School of Professional Studies

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Brenda McAdoo, Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508
Email: bdm20a@acu.edu

Faculty

Brenda McAdoo, Assistant Professor

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

Chai Green, Program Director
16633 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9508
Email: cwg06b@acu.edu

Faculty

Chai Green, Assistant Professor

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

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Administration

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

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

Faculty

Joe Feliciano, Associate 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

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

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.

Graduate

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:

A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application 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 or university or equivalent;
Acknowledgement regarding the Christian identity of the university/program;
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate or graduate GPA for standard admission;
Applicants with a 2.5 - 2.9 GPA and 2+ years of appropriate work experience can be reviewed for probationary admission;
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;
First course in the certificate sequence will always be BUSA 550 .

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, Associate 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:

Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
Official transcript delivered securely from the regionally-accredited college or university that awarded the baccalaureate degree to the applicant.
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.
Course prerequisites for admission to the program include programming, databases, statistics, and networking.
Purpose statement addressing career goals and fit with the program, including the Christian identity of the university and program.
Current professional work experience for application of program knowledge (including a minimum of one year of full-time work experience before entering the program).
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.
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:

A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application 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;
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
A current résumé that includes any related experience in the field of information technology; and
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.

Liberal Arts

Nannette Glenn, Program Director
16633 Dallas Parkway Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: nwg20a@acu.edu

Faculty

The graduate faculty of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies serves as the faculty for the Master of Liberal Arts.

Abilene Christian University offers the Master of Liberal Arts degree with concentrations in a variety of fields in which the College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers master’s degrees.

Introduction

The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program provides students who have completed at least a baccalaureate degree a means of formal personal enrichment through the interdisciplinary MLA degree. Liberal arts study is for anyone with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree who wishes to continue their investment in a liberal arts education, the quest for knowledge about humankind, God, and God’s creation.

Liberal arts study at ACU permits the student to explore a wide range of disciplines and personal interests at the graduate level. The MLA student may take graduate courses from any area in which he or she can meet the specific course prerequisites. Thus, a student can gain understanding in a broad graduate curriculum within the context of Christian higher education.

Unlike more traditional master’s degree programs, the MLA is not designed to produce a standard career credential. Rather, the liberal arts program seeks the intellectual development and professional enhancement of adult students in areas such as the arts and humanities, social sciences and religion with additional enrichment from professional and technical areas such as business, leadership, and conflict management.

The liberal arts student will be responsible for helping design his or her degree plan because each is crafted to the student’s individual needs and desires for higher education. The degree plan must meet the parameters given in the degree requirements below. Courses will be offered online in settings designed to fit within the schedules of working adults.

The liberal arts student will first work with the MLA advisor to determine the dominant areas of interest and an appropriate graduate committee. The graduate committee will then work through the completion of the individual MLA degree program. The committee and degree program should be approved by the end of the second semester of enrollment.

The liberal arts student may apply to take courses in any graduate program offered through the College of Graduate and Professional Studies but should remember that some courses have specified prerequisites. Note: the courses in some programs, including online programs, are available only to students formally admitted to those programs. In some cases, the student will require special admission to the course from the program director. Specific courses may be required and appropriate research competencies must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the student’s graduate degree committee, the MLA advisor, and the dean.

Each degree program operates under the general supervision of the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The initial advisor will be the MLA advisor. A supervisory committee of appropriate graduate faculty (at least three) will be appointed to consult with, advise and evaluate the student’s progress. Each degree plan will be approved by the dean and committee members from appropriate areas of study in consultation with the MLA advisor.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Liberal Arts are:

A completed application for admission with a nonrefundable application 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 or university or equivalent.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Interview with the MLA advisor or one appointed by the MLA advisor and/or
Impromptu written statement from the applicant describing the purposes and objectives for entering the MLA program.

An admission committee will determine the student’s eligibility for admission. Admission applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received prior to the beginning of each academic term. Admission decisions will apply all general standards for graduate programs.

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).