Dec 02, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graduate Programs


 

The corporate institution known as Lipscomb University consists of a campus school, Lipscomb Academy, and a university. In addition to traditional undergraduate programs, the university provides online degree programs through Lipscomb Online, which is a special undergraduate program for working adults, and also post-baccalaureate programs, offering professional, master’s and doctoral degrees along with several certificates of graduate study. Graduate and undergraduate programs are described briefly below. For more information on any of these programs, contact the offices listed below.

A. Graduate Programs

Archaeology
The Department of Archaeology, in conjunction with the Lanier Center for Archaeology, offers a Ph.D. in Archaeology of the Ancient Near East and an M.A. in Archaeology and Biblical Studies. The Ph.D. program is a 36-hour degree; and the M.A. program is also a 36-hour degree. The program is designed for the M.A to lead into the Ph.D. but the M.A. can be earned if earning the Ph.D. The program incorporates hands-on experience along with the normal class structure, using the LCA artifact study collection and by students engaging in archaeological projects. For more information, please contact Educational Coordinator Ms. Marcella Barbosa at 615-966-5995 or at archaeology@lipscomb.edu.

Biomolecular Science
The Department of Biology offers an M.S. in biomolecular science. This program is a 33-hour non-thesis professional master degree offered in a block format. Each block is eight weeks, with one calendar year consisting of five blocks. Students may enter the program three times each year (June, Aug., and Jan.). The program may be completed in as little as one calendar year provided that students enroll in two courses per block. To accommodate working professionals, most courses and laboratories are offered in the evening. For more information contact Bonny Millimaki at 615.966.5174 or kent.gallaher@lipscomb.edu.

Business
The Pfeffer Graduate School of Business offers four graduate degrees: MBA, MAcc, MM, and MHA. MBA students complete required classes (30 hours) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings, while elective classes (six hours) are taught at night or on weekends. The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is also available, incorporating 27 accounting hours with three elective hours. The Master of Management, with a health care focus (MMHC), is designed for early careerist with little to no work experience. The MMHC focuses on students who are either clinicians or those without a business undergraduate degree who want to understand the business of health care. In addition, students in Lipscomb’s pharmacy program can earn a MM while completing their PharmD degree. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) is focused on students with three or more years of experience who want to lead at the highest levels of health care organizations. Students in the MHA are those who want to understand and lead the business of health care at its highest levels.  Lipscomb also offers a dual degree combining the MBA with a Master of Science in Sustainability.  For further information, contact the graduate business office at 615.966.1833 or www.lipscomb.edu/business/graduate-programs.

Cardiovascular​ Perfusion 
The Lipscomb Cardiovascular Perfusion Sciences program is a 24-month master level program with 30 hours of didactic learning and 30 hours of clinical training. Lipscomb is partnering with SpecialtyCare, the national market leader in perfusion services to provide students with the highest quality clinical placements and job opportunities for graduates with their nationwide network located in the healthcare capital. This program will educate and train students to become perfusionists, vital members of cardiac surgical teams responsible for the selection, setup, and operation of a mechanical device commonly referred to as the heart-lung machine. The perfusionist is responsible for operating the machine during surgery, monitoring the altered circulatory process closely, taking appropriate corrective action when abnormal situations arise and keeping both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist fully informed. For information on the Cardiovascular Perfusion program, contact Laura Ward, director of admissions at 615.966.7173.

Communication
Graduate Studies in Communication offers three master’s degree programs (thesis or non-thesis) and six graduate certificate programs which prepare students for professional careers or further academic study. To accommodate working professionals, courses are offered online in the evenings by academic scholars and professional experts.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Advertising is a 36-hour program which provides in-depth knowledge of the communication concepts necessary practitioners to adapt to the constantly changing media marketplace. The program focuses on crucial areas of study including communication theories, research, persuasion, media effects, advertising agencies, advertising strategies, ad campaign management, consumer behavior, influencers, visual communication, regulations, ethics, diversity, and equity. The program also explores the increasingly important role of new media technologies and social media in the advertising landscape. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis matriculation option as their culminating experience.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Health Communication is a 36-hour program designed to equip students with the knowledge of transferable methods, models, and modes for effectively communicating in a wide range of health communication settings. The program focuses on three key contexts of effective communication: public health communication, healthcare provider-provider collaboration, and healthcare provider-patient interactions. The curriculum examines the relationship between theory and research, intercultural considerations, and standard best practices in communicating risk and health literacy information.
 
The Master of Arts in Public Relations is a 36-hour program that offers students a thorough understanding of the content knowledge surrounding models, methods, and media of public relations. The program focuses on the connection between theories and research, professional best practices for public relations, strategic communication, and the role of new media in sustaining relationships with stakeholders. Core areas of study include persuasion, media effects, campaigns, audience analysis, assessment, executive speechwriting, spokespersons, fundraising, media relations, PR ethics, crisis communication, promotional events, and social media. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis matriculation option as their culminating experience.
 
The Graduate Certificates in Advertising, Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication, Healthcare Communication, Intercultural Communication, Public Health Communication, and Public Relations are each 15-hour post baccalaureate academic credentials that focus on a specialized area of graduate study related to professional communication fields and as a foundation for further graduate studies.

For further information contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Communication at 615.966.1757 and the program websites. For Advertising visit: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/advertising-graduate; for Health Communication visit: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/health-communication; and for Public Relations visit: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/public-relations-graduate.

Computing and Technology - this program is currently not available
The College of Computing and Technology offers an innovative and uniquely multidisciplinary program that prepares graduates for entrepreneurial, technical and executive leadership positions through our advanced degree. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Analytics Data Engineering is a 30-hour interdisciplinary program designed to train and equip students with best-practice knowledge and current methodologies to make their business delivery more agile and practical. Students will learn skills to aggregate and analyze disparate types of data, recognize patterns and trends within that data, plan/organize/lead/control information technologies, and develop a strong foundation in best-practice knowledge, current methodologies and emerging technologies and their applications in software engineering. For further information, contact the College of Computing and Technology (615.966.7500 or technology@lipscomb.edu) or visit lipscomb.edu/technology/graduate-programs.

Conflict Management
The Institute for Conflict Management offers a Certificate of Graduate Studies in conflict management and a Master of Arts in conflict management. For further information, contact ICM at 615.966.6680 or icm@lipscomb.edu.

Dietetic Internship Certificate
The Lipscomb Dietetic Internship is a program designed for individuals who have completed one of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accredited undergraduate or certificate nutrition programs. Under the supervision of dietitians in the field, Lipscomb interns complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice as well as additional coursework, beginning in early August until mid-May, earning a graduate certificate with successful completion. Areas of practice include clinical, outpatient, community, wellness, sports nutrition, and food service operations of dietetics. The Lipscomb Dietetic Internship offers three concentration experiences: Medical Nutrition Therapy, Sports Nutrition, or Health Promotion and Wellness. Upon completion of the program, interns are expected to have developed the skills necessary to become entry-level dietitians.

Education
The College of Education offers Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership (administrative); English Language Learning; Gifted Education and Advanced Academics; Instructional Coaching; Instructional Practice; Literacy Coaching; Reading Specialty; School Counseling; Special Education; Teaching, Learning and Leading; and Technology Integration, as well as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis. Programs are available for experienced educators, for those who want to enhance their careers in other appropriate fields and for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees who seek initial teacher licensure.
The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered in Instructional Coaching; Educational Leadership (administrative); English Language Learning; Gifted Education and Advanced Academics; Literacy Coaching; Reading Specialty, School Counseling, and Technology Integration.  The Ed.S. degree prepares a candidate for both leadership and teaching in the selected Ed.S. majors.
The Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change is offered in an on-campus (two-year) or on-line (three year) format, featuring a cohort model that combines multiple learning venues with on-site, on-line and field-based course work.
Certificates of Graduate Studies are offered in Administrative Licensure,  Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis, Applied Behavior Analysis, English Language Learning, Gifted Education,  Instructional Coaching, Literacy Coaching, and Technology Integration. Graduate education programs have convenient on-line, evening and weekend classes. For further information, contact the Office of Outreach and Enrollment for the College of Education, at 615.966.7199.

Exercise and Nutrition Science
Lipscomb University offers a Master of Science in exercise and nutrition science, combining the disciplines of exercise science and nutrition. Students with a background in nutrition, exercise science, or other allied health or science areas will have advanced educational opportunities in either a wellness (working with healthy individuals) or clinical track. For further information, contact Matthew Ruiz, director of graduate studies in exercise and nutrition science, at 615.966.5203 or matthew.ruiz@lipscomb.edu.

Film and Creative Media
The Lipscomb University Master of Arts (M.A.) in film and creative media is a 36-hour graduate program designed to educate the next generation of artists to be independent, entrepreneurial filmmakers.

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in film and creative media is a 62-75 hour program. These are immersion programs that are: Experiential-Students create several media projects in an array of formats and genres. Entrepreneurial- Students are expected not only to create media for the classroom, they are encouraged to reach out to artists and companies in Nashville to create content. Professional-Students will gain experience through one of several production companies in the Nashville area. To accommodate working professionals, courses are offered on-line, in the evening and on Saturdays. For more information contact Steve Taylor at 615.966.7111 or rstaylor@lipscomb.edu.

Health Care Informatics
Health Care Informatics (HCI) is a growing and emerging discipline which evaluates the application of biomedical informatics methods and techniques utilized in the provision of health care services. Also included is the vital role HCI plays in enhancing the quality of care, reducing health care costs and addressing health issues. Professionals who understand the relationship between people, health, information technology the health care system are in great demand. For this reason, Lipscomb University is offering two innovative and exciting programs in HCI. We offer the dual degree program Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Informatics. Also offered is the Doctor of Pharmacy and Certificate in Health Care Informatics. For information on the Masters in Health Care Informatics, Certificate in Health Care Informatics or dual degree Pharm.D./MHCI, contact Beth Breeden, director of graduate studies in health care informatics, 615.966.7160 or healthcareinformatics@lipscomb.edu

Leadership and Public Service
The College of Leadership and Public Service offers the Masters of Arts in Leadership and Public Service (M.A.) degree. This 30 hour degree program is offered in a cohort format with one entry point per year. This degree models best practices of community engagement while combining these experiences with the specific skill sets and theoretical foundations of public policy and public service. For more information contact the School of Leadership and Public Service at 615.966.6690.

Lipscomb Online
Lipscomb Online is the home of the College of Professional Studies. If you are seeking one of the many completely online undergraduate and graduate degrees, please visit www.lipscomb.edu./online/admissions for an electronic copy of the Lipscomb Online catalog.  Visit our website at: https://www.lipscomb.edu/online. 

Pharmacy 
The Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, an innovative dual degree combining the Pharm.D. and the Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MHCI), and a dual degree combining the Pharm.D. and the Master of Management in Health Care (MMHC) in conjunction with the College of Business. In addition, the Pharm.D. and the Health Care Informatics certificate represents another unique curricular offering for student pharmacists. Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy has been granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The college has demonstrated to the satisfaction of ACPE that the program complies with accreditation standards, including the appropriateness of the program’s mission and goals, the adequacy of resources and organization to meet the mission and goals, outcomes which indicate that the mission and goals are being met, and the reasonable assurance of the continued compliance with standards. The College has fulfilled the accreditation requirements set forth by ACPE for the Professional Degree Program in Pharmacy and is granted Accreditation Status through June 30, 2026.  For information on the College of Pharmacy, contact Laura Ward, director of admissions and student affairs at 615.966.7173. 

The Pharm.D./MHCI is a comprehensive dual degree program which enhances pharmacy education with the development of competencies and skills in the utilization and integration of data, information, knowledge, technology and automation to enhance health care delivery outcomes. The dual degree is awarded to students who complete the 155 hours required for the Pharm.D. along with the 27 hours of graduate credits in Health Care Informatics. 

The Pharm.D./MMHC is a pragmatic program focusing on the leading and managing of people. This innovative dual degree enhances pharmacy education with practical business skills. The program will prepare students for highly competitive management positions in pharmacy, health care or business, as well as enhance skills in problem solving, leadership, and communication. This dual degree is awarded to students who complete the 155 hours required for the Pharm.D., along with the 30-hours of graduate credits in graduate business. 

Physician Assistant Studies
The School of Physician Assistant Studies is a faith-integrated 27-month master’s program that focuses on vocational goals to prepare to serve others. With small class sizes and connected faculty, gain hands-on training experience on-campus in Lipscomb’s state-of-the-art facilities, and off-campus in local hospitals, labs and other health care facilities. Students earning the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree enter into a field that has a national 99.4 percent job placement rate. Through Lipscomb’s year-round program, students complete seven semesters that include a 15-month didactic phase and a 12-month clinical phase. Through this interdisciplinary program, students develop a skill set and gain unprecedented connections into Nashville’s thriving healthcare industry. Prepare to enter into a field with endless opportunities and jobs available, and learn vital skills to help those in need, today!   For more information contact program director, Stephen Heffington, at 615-966-7247 or stephen.heffington@lipscomb.edu.   

Psychology, Counseling, and Marriage & Family Therapy
The Department of Psychology, Counseling and Family Science offers an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an M.S. in Psychology, and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT). For further information, contact the graduate program office at 615.966.5906 or Kathi Johnson at kathi.johnson@lipscomb.edu.

Sustainability
The Institute for Sustainable Practice offers a Master of Science in Sustainability, a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Sustainability and a dual degree combining the MBA with an M.S. in Sustainability. (i.e. two diplomas are awarded). For more information, call 615.966.1771 or email sustainability@lipscomb.edu.

Theology 
The Hazelip School of Theology offers the Doctor of Ministry, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, the Master of Divinity and the Master of Theological Studies. For further information, contact Kathy Bickel, administrative assistant for the Hazelip School of Theology at 615.966.6053, or Frank Guertin, Assistant Dean and Director of the Hazelip School of Theology at 615.966.5352 or frank.guertin@lipscomb.edu.

C. Branch Campus in Austin, Texas

Lipscomb operates a branch campus in Austin Texas, the Lipscomb University - Austin Center. That campus offers a limited number of Undergraduate and Graduate programs in a state-of-the-art facility.

D. Undergraduate Programs

  1. Traditional Liberal Arts and Pre-Professional Programs
    The undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional offerings of the university lead to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Contact the Admissions Office at 615.966.1776 or admissions@lipscomb.edu.
  2. Lipscomb Online 
    The College of Professional Studies houses a completely online program for students wishing to earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies or BS in Integrated Studies, or a certificate in one of several undergraduate career concentrations. Courses are offered in eight-week terms or in all inclusive 4 month terms designed to accommodate busy schedules. The program offers competency-based education in on-line, self-paced modules with faculty coaches, as well as more traditional online approaches. Competency-based behavioral assessment as well as prior learning assessment options are available to students who qualify based on work experience and transfer credit(s). 

E. Lipscomb Academy

Lipscomb Academy offers pre-university training from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade of high school. For further information, contact Dr. Brad Schultz, head of school for Lipscomb Academy, at 615.966.6355 or brad.schlutz@lipscomb.edu.