College of Leadership and Public Service

Programs of Study

Doctorate (Ph.D.)

Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.)

• Strategic Innovation Concentration
• Policy Concentration

Master of Arts

Conflict Management, Master of Arts, (M.A.)  

Leadership and Public Service, Master of Arts, (M.A.)  

The M.S. in Organization Leadership has paused enrollment. Current students should go to the catalog they enrolled under for program information.

Master of Science and Master of Business Administration

Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degrees: Master of Science in Sustainability and Master of Business Administration, (M.S. and MBA)  

Master of Public Administration

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration, (M.P.A.)  

Master of Science

Sustainability, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

Certificates

Conflict Management, Certificate  

Sustainability, Certificate  

Sustainability: Corporate/Business Sustainability and ESG, Certificate  

Sustainability: Green Building Systems, Certificate  

Sustainability: Renewable Energy, Certificate  

Sustainability: Sustainable and Resilient Cities, Certificate  

Sustainability: Sustainable Food Systems, Certificate  

Sustainability: Sustainable Water Systems, Certificate  

College Leadership and Faculty

School of Public Policy

The mission of Lipscomb’s School of Public Policy is to support leaders who live lives of purpose, leadership, and service.

We believe that if we:

• Invest in the development of leaders, from all geographies;
• Empower leaders with the skills and knowledge to effectively govern, engage their communities, and to take bold, courageous action;
• Seek innovative partnerships across government, nonprofit, and business sectors; and
• Share broadly scholarship and research on leadership best practices

Then, we will build a brighter future for Tennessee.

Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Lipscomb University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership with a concentration in either Strategic Innovation or Policy is an interdisciplinary studies degree that aims to prepare students for high-level careers in leadership and service across a range of professional sectors. The goal is to equip professionals to pursue challenging, high-level responsibilities requiring advanced knowledge, training, and rigor, and to do so with the highest levels of integrity, ethical understanding, and behavior. This Ph.D. is a collaborative program between the College of Education and College of Leadership and Public Service.

The program aspires to produce graduates who have developed exceptional skills to lead effectively, understand policy development and implementation processes, organize substantial amounts of information, research subjects broadly, independently manage and bring to successful fruition complex and in-depth projects, adapt to changing environments, and who are subsequently prepared to be a valued resource to the professional community.

The concentration in Strategic Innovation focuses on developing knowledge and skills of strategic planning, entrepreneurship, innovation, change, conflict, organizational turnaround, strategic advocacy, proposal writing, and how to produce relevant and original research. The curriculum explores how organizations and communities imagine, conceptualize, analyze, resource, and implement innovative solutions to organizational and social problems. Embedded in the curriculum is exploration of effective integration of technology and artificial intelligence to improve operations, enhance decision-making processes, and create competitive advantages.

The concentration in Public Policy focuses on developing understanding of public policy theory, research and practice. The curriculum develops knowledge and skills of how public policy is conceptualized, developed, adopted, and implemented, how to analyze policy issues, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute to the field through relevant and original research.

For specific program requirements, go to Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.).

Admissions Process for the Ph.D.:

• Completed online application
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation (including a professional recommendation)
• Two written personal statements: 1) Journey of faith and spiritual development 2) Purpose for pursuing the Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy 
• Current resume
• Writing assessment
• Interview with doctoral faculty

The program features a Bachelor’s to Ph.D. route for academically high-achieving students. Bachelor degree holders who know that a Ph.D. is their ultimate goal may be considered for direct admission to the Ph.D. program if they meet the following admission criteria:

• 3.5 Cumulative GPA (at least 60 undergraduate hours must be taken at Lipscomb University)
• Above Average Score Required for either GRE or MAT:
• GRE: Score of 156 or higher on both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections and score of 4.1 or higher on the Analytical Writing section
• MAT: Score of 408 or higher
• Meet all other admissions requirements including acceptance following an interview
• Applicants not admitted will be required to earn a masters degree before being considered for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Transfer Courses to the Ph.D.

A maximum of 15 hours of post-masters coursework may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the Ph.D. Program. Only six post-masters hours may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the research sequence and only if earned within the 5 years prior to enrollment in the Ph.D. program. Approved leadership courses that are 600 level or higher within an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Program may be transferred (up to 15 hours).

Leadership and Public Service, Master of Arts, (M.A.)

For specific program requirements, go to Leadership and Public Service, Master of Arts, (M.A.) .

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration, (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the most recognized degree in the field of public service and specifically designed for leadership development in the public sector. The degree prepares students for employment in an increasingly diverse technological and global society. The MPA develops students’ practical workplace competencies, preparing them to meet current and future workplace challenges. Through a theory-to-practice curriculum, MPA students will learn how to analyze policy and manage government programs through innovative and practical program measures, engaged faculty, and community partnerships. In the MPA program, students will learn about leading organizations, cross-sector collaboration, financial management, policy and economics, ethical decision making, critical thinking and human resources. The genesis of the MPA program has been predicated on both formal and informal guidance of local, state, regional, and national public servants in multiple sectors and venues of public service. Upon graduation, students will leave the program having obtained crucial skills to serve their communities and enjoy career fulfillment. In choosing Lipscomb’s Master of Public Administration program, students start on their trajectory towards a life of meaningful work, work that makes a difference in the lives of their colleagues, neighbors, and greater society. 

 .For specific program requirements, go to Public Administration, Master of Public Administration, (M.P.A.) .

Institute of Conflict Management

Lipscomb University’s Institute for Conflict Management provides academic and business specific resources to equip students, organizations and professionals with skills to minimize the costs of unresolved conflict. A nationally recognized degree taught by subject matter experts and scholars from around the country, ICM provides degrees, certificates, seminars and research dedicated to the advancement of conflict management disciplines.

ICM’s master’s degree, certificate, research and conference offerings impact most areas of commerce and education, model evolving best practices in conflict management and instruct participants in more cost effective and efficient solutions for unresolved conflict. ICM target markets include the following:

• Master’s degree candidates in Bible, ministry, business, education, human resources, health sciences, sustainability and psychology seeking specialized training in conflict
• Master’s degree candidates in conflict management.
• Non-degree students seeking certification in conflict management skills.
• Businesses and professionals seeking advanced dialogue and study concerning the growing professional discipline of conflict management.
• Health care companies, executives and professionals dedicated to improving the quality and cost effectiveness of health care delivery through the development of advanced systems of conflict management specific to the industry.

The Certificate in Conflict Management will be awarded after completing 15 hours of designated course work focusing on negotiation, mediation and dispute resolution in various settings as well as a clinical internship or elective course. This program will be open to students, professionals and other interested parties in the community who seek training and/or certification in dispute resolution. The certificate program is also available for students enrolled in other graduate programs on campus.

The Master of Arts in Conflict Management will be awarded after completing 30 hours of designated course work (15 hours are included in the certificate curriculum).

In addition to the academic curriculum, ICM also offers programs featuring national leaders and experts in dispute resolution and conflict management.

Conflict Management, Master of Arts, (M.A.)

This academic program consists of 30 hours of designated course work (15 hours are included in the certificate program). Students who seek advanced instruction and skill development in cross-cultural, business specific and high level professional development will want to seek the M.A. in conflict management. The master’s degree will equip students to offer professional level expertise in conflict management and dispute resolution.

Emphasis in Organizational Settings

​​​​This 15-hour track within the Master’s Program allows the student to focus on intra- and inter-organizational conflict, its prevention, its management, and its resolution. Students are taught by leading practitioners of conflict management and organizational conflict management.

Emphasis in Healthcare Settings​​​

This 15-hour track within the Master’s Program allows the student to focus on conflict in the Healthcare field, its prevention, its management, and its resolution. Students are taught by leading practitioners of conflict management and preeminent healthcare executives.

For specific program requirements, go to Conflict Management, Master of Arts, (M.A.) .

Conflict Management, Certificate

This academic program consists of 15 hours of designated course work. Students who desire introductory instruction and skill development in negotiation, communication and the culture of conflict management will benefit from the certificate program. The certificate will enhance the career of individuals whose employment requires some degree of conflict management skills.

For specific program requirements, go to Conflict Management, Certificate  

Institute for Sustainable Practice

The mission of the Institute for Sustainable Practice is to develop and advance the practices and profession of sustainability through education, research, training and service to the community and the world. Sustainability refers to a holistic approach in the stewardship of people, the planet, prosperity and providence. The founding principles of sustainability translate to all professions, cultures, organizations, economic markets and natural environments.

Unlike most sustainability programs, Lipscomb University equips professionals from virtually any discipline with advanced expertise in sustainability, including students with non-science backgrounds. Entry-level course work establishes a foundation in sustainability principles. These include:  fundamentals of systems thinking, Earth systems, business management, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, social justice, leadership, multi-media communications, and the psychology of behavior change. Advanced courses allow students to earn technical knowledge and to specialize in sustainable food systems, renewable energy, green buildings and sites, green business performance, sustainability metrics, urban resilience, and water management. Students are also able to tailor course work to individual disciplines and interests through course assignments, elective study, independent research,  travel study with leading practitioners managing sustainability at scale, and a final capstone project, while earning third party certifications and accreditations. All courses are offered in a HyFlex course format meaning that students may choose on-campus, on-line or a hybrid learning format at any point during a course, switching back and forth as much as their schedule requires.

The Institute for Sustainable Practice offers four graduate study options: a 16-month Master of Science in Sustainability; a 2-year, dual degrees program with a Master of Science in Sustainability and Master of Business Administration resulting in two diplomas for less credit hours due to overlapping course work; a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Sustainability (a “half degree” option); 6 technical certificates, and that can count toward our degrees. All study options begin with the same introductory course work allowing a student to choose the best path based on their initial course experience. All courses offer assignments that students can tailor to personal or career interests. Successful practitioners in sustainability and seasoned academics provide course instruction to combine the best of market experience and subject matter delivery. Course content, field study, sustainability travel, guest expert lectures, annual seminars and conferences provide insight into subject discovery, career networks and the best chances for professional success. Over 78% of graduate alumni are new employed in sustainability or related occupations. 

Lipscomb University was named one of the Princeton Review’s 455 Green Colleges in 2023. For five consecutive years, the university founded and sponsored Tennessee’s first Sustainable Business Summit bringing to Nashville leading sustainability pioneers such as L. Hunter Lovins, author of Natural Capitalism; Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry;  Gary Hirshberg, founder and CEO of Stonyfield Farms organic yogurt company and the founder and senior editor of GreenBiz.com, Joel Makower. The Biomimicry Institute also named the university as its first faith-based affiliate member.

Nashville and the State of Tennessee provide excellent content for sustainability in practice. Local and regional highlights include: three Lipscomb University ground-sourced heating and cooling system buildings and Tennessee’s first LEED Gold Certified academic building; municipal buildings in Nashville will meet a 2025 clean energy goal due to a rapidly expanding solar PV industry; Nissan has invested $1.6 billion in electric car and battery technology and products; and a $1 billion LEED Platinum (first in the world) Volkswagen automobile plant is located in Chattanooga. Regionally, internationally significant natural resources abound: Middle Tennessee’s Duck River “is one of three hot spots for fish and mussel diversity in the entire world; East Tennessee’s Clinch and Powell Rivers have “historically had one of the richest assemblages of native fish and freshwater mussels in the world; and the Great Smoky Mountains is the most biodiverse park in our national park system.

Sustainability, Master of Science, (M.S.)

The Master of Science degree consists of 30 hours of graduate course work. Since few universities offer such a degree, graduates achieve a competitive advantage for emerging sustainability positions. The degree is ideal for students from any discipline who seek a focused career in sustainability managing people and/or projects, including: corporate management, consulting; design, construction management, business performance, nonprofit development, project management, environmental planning and compliance, and sustainability certification.

Many students complete the program in 12-16 months, but credits are eligible for up to five years. The Master of Science in sustainability is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

For specific program requirements, go to Sustainability, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degree: Master of Science in Sustainability and Master of Business Administration, (M.S. and MBA)

The dual degrees program combines cutting edge business training with state-of-the-art training in sustainability resulting in two diplomas. Many professionals choose this option to optimize their competitiveness and to enhance their flexibility with credentials in two disciplines. Students enrolled in the dual degrees program will complete a select grouping of courses from each program (24 hours in sustainability and 27 hours in business). Successful completion of 51 hours of course work will earn students both diplomas, the M.S. in Sustainability and the Master of Business Administration. The dual-degrees option MUST be declared before the student graduates with either degree.

For specific program requirements, go to Sustainability and Business Administration, Dual Degrees: Master of Science in Sustainability and Master of Business Administration, (M.S. and MBA)  

The 4+1 Program Option

Approved courses as noted in their respective course descriptions will be eligible for dual undergraduate and graduate credit for approved degrees, thereby reducing the time to graduation for the approved graduate degree. Students must first graduate with the approved undergraduate degree.

Sustainability, Certificate of Graduate Studies

The certificate consists of 15 hours of graduate coursework and comprises one half of a master’s degree. The certificate is ideal for college graduates or professionals with existing masters degrees of any discipline who seek additional professional credentials and fundamental skills in sustainability, without having to pursue a full graduate degree. Selected coursework can include both theoretical and applied courses based on the needs of a seasoned or new professional, as approved by the graduate director.

For specific program requirements, goto Sustainability, Certificate .

Graduate Technical Certificates

These certificates are designed to meet the short-term, technical needs of students who wish to study a particular aspect of sustainability and receive a distinction beyond course credit. All courses earned in pursuit of technical certificates may be applied toward graduate degrees in the Institute for Sustainable Practice. 

• Sustainability: Corporate/Business Sustainability and ESG, Certificate  
• Sustainability: Green Building Systems, Certificate  
• Sustainability: Renewable Energy, Certificate  
• Sustainability: Sustainable and Resilient Cities, Certificate  
• Sustainability: Sustainable Food Systems, Certificate  
• Sustainability: Sustainable Water Systems, Certificate  

Professional Certificates 

These credentials are non-credit bearing with optional competency for graduate credit matriculation. Whole courses and specialty modules offered in the current graduate curriculum provide the content and framework for these rigorous and convnient hybrid/hyflex, and asynchronous gradual quality professional development experiences. Professional certificates do not require graduate admission. Graduate admission is required for potential graduate credit matriculation. 

Services and Benefits Common to all ISP Programs

1. All students may choose their attendance/ learning format for any schedule class meeting except required immersive learning: choose from live in class, live online, hybrid/hyflex, and asynchronous recorded classes. 
2. All books, materials, and weekend meals are included in tuition unless otherwise noted during the admissions process (this does not include additional fees required for study in travel).
3. All assignments, homework submissions, exams and grading are completed electronically.
4. Professional, applied and real consulting experiences are available in every sustainability course.
5. Each Term I or II sustainability course meets 1 weeknight per week for 8  weeks. Full-term courses meet 1 night per week for 16 weeks. Other courses may meet as directed such as study in travel.
6. Graduate courses for graduate credit are open to undergraduates within 12 hours of graduation or may be taken as undergraduate credit courses altered for undergraduate requirements with the approval of the graduate director.
7. All certificate credit hours can be applied to current and future sustainability graduate degrees offered through ISP, as listed in the aforementioned program summary.
8. Certificates can be completed in three to eight months and the M.S. in 12 to 16 months, but all earned course credits can be applied toward a certificate or degree for up to five years.
9. Students have the opportunity to receive a personal library of the most recent and relevant sustainability literature and a professional sustainability tool kit that includes a sustainability resume, web pages, an electronic library of best practices, professional memberships and lifelong contacts.
10. Students have the opportunity to meet national and international sustainability leaders in-class lectures, at local events, through study in travel, at conferences and other additional events.
11. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other professional credentials can be secured for partial or full graduate credit, depending on the format of the course.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. Additionally, a transfer student may be Conditionally Admitted with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Students who are denied admission may request from the LPS director an action plan to help them identify specific areas where improvement is needed. Students who are denied admission may reapply for admission after completing the action as described by the LPS director.

Transfer of Courses (All Programs)

Graduate credit hours earned at another accredited institution may be transferred toward the LPS degree requirement upon request. A maximum of six hours may be counted toward the master’s degree. The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

Academic Standing (All Programs)

See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours per semester is considered a full-time student. A student enrolled for less than six hours is considered a part-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 12 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the LPS master’s degrees must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information (Conflict Management, Leadership and Public Service, Public Administration, Sustainability)

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*