Abilene Christian University Online | School Profile
Located in Abilene, Texas, Abilene Christian University was founded in 1906 by A.B. Barret and Charles Roberson. Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, this non-profit institution of higher education maintains an enrollment of approximately 4,544 students, of which 3,760 are undergraduates and 784 are graduates.
The student body represents 51 states and territories and 41 nations, making this private university equally as diverse as many larger public educational institutions. Abilene Christian University Online now offers many graduate degree programs, such as Master's and Doctorate degrees, offered completely online. With 253 full-time faculty members, Abilene Christian is able to hold an average class size of 14 students to each professor. Students have a variety of academic options in which to enroll:
- 70 Baccalaureate majors
- 135 areas of study
- 27 Master's degrees
- 3 Doctoral degrees
Abilene Christian University Online
The following comprehensive online degrees are offered by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies:
School of Educational Leadership
Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - This program requires 54 credit hours of graduate work and will take three to five years to complete. There are three available tracks:
- Conflict Resolution
- Higher Education
- Learning with Emerging Technologies
The curriculum is centered around five core competencies:
- personal development
- resource development
- collaboration and communication
- organizational assessment
- organizational culture
Online Master of Education in Higher Education - Students are required to complete 36 credit hours within 24 months. There are two concentrations offered:
- Conflict Resolution
- Enrollment Management
Students will gain a well-rounded understanding of key issues in higher education such as:
- resource management
- diversity
- legal and ethical conserns
- student development
Students from this program have gone on to successful careers as academic advisers, intramural directors, and international student coordinators.
Online Master of Education in Instruction and Learning - There are a total of 30 required to complete this degree which can be accomplished in as little as 20 months. Concentrations offered include:
- Learning with Emerging Technologies
- Conflict Resolution
This degree is only available for cohort enrollment and is not available for individual enrollment. Nevertheless, students looking for careers as Master Teachers, Professional Development Trainers, or Technology Coordinators, will find this program to be extremely beneficial and thorough in its curriculum.
School of Professional Studies
Online Master of Business Administration - This program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed within 24 months. There are five concentrations in:
- Business Analytics
- Healthcare Administration
- International Business
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Though many schools may offer an online MBA program, Abilene Christian offers a flexible and convenient program catered towards the working professional within a unique Christian environment. Students from the program have achieved successful careers as Marketing Directors, Management Consultants, and Plant Superintendents.
Online Master of Science in Management - Requires a total of 30 graduate credits over the course of 20 months. This program offers the same five concentrations as the MBA:
- Business Analytics
- Healthcare Administration
- International Business
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Though similar to the MBA program, the Master of Science in Management places a heavier emphasis on developing students functional and analytical capabilities for careers more geared towards financial management, analytics, or marketing.
Online Master of Science in Organizational Development - This degree requires 36 credit hours which can be completed in as little as 24 months. The curriculum emphasizes the concepts of communication, conflict resolution, business, and psychology in courses such as:
- Intercultural Communication
- Persuasion and Social Change
- Negotiation and Mediation
This degree may help you to a career as a Chief Operations Officer, Training and Development Manager, or a Medical and Health Services Manager.
Online Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution - Requiring a total of 36 credit hours over the course of 24 months, this degree will help you towards becoming a professional peace maker. Courses will provide a solid foundation in effective communication while maintaining the highest professional standards. Examples include:
- Identity, Culture and Conflict
- Ethics in Conflict Resolution
- Dispute Resolution and the Legal System
Students will complete their degree participating in a Conflict Resolution Practicum.
An online Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Educators is also offered, requiring a total of 15 credits which can be completed in 12 months.
School of Health and Human Services
Online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy - This comprehensive degree requires 60 graduate credit hours for graduation. The minimum time to complete this degree is 32 months. There are four available tracks:
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
- Medical Family Therapy
- Therapy with Military Families
- Treatment of Trauma
Students will gain hands-on training through 500-hours of required internship experience. An additional 15-credit certificate specialization in the growing field of Medical Family Therapy is also offered.
Online Master of Healthcare Administration - There are 36 credits required for this degree which can be completed in as little as 24 months. Three degree tracks are offered:
- Leadership
- Administration
- Conflict Management
The curriculum focuses on five key areas:
- Leadership skills
- Effective Communication and Relationship Management
- Professionalism
- Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
- Business Knowledge and Skills.
School of Nursing
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - This degree requires 39 credit hours over a minimum of 26 months. There are two tracks offered in:
- Advanced Practiced Nurse
- Executive Nursing Leadership
The curriculum adheres to the protocols set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine. Students who have successfully completed this degree may be eligible for career advancements to positions such as Academic Nurse Leader, Director of Clinical Services, or Public Health Coordinator.
Graduate School of Theology
Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry - A total of 48 credit hours are required for this degree which can take two years or more for students to complete. There are four available tracks:
- Student and Family Ministry
- Spiritual Formation
- Ministerial Leadership
- Ministry and Bible
This flexible degree is applicable to numerous ministry positions as well as careers outside of the ministry such as education and social services.
Online Master of Arts in Global Service - This 48 credit hour program can be completed in approximately 32 months. Though all course work may be completed online, four one-week campus residencies are required. Students will be exposed to a variety of multicultural ministry topics such as:
- Philosophy of Religion
- Reading and Engaging Contemporary Cultures
- Witness in a Global Context
Online Master of Divinity - With a total of 72 required credits, Abilene's Master of Divinity will take three to four years to complete. There are two degree tracks:
- Ministry
- Missions
This degree is geared towards students who are serious about entering ministry positions in the U.S. or abroad and provides a strong foundation in scripture, history, and practical ministry skills. All courses and degrees available, including those offered online, have been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.