by Madi Cannon, Public Relations Writer
As Cedarville University’s graduate programs experience growth for the seventh consecutive year, Cedarville remains a top choice for professionals seeking a quality postgraduate education. The number of Cedarville graduate students has reached 417 — an increase of nearly 12 percent since 2016.
With more than 10 graduate programs and certificates in health care, Bible and ministry, business and education, students have flexible online and on-site options designed to challenge and engage them in the key issues related to their professions.
"We are thankful for the consistent growth in graduate programs,” said Dr. Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications and interim dean of graduate studies. “From nursing and pharmacy to business, ministry and education, these programs represent a unique opportunity to equip highly skilled professionals for gospel impact.”
The school of nursing’s graduate enrollment has increased by more than 40 percent from 2016 to 2017. This impressive growth is due to the graduate certificate in Global Public Health Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing program, which now offers focus areas in global public health nursing, nurse educator and family nurse practitioner.
According to Dr. Angelia Mickle, dean of the school of nursing, the United States is facing a critical shortage in access to health care. Cedarville’s M.S.N. program is addressing this shortage by preparing advanced nursing practice leaders who can directly impact the health care crisis.
“The M.S.N. graduate programs’ growth is largely the result of offering educational programs that are valuable in meeting market demands and preparing advanced practice nurses to lead in health care delivery,” said Mickle.
The school of biblical and theological studies also experienced significant growth in the Master of Ministry program and its latest addition, the Master of Divinity degree, which students can complete in a three-year format or while earning an undergraduate degree in a five-year plan. Since 2016, the number of students enrolled in a Bible or ministry program has more than tripled.
Dr. William Marsh, assistant dean for graduate programs, explained that students are attracted to Cedarville’s M.Div. program because it is recognized for excellence in theological education to equip graduates both academically and practically for lifelong, fruitful ministry.
“The M.Div.'s rigorous biblical-theological core serves as the foundation for any ministry while also building into the curriculum both a mentorship and an internship, allowing students to begin to put into practice what they have learned before they graduate,” said Dr. Marsh.
Cedarville’s Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy programs continue to offer students quality training. Last year, the school of business and the school of pharmacy joined together to offer a dual Pharm.D./MBA degree, giving current pharmacy students the business and management skills they need to take leadership roles within health care.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.