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 Criminal Justice Program provides a program of study to help students understand domestic and international politics and law enforcement theory and practice, preparing students for informed and active participation in the political arena and in criminal justice careers.To achieve this outcome, you’ll:

gain a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice, policing, and legal systems;
elevate your communication, decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
discover how to collaborate with different populations and communities;
start to see research and data analysis as tools for developing solutions to ongoing problems, including for determining the causes of crime and devising ways to protect your surrounding community;
explore the relationship between human behavior and outside factors to determine why certain individuals engage in criminal behavior;
apply criminal justice theories to real-world problems; and
become familiar with current criminal justice trends, including the impact of advocacy and social justice.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

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 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is a flexible major that prepares students in various areas of computing such as programming, database management, web development, and computer networking. The primary focus is on securing an organization’s digital infrastructure. Hardening devices, testing systems for vulnerabilities, assessing risk, and developing policies are all part of the program curriculum.

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.

Available Concentrations

Application Development

The application development concentration focuses on the skills needed to design and write software applications for a wide variety of platforms. Students have the opportunity to develop interactive client and server-based systems for web development projects as well as mobile applications for both IoS and Android devices.

Information Assurance

Securing an organization’s IT infrastructure requires not only the technical skills needed to configure servers, firewalls, and network devices but it also requires a variety of soft skills. The mission of the security team is to prevent vulnerable systems from being exploited and to keep an organization’s business operations running during and after a security breach or natural disaster. They are also tasked with ensuring that the organization remains in compliance with the various data management laws and regulations that affect them depending on where they conduct operations. Hands-on exercises developing cyber policies, conducting risk assessments, and forming incident response plans are provided to help students develop their cyber skills.

Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies

Brandy Chalmers, Program Director
16633 Dallas Parkway Suite 800
Addison, TX 75001

Phone: 325-721-0097
Email: bxc20c@acu.edu

Faculty

Brandy Chalmers, College 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.

Bachelor of Science in Management

Nancy Kucinski, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: nrk21a@acu.edu

Faculty

Nancy Kucinski, 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.

Available Concentrations

Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management concentration covers all areas of business management, with a specific focus on the management of people, including topics like employee planning, compensation, benefits, and workplace safety. Students completing this concentration will be equipped for a role in corporate human resource operations.

Leadership

The Leadership concentration focuses on the tools and techniques that business leaders use to motivate, guide, and inspire their followers. Coursework examines successful leaders, as well as how individuals can improve their own leadership abilities. Students completing this concentration will be prepared to lead both formally and informally in their organizations.

Operations

The Operations concentration examines the techniques that organizations use to source, produce, and deliver their products efficiently. Coursework includes the use of planning and production management software, and instruction in logistics, systems development, and innovation. Students completing this concentration will be prepared to excel in large and small production environments.

Other Program Requirements

The following policies apply to all students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Management:

Grades: Students must earn a 2.5 GPA or higher for all courses taken at ACU and a grade of “C” or better in each business course.
Transfer Credit: At least 50 percent of the credit hours in business must be completed at ACU.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Nancy Kucinski, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: nrk21a@acu.edu

Faculty

Nancy Kucinski, 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

Available Concentrations

Analytics

The Analytics concentration covers general business and marketing concepts as well as more quantitative topics including data mining and analytics. Students completing this concentration will be equipped for careers in data science and similar roles.

General

The General concentration covers all areas of marketing and sales, including topics like consumer behavior, personal selling, online marketing, and global strategy. Students completing this concentration will be broadly prepared for a career in numerous aspects of marketing.

Other Program Requirements

The following policies apply to all students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Marketing:

Grades: Students must earn a 2.5 GPA or higher for all courses taken at ACU and a grade of “C” or better in each business course.
Transfer Credit: At least 50 percent of the credit hours in business must be completed at ACU.

Graduate

Business Administration

Nancy Kucinski, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: nrk21a@acu.edu

Faculty

Nancy Kucinski, 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.

Available Concentrations

Business Analytics

The Business Analytics concentration provides a foundation in problem-solving and data analysis skills by applying descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models and methods for business decision-making.

General

The general MBA offers a broad base of knowledge in management and the opportunity to take selected courses in areas of interest for your particular career field. The knowledge and skills you learn can be applied to many areas of business management. Specific focus on leadership and decision-making skills are emphasized throughout the program with the opportunity to learn from top faculty and business peers in each course of study.

Healthcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration concentration helps you gain the working knowledge and academic qualifications to lead in the rapidly changing healthcare environment. Through the Healthcare Administration coursework, you will formalize strategic business knowledge while gaining experience in healthcare policies, regulations and understanding patient healthcare needs. You will be prepared to grow in the many opportunities as a leader in the healthcare industry.

International Business

International Business is the future for commerce and business growth. Developing and enhancing leadership skills applicable to administrative roles both domestically and abroad are part of the ever-changing business landscape. The International Business concentration explores the business environment from a global perspective that examines international management, logistics, and multinational business practices.

Marketing

The Marketing concentration provides an in-depth opportunity for you to learn how to develop marketing plans that build on key concepts of consumer-based buying motivations, marketing research exploration of new trends, and integrating communication methods throughout the plan. Additionally, you will utilize technology and analytics to quantify marketing results and understand brand initiatives.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

The Operations and Supply Chain Management concentration provides an understanding of operations which are an integral part of every organization. Through the specific courses, you will learn about project management, operations strategies, lean Six Sigma, inventory management, and the overall importance of supply chain processes. The skills and knowledge gained through this concentration are in demand in every industry.

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 Cybersecurity

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity 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 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

Nancy Kucinski, Program Director
Box 29338
Abilene, TX 79699

Phone: 214-305-9500
Email: nrk21a@acu.edu

Faculty

Nancy Kucinski, 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.

Available Concentrations

Business Analytics

General

Healthcare Administration

International Business

Marketing

Operations and Supply Chain Management

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).