, and present data in order to improve decision-making. The program provides a foundation for learning skills and techniques to address business challenges by utilizing insights identified through data collection and analysis. The certificate is a 12-credit hour program.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Certificate in Business Analytics are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. Acknowledgement regarding the Christian identity of the university/program;
4. Minimum 3.0 undergraduate or graduate GPA for standard admission;
5. Applicants with a 2.5 - 2.9 GPA and 2+ years of appropriate work experience can be reviewed for probationary admission;
6. Students entering the Certificate in Business Analytics program should have completed coursework in statistics. Students who have not previously completed this course will be able to enroll in a one-week intensive course to meet this requirement prior to starting the first course;
7. First course in the certificate sequence will always be BUSA 550 .

Conflict Management and Organizational Development

Kipi Fleming, Program Director
Joseph Halbert, Associate Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9451
Email: klw07b@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/conflict

Faculty

Garry P. Bailey, Associate Professor
Joe L. Cope, Associate Professor
Kipi Fleming, Assistant Professor, Program Director
Joseph Halbert, Assistant Professor, Associate Program Director

Adjunct Faculty who teach in this program:
Wynona James
Dena Counts
Jim Guinn
Wilbur Hicks
Jon Schwiethale

Conflict Management

Introduction

The Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution is a 36-credit hour non-thesis program. A 15-credit hour graduate certificate in conflict management is also available. The degree and certificate courses are offered in an online format. Students choose one of four tracks: general, practitioner, organizational, or healthcare. The practitioner, organizational, and healthcare tracks require a mandatory one-week residency session designed to concentrate on practical skill development. The practitioner, organizational, and healthcare tracks also require a 3-credit-hour practicum which is arranged in conjunction with the program advisor.

PLEASE NOTE: Because courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.

The program is designed to prepare students to analyze, address, and manage conflict effectively and professionally. The faculty and course materials emphasize the importance of reconciliation. The degree will serve professionals currently engaged in careers in business, education, counseling and ministry, as well as individuals engaged in dispute resolution professions.

Primary purposes of the program are to equip and enable graduates who:

1. Are recognized and utilized as peacemakers, regardless of their professional or career positions;
2. Are well-versed in conflict theory and are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage conflict;
3. Possess the capacity for advancement into positions of leadership and service in a wide range of professions; and
4. Mentor and challenge others to pursue godly lives of collaboration and reconciliation.

Course work in this program has been designed to provide students with a depth of knowledge in the theory of conflict and its management. The emphasis on reconciliation reflects the importance of maintaining relationships even when the parties disagree. Each student is introduced and immersed in practical skills that both foster those relationships and effectively move parties to agreement.

Admission Requirements

Entrance into the program is not limited to any specific undergraduate degree. The admission requirement for the Conflict Management and Resolution program are:

1. Complete an application and application fee (see online link to admission);
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. A purpose statement of no more than 1,000 words detailing the applicant’s motivation for undertaking a focused study on conflict management and resolution; and
5. Upon request, a personal or telephone interview with the program advisor or other departmental faculty or staff.

Certificate in Conflict Management

The graduate certificate in conflict management is available for those students who are not seeking the graduate degree yet desire specialized education in conflict management. The certificate is a 15-credit-hour program. Attendance at a one-week residency session is required to successfully complete the certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: Because courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.

Admission Requirements

All candidates for the Certificate in Conflict Management must complete an application for the certificate program and must submit an official undergraduate transcript that shows a completed bachelor’s degree.

Certificate in Conflict Management for Church Leaders

The Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management for Church Leaders is offered for those students who seek to work with churches and/or religious organizations in managing and resolving conflict. The certificate is a 15-credit hour program. Attendance at a conflict management residency session is required to successfully complete the certificate.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Certificate in Conflict Management for Church Leaders are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree in education or related field from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Submit a current résumé;
5. A purpose statement (2 pages double spaced, typed) including personal philosophy of conflict management and resolution.

Certificate in Conflict Management for Educators

The School of Professional Studies also offers a 15-credit hour graduate certificate in conflict management designed specifically for educators. This unique program includes online course work and a one-week residency session for the development of practical skills and for preparing trainers of mediators in the school setting. Students may apply 12 hours toward the Master of Education in Instruction and Learning degree.

PLEASE NOTE: Because courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Certificate in Conflict Management for Educators are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree in education or related field from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Submit a current résumé;
5. A purpose statement (2 pages double spaced, typed) including philosophy of education;
6. An official document indicating 2 years of teaching experience in an accredited PK-12 public or private school and;
7. Have access to a K-12 school or school district.

Certificate in Conflict Management in Leadership

The graduate certificate in Conflict Management in Leadership is offered to EdD students in the Conflict Management track who would like to add the certificate to their doctoral degree. The 15-credit hours required are included in their track. Attendance at a one-week Dallas residency session is required to complete the certificate.

Admission Requirements

The Certificate in Conflict Management in Leadership is only available to students in the Conflict Management track of the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. Interested students who meet this requirement may apply directly to the EdD Program Director for admission to this certificate program.

Certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Management

The Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Management is offered for those students who are not seeking a graduate degree but desire specialized training in conflict management geared toward those who work in the healthcare field. The certificate is a 15-credit-hour program. A residency session is required to successfully complete the certificate.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Certificate in Conflict Management for Educators are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree in education or related field from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. Submit a current résumé that includes experience in the healthcare field;
5. A purpose statement (2 pages double spaced, typed) including personal philosophy of conflict management and resolution.

Organizational Development

Introduction

The School of Professional Studies in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers the Master of Science (MS) degree in organizational development (OD). The MS in OD is an online 36-hour degree program that is interdisciplinary and includes courses from communication, conflict management and resolution, and management sciences.

The central objective of the degree program is to provide an advanced degree that synthesizes knowledge from diverse fields into a focused, yet flexible plan of study that is useful to leaders in all forms of organizations. The program is committed to applying the study of individual, group and cultural issues to meet the special needs of human resource professionals, administrators, managers, trainers, non-profit leaders, government leaders and others in the professional community.

Distinctive features of the program are breadth in understanding human behavior, development of leadership skills with multiple applications, adaptation of models to diverse organizational settings, and maximization of career mobility for holders of the degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the MS in organizational development are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. A two-page, typed purpose statement describing the applicant’s career goals, professional interests and reasons for wanting to enter the OD program;
5. Current resume.

Information Technology

Joe Feliciano, Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9437
Email: jlf19a@acu.edu

Faculty

Joe Feliciano, Assistant Professor

Introduction

The mission of the Master of Science in Information Technology is to prepare IT professionals for administrative and technical roles enabled by organizational and technology skills and informed by principles of Christian vocation. This is accomplished through equipping technology leaders to:

• Practice effective leadership of IT operations within their organizational and global context;
• Create value through strategic use of data, information, and technology as organizational resources; and
• Make ethical decisions informed by values and goals that are consistent with relevant laws and Christian principles.

Admission requirements for the MS in Information Technology are:

1. Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
2. Official transcript delivered securely from the regionally-accredited college or university that awarded the baccalaureate degree to the applicant.
3. A 3.0 or better cumulative undergraduate GPA. Provisional admission may be given to students with a 2.5 – 2.99 cumulative undergraduate GPA, with full admission granted after successful completion of nine credit hours in which a GPA of 3.0 or higher is attained. A student may also be granted full admission status by providing an official transcript from a regionally-accredited college or university evidencing successful completion of nine credit hours in a graduate program in which a GPA of 3.0 or higher is attained.
4. Course prerequisites for admission to the program include programming, databases, statistics, and networking.
5. Purpose statement addressing career goals and fit with the program, including the Christian identity of the university and program.
6. Current professional work experience for application of program knowledge (including a minimum of one year of full-time work experience before entering the program).
7. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.
8. International applicants will be required to provide TOEFL scores (if applicable) and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States.

Certificate in Cyber Security

The Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is offered for those individuals who are not seeking a graduate degree but desire specialized training in principles and practices of cyber security in information technology and data management. The certificate is a 15-credit-hour program.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Certificate in Cyber Security are:

1. A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application fee;
2. An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent;
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
4. A current résumé that includes any related experience in the field of information technology; and
5. A typed, 300-word purpose statement detailing the student’s interest in and preparation for the program, e.g., an earned bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science OR work experience in the field of information technology.

Management

Phil Vardiman, Program Director
ACU Box 29327
Abilene, TX 79699 

Phone: 325-674-2153
Email: pxv02b@acu.edu

Faculty

Ian Shepard, Professor

Introduction

The mission of the Master of Science in Management is to equip aspiring business professionals and managers with leadership, innovation, and analytical skills informed by principles of ethics and Christian vocation. This is accomplished through equipping students to:

• Develop and utilize leadership skills as the basis for effective self-management, collaboration with peers and teams, and oversight of people and tasks;
• Participate in organizational innovation efforts through effective integration of functional strategies with appropriate organizational processes and technologies;
• Engage in data collection, analysis, and interpretation that enables effective organizational decision-making; and
• Make ethical choices consistent with values and goals that are consistent with relevant laws and Christian principles.

Admission Requirements

• Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
• Official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college, university, or equivalent.
• A 3.0 or better cumulative undergraduate GPA. Students with a 2.5-2.99 cumulative undergraduate GPA and quality full-time work experience may be granted probationary admission, with full admission granted after the successful completion of three courses with a 3.0 GPA.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Course prerequisites for admission to the program include basic accounting, economics, and statistics.
• Acknowledgement of the Christian identity of the university and program.
• Letter of Intent: In a 1-2 page, single-spaced letter addressed to the MS in Management Program Director, please describe your motivation and fit for ACU’s MS in Management program.
• Résumé or CV.

International applicants to the MSM will be required to complete the standard graduate application requirements for all international students applying for an ACU graduate degree, including TOEFL scores and transcript assessment for degrees completed outside of the United States (http://www.acu.edu/graduate/prospective-students/international/index.html).

Programs

• Conflict Management and Resolution, General Track, MA (CMR-CONG)
• Conflict Management and Resolution, Healthcare Organizations Track, MA (CMR-CONH)
• Conflict Management and Resolution, Organizational Track, MA (CMR-CONO)
• Conflict Management and Resolution, Practitioner Track, MA (CMR-CONP)

• Business Administration, Business Analytics, MBA (BUSA-ANA)
• Business Administration, Corporate Finance, MBA (BUSA-CRF)
• Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, MBA (BUSA-HCA)
• Business Administration, Human Resource Management, MBA (BUSA-HRMT)
• Business Administration, International Business, MBA (BUSA-INB)
• Business Administration, Marketing, MBA (BUSA-MKG)
• Business Administration, MBA (BUSA)
• Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, MBA (BUSA-NPL)
• Business Administration, Operations and Supply Chain Management, MBA (BUSA-OSM)

• Information Technology, MS (INTC)
• Management, Business Analytics, MS (MGT-ANL)
• Management, Corporate Finance, MS (MGT-CF)
• Management, Healthcare Administration, MS (MGT-HA)
• Management, Human Resource Management, MS (MGT-HRMG)
• Management, International Business, MS (MGT-INBS)
• Management, Marketing, MS (MGT-MKET)
• Management, Nonprofit Leadership, MS (MGT-NL)
• Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, MS (MGT-OSCM)
• Organizational Development, MS (OD)

• Certificate in Business Analytics (BANA)
• Certificate in Conflict Management (CONR)
• Certificate in Conflict Management for Church Leaders (CMCL)
• Certificate in Conflict Management for Educators (CCRE)
• Certificate in Cybersecurity (CYB)
• Certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Management (CMHC)
• Conflict Management in Leadership Certificate (CML)

Courses

• BUSA 530 - Leadership
• BUSA 550 - Foundations of Analytics
• BUSA 554 - Accounting and Finance for Managers
• BUSA 636 - Organizational Behavior
• BUSA 645 - International Business
• BUSA 652 - Operations and Information Technology Management
• BUSA 656 - Strategic Marketing
• BUSA 661 - Global Supply Chain Management
• BUSA 670 - Managerial Decision Making
• BUSA 674 - Innovation
• BUSA 678 - Business Law and Ethics

• COMM 645 - Global Leadership: Leading in a Diverse Context

• CONR 601 - Conflict Theory and Communication
• CONR 602 - Dynamics of Interpersonal Conflict
• CONR 603 - Negotiation: Principles and Practice
• CONR 604 - Mediation: Principles and Practice
• CONR 605 - Negotiation and Mediation
• CONR 606 - Theory I
• CONR 610 - Managing Conflict in the Workplace
• CONR 612 - Conflict Management Systems Design
• CONR 615 - Managing Conflict in the Schools
• CONR 617 - Conflict Resolution in the Church
• CONR 618 - Conflict: The Christian Perspective
• CONR 622 - The Organizational Ombudsman
• CONR 628 - Foundations of Family Conflict Dynamics
• CONR 630 - Advanced Family Mediation
• CONR 632 - Conflict Management in Healthcare Organizations
• CONR 635 - Identity, Culture and Conflict
• CONR 637 - Dispute Resolution and the Legal System
• CONR 638 - Ethics and Conflict Resolution
• CONR 643 - Practicum in Conflict Resolution
• CONR 645 - Transcending Conflict: Advanced Theory & Practice
• CONR 647 - Careers in Peacemaking
• CONR 651 - Critical Thinking and Analysis
• CONR 653 - Communication and Facilitation
• CONR 655 - Strategic Vision and Planning
• CONR 657 - Practicum in Heritage Development
• CONR 690 - Conflict Resolution Residency
• CONR 725 - Beyond Power: The Theory and Practice of Appropriate Decision Making
• HCAD 632 - Conflict Management in Healthcare Organizations

• FIN 643 - International Finance

• IS 680 - Data Mining
• IS 682 - Data Management
• IS 684 - Data Visualization and Reporting

• IT 610 - IT Services and Administration
• IT 615 - IT Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• IT 620 - Information Assurance and Control
• IT 625 - Enterprise Architectures and Systems
• IT 632 - IT Leadership

• MGMT 651 - Operations Strategies
• MGMT 659 - Project Management

• MKTG 620 - Digital Marketing and Social Media
• MKTG 624 - Applied Marketing Research
• MKTG 628 - Relationship Marketing