College of Health Sciences

Programs of Study

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

• Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, (M.P.A.S.)  

Master of Science

• Cardiovascular Perfusion Studies, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
     Specializations in Addiction or Play Therapy
• Health Science, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
• Nutrition & Dietetic Internship, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
• Nutrition, Master of Science, (M.S.)  
• Sport Analytics, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

The M.S. in Exercise and Human Performance has paused enrollment. Current students should go to the graduate catalog that they enrolled under for program information.

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

• Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, (MMFT)  

Master of Professional Studies

• Kinesiology, Master of Professional Studies, (MPS)  

Certificates

• Exercise Physiology, Certificate  
• Health Care Informatics, Certificate  
• Healthcare Professionals, Certificate  (Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder)
• Health Science, Certificate  
• Healthcare Practice, Certificate  
• Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Certificate  
• Strength and Conditioning, Certificate  

Administration 

Lynette Austin, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Jason Huddleston, Associate Dean, College of Health Sciences

Core Faculty/Chairs and Directors

Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, (M.P.A.S.)

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Lipscomb University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

For specific program requirements, go to Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, (M.P.A.S.)  

Program Admission Requirements and Processes (M.P.A.S.)

The admission requirements listed here are relevant to the admissions cycle for this catalog year. For the most current admissions information, please visit our website:  https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-studies.

Degree Requirement

Applicants must earn the following degree prior to matriculation into the program:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Standards for Degree

• The following academic standards apply to the degree requirement: 
• The bachelor’s degree must be from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the international equivalent, as verified by World Education Services (WES)*
• The bachelor’s degree must be completed by the end of the spring semester preceding the anticipated fall matriculation date.

*For more information about international admission requirements, please refer to the International Students section below.

GPA Requirements

The program strictly adheres to a standardized approach to evaluating applicants’ academic qualifications to ensure consistency and fairness in the admissions process. As such, we utilize the grade point averages (GPA) calculated by the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) at the time of application submission.

By relying on CASPA-calculated GPAs, we maintain a uniform and reliable method for assessing academic performance across all applicants. This approach helps mitigate discrepancies that may arise from variations in GPA calculations among different educational institutions or systems.

The program does not replace grades or recalculate GPAs based on coursework completed after application submission.

Academic Standards for GPA

Students must meet the following GPA minimum requirements to be considered for admission:

• CASPA-calculated minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
• CASPA-calculated minimum overall science GPA: 3.2

Prerequisite Requirements

In addition to the requirements noted above, all applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II - 8 credits minimum.
  • Two-course sequence with laboratory experiences:
    • Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement.
    • Coursework must be 200 or 2000 course level or higher. 
    • Each 4-credit section must have an accompanying lab. 
    • Examples of courses that would satisfy the requirement include, but are not limited to, the following: 
      • A 4-credit Human Anatomy course with lab and a 4-credit Human Physiology course with lab could also fulfill this prerequisite.
• Biology for science majors - 8 credits minimum.
  • Biology coursework with associated laboratory experience:
    • Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement.
    • Examples of courses that would satisfy the requirement include, but are not limited to, the following: 
      • Biology I & II
      • Cell Biology with lab 
      • Immunology
      • Virology 
      • Genetics
      • Molecular Biology with lab
• Microbiology - 3 credits minimum.
  • Microbiology coursework with associated lab work (if applicable):
• Chemistry for science majors - 8 credits minimum.
  • Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory experience:
    • Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement.
    • Examples of courses that would satisfy the requirement include, but are not limited to, the following: 
      • General Chemistry I and II 
      • Organic Chemistry I and II
      • Any upper-level chemistry may be mapped to this requirement.
• Psychology - 3 credits minimum. 
  • Psychology coursework:
    • AP/CLEP credit accepted. AP/CLEP credit must be verifiable by transcript to meet the qualifications for this prerequisite
    • Examples of courses that would satisfy the requirement include, but are not limited to, the following: 
      • General Psychology
      • Abnormal Psychology
      • Developmental Psychology
• Statistics - 3 credits minimum.
  • Statistics coursework
  • No Calculus or other math coursework fulfills this requirement.
  • Examples of courses that would satisfy the requirement include, but are not limited to, the following: 
    • General Statistics
    • Biostatistics 

Academic Standards for Prerequisite Coursework

Qualifying prerequisite coursework must meet the standards below to be considered acceptable:

• Institution: All prerequisite coursework must be completed through a regionally accredited U.S. Institution.
• Course Expiration: All prerequisites must have been successfully completed within ten (10) calendar years of the planned year of matriculation into PA school. For example, an applicant expecting to enroll in Fall 2026 must have taken all prerequisites no earlier than 2016.
• Course Completion: All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester preceding the anticipated fall matriculation date.
• Course Grade: Students must have earned a “C” or better grade on all prerequisite coursework.
• Prerequisites To be considered for admission, students must have no more than two (2) prerequisites outstanding at the time of application submission.

Required Experiences

Applicants to our program must demonstrate a breadth of experience that aligns with and reflects the demands and expectations of the profession.  The program values diverse experiences that showcase a candidate’s commitment, adaptability, and understanding of the healthcare landscape. Accordingly, the program requires both patient care experience and PA shadowing experience to be considered for admission.

• Patient Care Experience: Lipscomb requires all applicants to document patient care experience at the time of application submission. However, we do not require a specific number of hours to be considered as an applicant. Patient care experience is defined as those experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient’s care.  Examples of these skills include but are not limited to checking vital signs, bathing/grooming patients, feeding patients, performing phlebotomy, and assisting with medical procedures.  Patient care hours may be paid or volunteer. It is imperative to provide a detailed description of your experiences on your CASPA application to ensure that you are given appropriate credit. Examples of typical patient care roles may include but are not limited to nurse, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, patient care technician, athletic trainer, physical therapist assistant, paramedic, emergency medical technician, emergency room technician, home health aide, and phlebotomist.  In recognition of valuable direct patient interaction and clinical exposure, the program also considers work as a medical scribe to be a qualifying patient care experience for applicants.
• PA Shadowing Experience: PA shadowing experience is also a mandatory requirement that must be documented at the time of application submission. However, there is no minimum number of hours required for application processing. We urge students to see high-quality interactions with practicing PAs to help develop a holistic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a future physician assistant.

Virtual PA shadowing experiences are not accepted. To count toward this requirement, all PA shadowing must be conducted in person.

Encouraged Experiences

Prospective applicants are encouraged to have healthcare experience and volunteer experience to help make them more well-rounded applicants. Though not mandatory requirements, such experiences are valued as part of the holistic selection process.

• Volunteer Experience: Volunteer experience and community service reflect a candidate’s dedication to serving others and commitment to improving their community. Beyond aligning with the ethos of our program, volunteer experiences offer aspiring PAs the opportunity to engage with diverse populations, cultivate empathy, and gain invaluable insight into diverse populations. Whether volunteering for an organization, serving your community, or participating in mission trips, these experiences provide fundamental exposure to the human condition while simultaneously fostering compassion and humility. When detailing volunteer experiences in the CASPA application, students are encouraged to provide a comprehensive description, highlighting the specific duties performed, the impact made, and the lessons learned from each endeavor. By showcasing such altruistic endeavors and the meaningful connections forged through volunteerism, applicants can effectively demonstrate their readiness and passion for the PA profession.

Letters of Recommendation

The School of Physician Assistant Studies requires a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation for admission consideration. These letters serve as vital endorsements of an applicant’s character, academic prowess, and suitability for the rigorous demands of the program. By requiring at least three distinct perspectives, the school ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications and potential. Through these letters, applicants may demonstrate professional aptitude, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to the field of healthcare, thus presenting a holistic picture of their candidacy to the admissions committee.

For additional information regarding advantages and letters of recommendation, please refer to the Holistic Applicant Review section below.

Application Process

The program application process utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).  Applicants must submit their applications, including transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other required materials, through the CASPA online portal.  CASPA then verifies the application materials and transmits them to the participating PA programs selected by the applicant. 

Please note that a nonrefundable supplemental application fee of $75 is required for all program applicants. We encourage applicants to review all program requirements and ensure their applications are complete before submission. 

Once the program receives your verified application from CASPA, you will receive a confirmation email with a direct payment link and additional directions to pay your supplemental application fee. Your application will not be considered complete until the supplemental payment is received and processed.

Holistic Applicant Review

The Admissions Committee takes a broad range of factors into consideration as we select candidates, including:

• Capacity for academic success* 
• Patient care experience*
• Superior interpersonal skills
• An understanding of the PA profession with PA shadowing experience*
• Letters of recommendation (3 required) with additional weight given for those from a healthcare provider (PA, NP, MD, DO)*
• Written expression of personal thought and technical proficiency in writing

*Applicants who exceed the minimum requirements for specific admission criteria will receive incremental weighting during the applicant review process.  

The Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies endeavors to recruit and retain a diverse community of physician assistant students whose qualifications align with the programmatic mission and goals. As such, the program has admissions and enrollment practices that advantage specific individuals or groups. Applicants demonstrating any of the following attributes will be advantaged within various sections of the admission rubric:

• Applicants who are licensed healthcare professionals
•  
• Applicants who are multilingual (advanced or fluent)
• Applicants with socioeconomic indicators*
• Applicants who have military service with honorable discharge
• Applicants with teaching experience*
• Applicants with extracurricular activities*
• Applicants who have evidence of service (volunteer/community service) *
• Applicants who have taken and performed above threshold scores in the following science courses:
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Organic Chemistry I
• Immunology
• Lipscomb degree-seeking students, alumni, and those with strong connections to the university

*Certain advantages will receive additional incremental weighting.

International Students (M.P.A.S.)

To apply to the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies, applicants must be either:

• U.S. citizens, or
• U.S. permanent residents. 

Graduates of foreign institutions must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, as verified by World Education Services (WES). Contact information for WES can be found at www.wes.org. Transcripts must be provided in the original language and with an English translation. Since CASPA-calculated GPAs are not available for international degree equivalents, the program will use the WES-calculated cumulative GPA and require a minimum of 3.0. In addition, all prerequisite classes must be completed from a regionally accredited post-secondary U.S.  institution.  The Physician Assistant Program requires a course-by-course evaluation, including verification of lab components of the courses with the CASPA application. Applications will not be considered for admission until the WES report is received.

English as a Second Language

• TOEFL Requirement
  • Applicants who speak English as a second language must present the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results when applying to the program. Applicants can submit scores to the university using Lipscomb’s TOEFL code (1161). For more information, please visit www.toefl.org.
  • Minimum TOEFL scores are as follows:
    • Computer Exam - 213 
    • Paper Exam - 550
    • The equivalent TOEFL iBT score is 80.
• TOEFL Exemption
  • ​Individuals who learned English as a primary language before age five are exempt from submitting TOEFL scores. This exemption recognizes that early exposure to English typically results in a high level of proficiency. Such individuals usually demonstrate sufficient English language skills without the need for additional testing. Therefore, the program may waive the TOEFL requirement for these applicants.
  • To be considered for a TOEFL Exemption, please answer the custom questions in your CASPA application. Our admissions team will review your responses to determine if you qualify for an exemption.

Transfer Credit (M.P.A.S.)

The School of Physician Assistant Studies does not offer advanced placement for applicants or currently enrolled students. Advanced placement is defined as the waiver of required coursework within the PA curriculum, allowing a student to progress without completing specific curricular components at our institution. Because we do not grant waivers for required PA coursework, transfer credit for courses taken at other institutions is not applicable towards fulfilling the degree requirements. All students admitted to the program must complete the full curriculum as outlined by the program, regardless of prior coursework or experience.

Academic Standing (M.P.A.S.)

Students are expected to remain in good academic standing within the School of Physician Assistant Studies during their tenure in the program.  As such, the academic standards are outlined below:

• Good Academic Standing
  • Didactic: Current semester GPA  ≥  2.75
  • Clinical:  Maintenence of  ≥ C in each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE)
• Academic Violation
  • Any didactic semester GPA  ranging from 2.5 to  < 2.75*
  • One (1) SCPE failure
  • Three (3) End-of-Rotation (EOR) exam failures 
• Dismissal
  • Any semester GPA < 2.5 
  • GPA < 2.75 in any two semesters 
  • One (1) didactic course failure
  • Two (2) SCPE failures
  • Four (4) End-of-Rotation Exam failures

*It is important to note that the academic standards in the didactic phase are based on per-semester performance and NOT cumulative GPA  calculations. 

Auditing

The School of Physician Assistant Studies does not permit auditing of any coursework within the curriculum.  This policy applies to all courses the School offers, regardless of delivery method (e.g., in-person, online, hybrid).

Class Attendance

Attendance in a professional program of study, particularly physician assistant (PA) training, is crucial for student success.  The rigorous and accelerated nature of PA education demands consistent engagement with the curriculum, as each class builds upon prior knowledge and skills.  Regular attendance not only facilitates comprehension of complex medical concepts but also fosters the development of essential professional behaviors, including punctuality, responsibility, and collaboration. Because of the unique nature of PA training, the program has developed distinct, specific policies on attendance for both the didactic and clinical phases of training, which can be found in the program’s handbook or available by hyperlink below.

• Didactic Attendance Policy
• SCPE Attendance Policy

Readmission

PA students who voluntarily withdraw from the program may be considered for readmission only if they remain in good standing with both the School of Physician Assistant Studies and Lipscomb University. Readmission will only be considered through submission of a new application in CASPA. Students seeking readmission will be evaluated as per the current admission requirements at time of re-application alongside all other applicants.

Statute of Limitations

The entire PA program must be completed within 48 months of matriculation.

Tuition and Fees (M.P.A.S.)*

*All amounts shown are estimates and subject to change.

Cardiovascular Perfusion Studies, Master of Science, (M.S.)

Perfusionists are vital members of cardiac surgical teams, operating the heart-lung machine during surgery. They monitor patient circulation, intervene in emergencies, and collaborate with surgeons and anesthesiologists.

This program prepares graduates for high-demand careers. Lipscomb’s nationwide partnerships ensure top-tier clinical placements and excellent job prospects.

Lipscomb’s College of Health Sciences focuses on innovative training of compassionate healthcare professionals. The Cardiovascular Perfusion program is unique, with only 20 others nationwide, and offers a strong job market due to the prevalence of heart disease.

Students train in a state-of-the-art simulation center, including a dedicated perfusion lab, providing hands-on learning in a low-risk environment before real-world practice.

For specific program requirements, go to Cardiovascular Perfusion Studies, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

Admission

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion requires a candidate to submit an application by the published deadline and participate in an interview process. Not all candidates who meet the program minimum requirements will be invited for an interview. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent verified by WES, or anticipate earning a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into the perfusion sciences program. 

Admission to the program is based on a combination of many factors, including undergraduate and/or graduate academic record, professional experience, on campus interview and references. The admissions committee also considers the student’s essay and interview in the admissions process.

Eligible students

Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent who have completed the required pre-requisite courses or the pre-requisite career minimum.

Pre-requisites

The prerequisite classes must be obtained from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Any classes that deviate from this list may not be accepted if the class does not meet the same academic and scientific rigor. For science courses, a recent timeframe for completion (within the past ten years) is required.  

Science Course Expiration Policy

All prerequisite science courses must be taken within ten years of matriculation. If a one-semester science course was completed greater than ten years prior to the time of matriculation, then the course must be repeated. If a two-semester science course was completed greater than ten years prior to the time of matriculation, then at least one-half of the course must be repeated. All prerequisite science courses older than ten years AND with a grade of “C” or less must be repeated. 

The Cardiovascular Perfusion program offers two pathways for admission. 

Pathway A:

Biochemistry I  (3-4 semester hours, with or without lab)

Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Lab (8 semester hours)

Microbiology with Lab (4 semester hours)

Math (6 semester hours)

• Statistics and/or Biostatistics
• Calculus 

Physics with lab (4 semester hours)
Calculus- or non-calculus-based accepted.

*achievement of a grade of C or higher is required for each prerequisite course

*a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher with courses completed withing 10 years of desired start date

Pathway B:

2 year minimum ICU experience in one of the following professions

RRT

RN

Physician Assistant (PANCE)

Physics (4 semester hours with lab) (Calculus - or non-calculus-based accepted) completed within 10 years of desired start date

Bachelor of Science completed by July 1, 2026 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

2 years ICU experience by July 1, 2026 (within the last 3 years) in the field of respiratory therapy, nursing, and/or physician assistant

Employment Verification documentation from employer(s) confirming 2 years or more ICU experience (within the last 3 years) in the field of respiratory therapy, nursing, and/or physician assistant (PANCE)

Additional Info

Many other factors are considered in the holistic review of the application, interview, and admissions process. They may include the following: communication skills, letters of recommendation, problem solving skills, professionalism, work experience, degree(s) earned, research, volunteerism, interview performance, attitude, timeliness, and other factors that help differentiate those applicants that possess the highest likelihood of succeeding as part of the healthcare team as a cardiovascular perfusionist. 

Achieving the prerequisite and minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview with or an offer of admission into the cardiovascular perfusion program. Certain exceptions may be granted on an individual basis concerning admission requirements. No assurances or guarantees are given or implied based on the completion of the prerequisites or achieving a high level of academic performance.

Application Process

1. Before applying, candidates should be certain that they meet the prerequisite listings for one of the admissions pathways. Achievement of a grade of C or higher for each prerequisite course is mandatory. Required courses should be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to desired enrollment; however, coursework may be in progress or planned at the time of application without it negatively impacting the application. 
2. CLEP/Advanced Placement Credit - Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP credit (credit by examination) may be used to satisfy prerequisite coursework provided that the credit is accepted by the applicant’s degree-granting institution and is posted on the applicant’s official academic transcript. Acceptance of credit is at the discretion of Lipscomb University based upon course equivalency standards.
3. Applicants must have a cumulative academic grade point average (GPA) of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all coursework to be eligible to apply. Achievement of a grade of C or higher for each prerequisite course is mandatory.
4. Applications must be completed and submitted electronically via the Lipscomb website. Please read the instructions very carefully to be sure the application is submitted properly.  See http://lipscomb.edu/perfusion for up-to-date information regarding priority application window and all application deadlines.
5. For pathway A, application requirements include: 3 letters of recommendation, 1 essay, and final official transcripts from each university attended. Students with in-progress coursework should provide preliminary official transcripts for initial review prior to graduation.  For pathway B, application requirements include: Final official transcripts from each university attended, documentation of a two year minimum work experience within an ICU setting by an employer in the field of respiratory therapy, nursing or physician assistant in the last three years. Additional verification of credentials may be required.
6. Interview: An interview is required for admission to the Lipscomb University Cardiovascular Perfusion Program. Interviews are conducted by invitation only; achieving the pre-requisites and minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview. Each complete application will be evaluated for competitiveness within the pool of candidates.
7. Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/ forms.) This form must be submitted directly to Lipscomb’s Health Center.
8. FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
9. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)

All application items should be submitted to the College of Health Sciences no later than 90 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Transfer and Waiver of Courses

The program does not currently accept transfer students from other perfusion programs nor does the program grant transfer credits or advanced placement to any matriculating student. The courses in the program are specifically geared toward the field of perfusion, graduate coursework from other institutions which may correspond to courses within the program curriculum will not be considered as substitutes for program curriculum.

Course Load

Each Cardiovascular Perfusion cohort will follow the same course of study throughout the program. Students will register for the predetermined classes prior to the beginning of each semester.  Semester 1: 21 credit hours; Semester 2: 18 credit hours; Semester 3: 7 credit hours; Semester 4: 7 credit hours; Semester 5: 7 credit hours

Academic Standing

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

Residency

No period of formal residency is required for a degree in the Cardiovascular Perfusion program; however, students do engage in clinical training over three semesters. Students may be required to relocate in order to participate in their clinical requirements.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for a degree in the College of Health Sciences must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information, Cardiovascular Perfusion

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

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science, (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires 61 hours, including practicum and internships, and prepares students to seek licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation in Tennessee. This program will prepare students to provide counseling services in a variety of settings including mental health centers, faith based agencies, and private practice. Students may pursue specializations in Addiction or Play Therapy.

Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, (MMFT)

The mission of the graduate CMHC program is to prepare competent and caring professionals who adhere to high standards of ethical behavior. Graduates of our programs should be able to serve individuals of all ages and from diverse ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Our curriculum is informed by faith, and we encourage a dialogue and integration of findings in psychology and theology.

The MMFT in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 60 hours, including practicum and internship, and prepares students to seek licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This program will prepare students to provide marriage and family therapy in a variety of settings including mental health centers, churches and private practice.

For specific program requirements, go to Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, (MMFT) .

Healthcare Professionals, Certificate

Additional considerations (MS in CMHC and MMFT)

Students interested in changing graduate programs may do so with an additional interview, which may be waived at the discretion of the program director, and an internal assessment of availability and fit. It is likely when transferring programs that not all classes will be applicable to the new program. Students concerned about the transfer of hours should consult with the program director to assess degree completion requirements prior to switching programs.

Lipscomb graduate students wishing to complete a second Master’s degree may apply for the second desired program with the completion of a new application and a second interview (other requirements will be waived). Students who are admitted will be able to apply up to nine hours of their prior graduate course work toward the second Master’s degree at the director’s discretion.

Students who have completed a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, at Lipscomb or another university, may pursue additional course work. These students must complete all application procedures and be admitted to the program as a non-degree seeking student. (Students who completed their Master’s degree at Lipscomb will only need to complete their application and interview).

Admission Policies and Procedures (MS in CMHC and MMFT)

1. Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at lipscomb.edu/admissions/graduate then click on “Apply by Program” to complete the online application.
2. Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Fee will be waived for those applying before October 1 for spring semester and March 1 for fall semester.
3. Goals Essay. An essay is required. For specific essay requirements, please review the program page website.
4. Standardized exam score. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are accepted for students applying to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the Marriage and Family Therapy program whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.  Students may submit a supplemental essay explaining their low GPA in lieu of test scores.  Please see the program page website for more details.  It is optional for students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.  (For more information on the GRE, visit www.ets.org/ and click on “GRE”.)  The GRE is waived for all students in programs who already have a Master’s degree.
5. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
6. References. Two letters of reference are required. Letters should be from individuals who are familiar with your professional and/or academic achievements.
7. Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
8. Health Form.* Each accepted new student must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms)
9. FERPA:* The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.

* These forms must be submitted after acceptance into the program.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Transfer of Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of nine hours (or more at the program director’s discretion) will be counted toward a graduate 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. See “Special Consideration” in front of catalog.

Academic Standing

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

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours is considered a full-time student by Lipscomb University. However, students in the MFT program are required to maintain a 6-12 hour load according to the cohort model expectations and course sequence. CMHC and Psychology students normally enroll in 9 hours, but the programs allow flexibility for students wishing to enroll in fewer hours. 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 M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or the MMFT degree must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information (MS in CMHC and MMFT)

Kinesiology, Master of Professional Studies, (MPS)

Exercise Physiology, Certificate

Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Certificate

Strength and Conditioning, Certificate

For specific program requirements for the MS or Certificates, go to:

Kinesiology, Master of Professional Studies, (MPS)  

Exercise Physiology, Certificate  

Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Certificate  

Strength and Conditioning, Certificate  

Admission Policies and Procedures (Kinesiology, MPS and Certificates)

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Application with $50 nonrefundable fee ( https://grad.lipscomb.edu/apply/ .)
2. Bachelor’s degree, including prerequisites of 12 or more credit hours from anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, and/or biochemistry
3. Official Transcript(s): An official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
4. Undergraduate GPA: 2.75 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work  (the average GPA of accepted students is 3.60). A higher science GPA is desirable.
5. Resume: A resume detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience.
6. References: Three recommendations, including at least one academic and one professional reference.
7. Essay: An essay (no more than 750 words) including reflections on 1) personal philosophy of exercise/human performance, 2) career aspirations, and 3) purpose, passion, faith, etc.
8. Interview: Finalists will complete an in-person (or virtual, as needed) interview before the final admission decision.

All application items should be submitted no later than 15 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll. 

A transfer student with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Academic Standing

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

Financial Information, Kinesiology

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

This innovative degree is composed of stackable graduate certificates, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals and interests. Each certificate focuses on a specialized area applicable to health sciences, enabling students to build a comprehensive skill set that will shape the trajectory of their careers. Upon completion of at least two stackable certificates, students will have earned a Master of Science in Health Science degree, positioning them for advanced roles in the healthcare field.

This program of study will be a non-licensure, non-clinical degree applicable to healthcare-related fields that do not require graduates to obtain a professional license to work. 

For specific program information, go to Health Science, Master of Science, (M.S.) .

Program Admission Requirements and Processes 

Enrollment in the Master of Science in Health Science Program is by permission of the Dean only. 

Graduate Transfer

The Stackable Certificate Master’s Degree program at Lipscomb University is designed to build upon existing graduate-level training within specific disciplines. To ensure academic alignment and program integrity, transfer credit is exclusively limited to courses completed within Lipscomb University’s Pharmacy program, Physician Assistant program, or Cardiovascular Perfusion program. No transfer credit from other institutions or programs, including other Lipscomb University departments, will be accepted in lieu of the core curriculum. However, the specific Lipscomb University graduate certificates described above may be applied toward the concentration pathway of this master’s degree. This allows students to leverage focused industry-specific graduate-level work completed at Lipscomb University to fulfill concentration requirements while maintaining the program’s academic rigor and coherence.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is strictly limited to courses completed within existing Lipscomb University programs. No external transfer credits from other institutions, nor credits earned from non-Lipscomb certificate programs, will be accepted towards the completion of this degree.

Academic Standing

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

Statute of Limitations

All coursework applied toward the degree must be completed within the past 5 years.

Tuition and Fees (MS Health Science)

Tuition and fees for this degree are not centrally determined. Instead, they are set by the specific academic department or program offering each applicable certificate. This means that costs can vary significantly between different stackable certificates, reflecting the resources, instruction, and materials required for each distinct program of study.

Nutrition & Dietetic Internship, Master of Science, (M.S.)     

The mission of the MS DI Program at Lipscomb University is to provide graduate didactic curriculum and supervised practice experience to educate students to successfully function as entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists in the state, region, and nation. The curriculum is designed to provide for achievement of the competencies established for entry-level dietitians through excellence in both the classroom and supervised practice settings, encouragement of community service, and commitment to the Code of Ethics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (combined program) consists of 45 hours of study and is designed for applicants who have previously earned a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement and meet the minimum admission requirements . Candidates are required to complete both DICAS and Lipscomb Graduate School applications. The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship Combined Program (MS DI) involves five consecutive semesters of a tight sequence of required courses in preparation of experience in the field of dietetics. Year 1 (didactic) can be completed in-person on campus or in a fully online format. Year 2 (experiential) must be completed in person in the greater Nashville area to earn the required 1,000+ experiential hours.  Candidates are required to complete both DICAS and Lipscomb Graduate School applications according to the timeline advertised on DICAS and on the Lipscomb MSDI website.

For specific program information, go to:

Nutrition & Dietetic Internship, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

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

For specific program information, go to:

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

Admission Requirements Nutrition & Dietetic Internship, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

• Completed both DICAS and Lipscomb University graduate school application
• Completed and earned a verification statement from one of the ACEND-accredited undergraduate or certificate nutrition programs 
• Minimum DPD GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Excellent reference/recommendations, with one from your academic advisor or DPD Director
• Applicable nutrition courses from within the past five years
• GRE optional

Admission Requirements Nutrition, Master of Science, (M.S.)  

• Completed Lipscomb University graduate school application
• Completed one of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) undergraduate or certificate nutrition programs or be a Registered Dietitian verified by CDR 
• Excellent reference/recommendations
• GRE optional

The Master of Science in Nutrition consists of 33 hours of study and is designed for those who have completed one of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) undergraduate or certificate nutrition programs or who are current Registered Dietitians (RDs) seeking to earn a graduate degree to enhance skills and knowledge and contribute to research in the field. Students will have the opportunity to adapt a growth mindset through the application of critical thinking, goal-setting, professional writing, presentations and communication skills through the coursework. 

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Transfer of Courses

Graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution. A maximum of six (6) credit hours will be counted towards the M.S. in Nutrition 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 credit. 

Academic Standing

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

Graduation

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

Statue of Limitations

The student completes all requirements for the degree within a six year period from of the time of initial matriculation.

Financial Information, Nutrition

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details, if applicable)*

*See NUGR 5116/NUGR 5126 course descriptions for experiential fees.*

Sport Analytics, Master of Science, (M.S.) 

The master of science degree in sport analytics is a 30-credit hour program that investigates the many facets of the sport analytics industry. This program is designed to educate students many competencies including statistical analysis, visualization, modeling and decision making involving sport analytics.  Coursework will prepare students to pursue careers in analytics, coaching, sport marketing, athletic administration, and other careers in the sport industry. 

Key Strengths

• online, asynchronous courses
• ability to complete degree in one calendar year
• Networking with local, regional, national, and international organizations for practical and professional experience

Career Opportunities

• Sport Analyst
• Athletic Administrator
• Athletic Coach
• Sport Marketing Director
• Sport Finance Director

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

Admission Policies and Procedures

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Application with $50 nonrefundable fee ( https://grad.lipscomb.edu/apply/ .)
2. Bachelor’s degree, including prerequisites of college algebra, introduction to business, and statistics
3. Official Transcript(s): An official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
4. Undergraduate GPA: 2.75 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work. A higher science GPA is desirable.
5. Resume: A resume detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience.
6. References: Two recommendations, including at least one academic and one professional reference.
7. Personal Statement: An essay (no more than 750 words) including reflections on 1) personal philosophy of sport management and analytics, 2) career aspirations, and 3) purpose, passion, faith, etc.
8. Interview: Finalists will complete an in-person (or virtual, as needed) interview before the final admission decision.

Admitted students must submit the following:

1. Health Form: Submit a completed health form signed by a healthcare provider. Visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms .
2. FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form before enrollment.
3. TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)

All application items should be submitted no later than 15 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. The MS in Sport Analytics may conditionally admit a transfer student with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.

Transfer of Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward the M.S. in sport analytics 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

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

Course Load

A student enrolled for six hours 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.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the M.S. in sport analytics degree must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.

Graduation

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

Tuition and Fees (Sport Analytics)

All courses must be taken to complete this program.