Introductory Information
GPS VISION
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies is committed to providing students with convenient and flexible learning opportunities to obtain a quality education in an environment that emphasizes both 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 provides resources for students striving to enhance their personal and professional lives in a constantly changing world.
HISTORY
In 1993, the University responded to the needs of adult learners by creating the EXCELL (Executive Center for Lifelong Learning) program. The EXCELL program evolved into "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 undergraduate programs throughout central Ohio. In 2010, AGS would 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, as well as a number of certification programs in both education and ministry. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies was ultimately formed in 2015.
Programs currently offered through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies include:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (P-5)
- Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Arts in Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration (multiple majors)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Arts in Education (Intervention Specialist: Initial License)
- Master of Arts in Education (Intervention Specialist: Licensed Teachers)
- Master of Arts in Education (Professional Educator’s License)
- Master of Business Administration (multiple concentrations)
- Master of Business Administration (Health Care Administration)
- Master of Business Administration / Master of Ministry (dual degree)
- Master of Ministry
- Master of Science in Management
A wide variety of online General Studies courses are also available, and have been designed for students who want to complete their college degree but do not have a sufficient number of credits to enroll in an undergraduate degree program or enough total credits to graduate.
CURRICULUM
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies is committed to providing students with a quality education and curriculum developed by experts with a vast amount of relevant, professional experiences. In addition, every program utilizes a learning model that not only encourages academic support, but also fosters personal friendships and networking relationships among students that last well beyond graduation.
INSTRUCTORS
GPS instructors engage the latest practices and theory in the classes they teach in order to equip students to manage their personal, professional, and academic decisions and activities with both confidence and skill. Their combined use of curriculum and technology ensures that students are prepared to function effectively within their current (or anticipated) individual work environments. Our caring, professional instructors also mentor and encourage students towards personal and professional growth, all within a stimulating and supportive learning environment.
RESOURCES
Thorne Library provides the major bibliographic and information services and resources for the entire MVNU community. It provides a high-quality collection of materials in many formats (includes 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).