School of Undergraduate Studies

Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication

Dena Counts, Assistant Professor and Program Director  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 832-915-0183
Email: dena.counts@acu.edu 

Faculty

Dena Counts, Assistant Professor

Introduction

The goal of Abilene Christian University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication is to provide students with communication skills vital to the modern workplace. Students can choose between two tracks: healthcare communication and organizational change. Graduates will be prepared to enter or advance in a variety of careers, this goal is accomplished through equipping students to:

• Engage in problem-solving by considering systems, cultures, and participants.
• Learn to work in and manage teams.
• Analyze and form persuasive messages.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Build a portfolio of work that enhances employability.
• Lead organizations during times of crisis.
• Conduct organizational analysis to diagnose system problems.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services 

Sara Salkil, Program Director 
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9459
Email: seb04b@acu.edu

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The goal of the BS in Child and Family Services program is to equip students to serve the needs of children and families in a variety of roles such as social service providers, family service workers, child life specialists, child, and adult protective service providers, youth services and program directors, child development center directors, and family life educators. Through this degree, students will be trained to strengthen and promote the emotional well-being of individuals, families, and relationships across the life span. The Child and Family Services major requirements examine ten content or subject areas prescribed by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).

Majors in Child and Family Services should be people-oriented, sensitive to the concerns of children and families, effective in communication and listening skills, and have strong potential for leadership and management.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Christian Service and Formation

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

Ben Ries, Assistant Dean for Vocational Formation 

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Christian Service and Formation degree program enables students to faithfully engage their local context by providing tools of biblical interpretation, a theoretical framework to analyze their culture, and practices of spiritual formation that nurture an identity rooted in Christ.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The goal of the BS in Communication Disorders program is to prepare students to pursue graduate study in communication disorders (speech-language pathology or audiology). This pre-professional undergraduate program lays the foundation for future graduate study and covers communication processes such as normal language development, speech sound development, anatomy, physiology, and audiology.   

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Students admitted to the university may enroll with the intent of pursuing the BS Communication Disorders degree. All students must apply to the major after successful completion of the first several Communication Science Disorders courses. Admission to Abilene Christian University does not guarantee admission to the upper-level Communication Disorders coursework.  

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice 

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The BS in Criminal Justice program exists to equip students in law enforcement theory and practice and to prepare students for informed and active participation in criminal justice careers.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Digital Media

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Media prepares students for creative careers, focusing on graphic design and filmmaking. Students will be grounded in the foundations of storymaking and art that grow into studies of video production, web design, and social media. Students will learn at the intersection of Christianity and creativity to prepare them to contribute to the digital media industry.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The BS in Health and Human Performance provides students with an education in the human movement sciences aimed at the enhancement of health and human performance in society. Students will study the psychological, structural, physiological and mechanical aspects of health and human movement activities. This program serves to prepare the student for entry-level careers in health, wellness, human movement and sport as well as for further study in graduate programs of allied health or areas of kinesiology, exercise science, sport management or sport and exercise psychology. 

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Program Director: TBD  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree program provides students with the scholarly and professional skills vital for impactful healthcare careers. The degree will prepare students for administration roles in the industry through an emphasis on leadership, ethics, community and public health, and knowledge of healthcare environments and operations. The program offers a Christian worldview and allows students to gain the fundamental skills and expertise to navigate this rapidly evolving, multifaceted industry. The program offers a track in community and public health as well as change management, allowing students to customize their program based on relevant areas of interest necessary in the modern healthcare industry.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Administration

Joe Feliciano, Program Director for Online IT Programs
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

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

Faculty

Joe Feliciano, Assistant Professor

Introduction

The goal of Abilene Christian University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Administration is to provide an opportunity for non-traditional students to obtain an undergraduate degree in Information Technology Administration in a fully online modality. Graduates will be prepared to enter or advance in a variety of careers in information technology. This goal is accomplished through equipping students to:

• Be knowledgeable IT professionals capable of problem-solving and solution implementation.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply a systems approach to the design and development of information systems within organizations.
• Communicate technical information within an organization in a variety of modalities.
• Develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors appropriate to professional information technology settings.
• Develop real-world applications.
• Demonstrate a capacity to implement current security practices and adapt to evolving threats.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies 

J. Scott Self, Program Director
16633 Dallas Parkway Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 325-400-6115
Email: scott.self@acu.edu

Faculty

J. Scott Self, Assistant Professor

Introduction

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program will have the flexibility to focus their studies on two fields and complete one culminating course that focuses on the articulation of social responsibility and their vocational priorities. The goal of the program is to provide students with a broad education that encourages an interdisciplinary approach to practical and professional problems and contribute to society in unique ways. This is accomplished by preparing students to: 

• Demonstrate the development of knowledge in two academic disciplines and have the ability to transfer knowledge among situations. 
• Effectively communicate within a variety of contexts.  
• Demonstrate the development of a sense of self that integrates personal strengths with vocational and social priorities.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Management

Mark Phillips, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 325-674-2993
Email: Mark.Phillips@acu.edu

Faculty

Mark Phillips, Professor

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Management program focuses on the principles and strategies for effective business management. Students will learn about business operations in a broad framework of general business disciplines including accounting and marketing. Students can choose from tracks focusing on leadership, human resources, and operations. 

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Demonstrate mastery of the four fundamental management skills: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• Work effectively in teams.
• Think, analyze, reason, and communicate appropriately, informed by evidence and values.

Admission Requirements

ACU’s online undergraduate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in gaining a bachelor’s degree in an online modality. 

To be considered for admission:

• Students must be out of high school for at least four years OR matriculate from institutions with an articulation agreement with ACU.
• Students must see that the College of Graduate and Professional Studies receives the following:
  • Completed “Adult Online Undergraduate Program” application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.  
  • Official transcripts of all previous academic work. 
  • Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores. 

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Mark Phillips, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 325-674-2993
Email: Mark.Phillips@acu.edu

Faculty

Mark Phillips, Professor

Introduction

Today’s consumers have the “world at their fingertips,” literally. How can a business stay relevant? How can it adequately reach its target audience? Effective marketing is critical for businesses that want to be top of mind.

The Bachelor of Science in Marketing program focuses on the principles and strategies for business marketing. Students will learn about consumer behavior while also obtaining a deep understanding of the economic, legal, and social environment of global business. With advancing technology continually opening tremendous opportunities in innovation, students will gain the ability to evaluate, deploy, and use changing technologies to maximize value to all stakeholders.

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in a variety of careers including:

• Marketing Manager
• Sales Representative
• Brand/Product Manager
• Public Relations Specialist
• Market Research Analyst
• Social Media Manager
• Data Analyst

Admission Requirements

ACU’s online undergraduate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in gaining a bachelor’s degree in an online modality. 

To be considered for admission:

• Students must be out of high school for at least four years OR matriculate from institutions with an articulation agreement with ACU.
• Students must see that the College of Graduate and Professional Studies receives the following:
  • Completed “Adult Online Undergraduate Program” application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.  
  • Official transcripts of all previous academic work. 
  • Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores. 

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

Dena Counts, Assistant Professor and Program Director  
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 832-915-0183
Email: dena.counts@acu.edu 

Faculty

Dena Counts, Assistant Professor

Introduction

The goal of Abilene Christian University’s Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is to provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. Students learn about leadership from an interdisciplinary perspective with courses from a number of fields, including Leadership, Psychology, Communication, and Management. Graduates will be prepared to enter or advance in a variety of careers, this goal is accomplished through equipping students to:

• Apply best practices from leadership theories and models.
• Lead and serve in the professional workforce.
• Promote effective communication structures.
• Lead a diverse workforce across multiple contexts and modalities.
• Apply a range of collaboration skills that meet demands of a diverse and ever-changing professional work environment and economy.
• Demonstrate ethical decision making skill through vocation and calling.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Andrea Haugen, Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: Andrea.Haugen@acu.edu

Faculty

Andrea Haugen, Assistant Professor

Introduction

The goal of the Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is to equip non-traditional students seeking a bachelor’s degree for Christian leadership and service in a variety of professional and societal contexts. Specifically, the program seeks to develop graduates with foundational knowledge in psychology and the critical thinking and communication skills required to apply psychological principles to complex individual, organizational, and societal problems. This is accomplished by preparing students to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in the following content areas: History/Personality Theory, Tests and Measurements, Abnormal Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Learning and Cognition, Developmental Psychology, Counseling, and Social Psychology.
• Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Be able to effectively communicate via writing in a professional manner.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

Pre-Nursing Track

16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001
Phone: 214-305-9508

Faculty

TBD 

Introduction

All students accepted for admission to the university may declare the pre-nursing track of the nursing major and complete lower-level university requirements and nursing prerequisite courses. Declaring the pre-nursing track and completing lower-level courses, however, does not guarantee that students will be admitted to the nursing track and upper-level coursework for the School of Nursing’s BSN program. All courses under University Requirements and Supplement for Major must be completed before students enter the nursing track and upper-level nursing courses (those courses designated with the NURS prefix.) 

Students may not graduate from the pre-nursing track and must be admitted to the nursing track to continue in the program, or they may change majors in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Students who wish to complete the nursing track must do so in residence in Abilene.

Admission Requirements

Abilene Christian University’s Online Baccalaureate programs are intended for non-traditional students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree online. Students may enroll four years after completing high school. Students who have earned a GED must be at least 22 years of age. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for transfer students matriculating from an institution with an articulation agreement with ACU.

A separate admission process is required for students to be admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program. Admission is competitive, and the size of the classes is determined by the Texas Board of Nursing. Admission to Abilene Christian University does not guarantee admission to the upper-level BSN coursework in the School of Nursing. 

Programs

• Applied Communication, Healthcare Communication, BS (APCO-HCO)
• Applied Communication, Organizational Change, BS (APCO-OCO)
• Child and Family Services, BS (CFSO)
• Child and Family Services, Child Life, BS (CFSO-CLO)
• Christian Service and Formation, BS (BCSO)
• Communication Disorders, BS (CMDO)
• Criminal Justice, BS (CJO)
• Digital Media, Film Production, BS (DMED-DMFP)
• Digital Media, General, BS (DMED-DMGE)
• Digital Media, Graphic Design, BS (DMED-DMGD)
• Health and Human Performance, BS (HHP)
• Healthcare Administration, Change Management, BS (HADM-HACH)
• Healthcare Administration, General, BS (HADM-HAGE)
• Healthcare Administration, Public and Community Health, BS (HADM-HAPC)
• Information Technology Administration, Application Development, BS (ITA-ITAP)
• Information Technology Administration, Cybersecurity, BS (ITA-ITCY)
• Information Technology Administration, General, BS (ITA-ITAG)
• Integrated Studies, BS (INTG)
• Management, Human Resources, BS (MANA-HUMR)
• Management, Leadership, BS (MANA-LDSP)
• Management, Operations, BS (MANA-OPER)
• Marketing, Analytics, BS (MARK-MANL)
• Marketing, General, BS (MARK-MGEN)
• Organizational Leadership, BS (ORLD)
• Psychology, BS (PSYO)

• Nursing, Pre-Nursing, BSN (NURO-PREO)

Courses

• APCO 311 - Rhetorical Messaging
• APCO 411 - Theories of Change Management
• APCO 412 - Health Communication Campaigns
• APCO 421 - Executing Organizational Change
• APCO 422 - Ethical Implications of Healthcare Policies and Regulation
• APCO 441 - Consulting and Assessment for Organizational Change
• APCO 465 - Healthcare Leadership and Relationship Management
• APCO 491 - Applied Communication Capstone

• BCSO 311 - Pastoral Ministry
• BCSO 322 - Biblical Interpretation II
• BCSO 335 - Spiritual Formation I
• BCSO 435 - Spiritual Formation II
• BCSO 491 - Christian Service and Formation Capstone

• HCAD 201 - Introduction to Health Services Administration
• HCAD 241 - Survey of Community and Public Health Issues
• HCAD 256 - Research and Statistics in Healthcare
• HCAD 262 - Fundamentals of Health Information Management
• HCAD 287 - Healthcare Personnel and Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
• HCAD 311 - Current Issues in Global Public Health
• HCAD 327 - Innovation and Trends in Healthcare
• HCAD 365 - Healthcare Financial Analysis
• HCAD 411 - Healthcare Quality and Safety
• HCAD 421 - Long Term Care Administration
• HCAD 432 - Conflict Management in Healthcare
• HCAD 441 - Introduction to Epidemiology
• HCAD 461 - Healthcare Disparities
• HCAD 491 - Healthcare Administration Capstone

• ITA 110 - IT Fundamentals
• ITA 315 - Mobile Application Development for Information Technology
• ITA 405 - Systems Development Processes and Methodologies
• ITA 475 - Risk and Incident Planning and Response

• INTG 420 - Integrated Studies Capstone

• LEAD 211 - Theories and Practices in Effective Leadership
• LEAD 214 - Self-Assessment in Leadership
• LEAD 343 - Ethics for Leaders
• LEAD 386 - Organizational Research
• LEAD 411 - Decision Making in Organizations
• LEAD 491 - Organizational Leadership Capstone

• BIBO 101 - Jesus: His Life and Teachings
• BIBO 102 - Early Christians: Life, Literature and Community
• BIBO 103 - Story of the New Testament
• BIBO 211 - Message of the Old Testament
• BIBO 342 - Christianity in Culture

• BIOO 101 - Biology - Human Perspective

• COMO 211 - Speech and Rhetoric
• COMO 225 - Communicating Professional Identity and ePortfolios

• CSO 115 - Introduction to Programming Using Scripting
• CSO 116 - Applied Programming Using Scripting

• ENGO 111 - Composition and Rhetoric
• ENGO 112 - Composition and Literature
• ENGO 221 - Major British Writers I

• HISO 118 - Civilization II

• ITO 220 - Introduction to Databases and Database Management Systems
• ITO 221 - Fundamentals of Networking and Data Communications
• ITO 225 - Web Technologies
• ITO 310 - Introduction to Computer and Information Security
• ITO 320 - Database Administration
• ITO 410 - Systems Integration and Administration
• ITO 415 - Networks and Security Administration
• ITO 473 - Cybersecurity Policies, Standards, and Compliance

• MGMO 330 - Management and Organizational Behavior
• MGMO 390 - Innovation
• MGMO 438 - Global Strategy

• MKTO 320 - Principles of Marketing
• MKTO 388 - Digital Marketing

• MATO 130 - Finite Math for Applications
• MATO 131 - Calculus for Application
• MATO 377 - Statistical Methods I

• MAWO 019 - Basic Mathematics
• MAWO 130 - Finite Math for Applications

• PSYO 120 - Introduction to Psychology
• PSYO 232 - Developmental Psychology
• PSYO 233 - Physiological Psychology
• PSYO 241 - Cognition and Learning
• PSYO 278 - Stress and Its Management
• PSYO 305 - Peacemaking
• PSYO 345 - Sexual Minorities: Identities and Communities
• PSYO 348 - Psychology and Christianity
• PSYO 351 - Experimental Psychology
• PSYO 356 - Health Psychology
• PSYO 368 - Psychological Tests and Measurements
• PSYO 370 - Social Psychology
• PSYO 382 - Abnormal Psychology
• PSYO 388 - Teams and Team Leadership
• PSYO 392 - Child Psychology
• PSYO 451 - Statistics in Psychological Research
• PSYO 493 - History of Theories in Psychology