GPS Vision
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies is committed to providing adult learners with opportunities to obtain a quality education in a learning environment that emphasizes Christian values and ethical standards. Within this context, the School of GPS is dedicated to teaching students within a Christ-centered climate that inspires lifelong learning and service, and serves as a resource for adults striving to enhance their personal and professional lives in a constantly changing world.
Locations
GPS programs are offered at several convenient locations throughout central Ohio, including Columbus-New Albany, Mansfield, and Newark, as well as MVNU's Hunter/Buchwald site in downtown Mount Vernon. All GPS facilities offer classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, quiet study space, and comfortable learning environments. Some courses and programs are also available online.
Curriculum
GPS programs provide a quality education designed specifically for adult learners, using curriculum developed by experts with a vast amount of relevant, professional experiences. In addition, many programs offer a cohort-based learning model that encourages academic support, personal friendships, and networking relationships among students that last well beyond graduation.
History
In 1993, the University responded to the needs of adult, non-traditional learners by creating the EXCELL (Executive Center for Lifelong Learning) program. EXCELL would ultimately be renamed "Adult and Graduate Studies" (AGS) in 2004 due to the enrollment, program, and location growth that the University experienced during its first decade of offering cohort-based graduate and non-traditional undergraduate programs throughout central Ohio. In 2010, AGS would ultimately be renamed "Graduate and Professional Studies" in response to the continued growth of MVNU’s program offerings, which now included both on-site and online degree options for adult learners, as well as a number of certification programs in both education and ministry. In 2015, a School of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) was formed. GPS programs currently include:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Associate of Applied Science-Business
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration with multiple majors
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science-Software Development
- Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Arts in Education (Intervention Specialist Programs)
- Master of Arts in Education (Professional Educator’s License)
- Master of Business Administration with multiple concentration options
- Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Ministry Dual Degree program
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Ministry
A wide variety of General Studies courses are also available. These courses—offered exclusively online—have been designed for adult learners who want to complete their college degree but do not have a sufficient number of credits to enroll in an undergraduate degree program or have enough total credits to graduate.
Faculty
GPS instructors engage the latest practices and theory in order to provide their students with a solid base from which to manage their daily work decisions with both confidence and skill. Their combined use of curriculum and technology ensures that students are equipped to function effectively within their individual work environments. Our caring, professional faculty also mentor and encourage students towards personal and professional growth, all within a stimulating and supportive learning environment.
Thorne Library/Learning Resource Center
Thorne Library provides the major bibliographic and information services and resources for the entire MVNU community, including the students enrolled in each of our Graduate and Professional Studies programs. It provides a high-quality collection of materials in many formats--including more than 123,000 print and non-print items--and maintains subscriptions to approximately 550 print periodicals and 8,300 electronic journals. Thorne Library also provides MVNU students, faculty, and staff with access to more than 180 research databases, as well as access to an additional 40 million items through its membership in OhioLINK (a statewide library consortium through which patron-initiated borrowing allows materials to be delivered to a library of choice within 3-5 working days).