Campbellsville University offers four new online programs

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (01/14/2016)(readMedia)-- Campbellsville University is launching four new fully- online academic programs: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Education School Guidance Counseling P-12, and Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).

An accounting track in the Master of Business Administration has also been added.

The programs begin in January, according to Dr. Shane Garrison, dean of online education and graduate school.

Garrison said there were 472 fully-online students with 231 undergraduate and 241 graduate students in fall 2015.

Garrison said Campbellsville University Online is "on a mission

to offer flexible, affordable, fully-online degree programs for students living and working in the real world. We offer students the opportunity to improve their lives, further their careers and serve their communities."

Garrison, who said online courses can be accessed from any computer, tablet or smartphone with a Wi-Fi connection, said the new programs in social work, school guidance counseling and teaching English as a second language equips 21st century students for real world Christian servant leadership."

"The uniqueness of online courses is that they are designed to work with your schedule and allow you the flexibility to complete your work on your own time," he said.

Dr. Darlene Eastridge, dean of the Carver School of Social Work and Counseling said, "What better way to demonstrate social justice than to provide the adult learning community an opportunity for their Bachelor in Social Work degree fully online.

"With a focus on leadership, social justice and client empowerment, the online Master of Social Work option at Campbellsville University provides a learning format for the busy adult. The online MSW program prepares advanced generalist social work professionals to serve people experiencing acute and chronic situations.

"The curriculum, mirrors the face-to-face program, and prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage and lead social services organizations."

Dr. Helen Mudd, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) director who is professor of social work, said, "At Campbellsville University's Carver School of Social Work and Counseling, the program stresses academic excellence, Christian leadership and personal growth within a nurturing, caring environment."

She said the program expands the university mission in advancing students toward continued learning in all aspects of life with a special emphasis in the professional application of generalist social work practice.

"We believe we can provide a nurturing, caring, learning experience within the online environment. In social work, we celebrate diversity and we believe the provision of our online program will enhance the diversity in our classrooms."

Dr. Beverly Ennis, dean of the School of Education, said, "The School of Education is excited to launch our new School Guidance Counseling Program with classes beginning this spring. The program was designed by public school guidance counselors to have a program completers make an immediate impact in assisting schools to maximize student achievement."

She said professors with P-12 guidance counseling experience will be teaching the courses.

Dr. Lisa Allen, graduate chair for School of Education and lead professor for the MAEd in School Guidance Counseling, said, "We talk a lot about servant leadership at Campbellsville University. School counseling provides compassionate individuals the opportunity to advocate for students and families, to focus on needs beyond academics, to positively impact their futures.

"Our mission and vision in the School of Education was to develop a program grounded in counseling theory and technique with practical school application and taught through a servant leadership lens focused on the model Christ provided for us.

"Online learning provides candidates who do not live close to universities the opportunity to become school counselors. This is especially important given the limited number of school counselor programs statewide."

Garrison said the university offers 15 undergraduate online programs including: Certificate in Christian Ministry, Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (new), Associate in Business Administration, Associate in Christian Studies, Associate in Criminal Justice Administration, Associate in General Studies, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Area, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Health Care Management Area,

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Human Resource Management Area, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management Area, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Marketing Area, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Area; Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry Area and Bachelor of Social Work (new).

Campbellsville University offers 10 graduate online programs plus multiple specialty tracks including: Master of Arts Special Education Initial Certification, Master of Arts Special Education Teacher/Leader, Master of Arts Education Teacher/Leader, Master of Arts School Improvement/Rank I, Master of Arts Education School Guidance Counseling P-12 (new), Education Endorsements with six different tracks,

Master of Business Administration, four tracks with accounting (new), Master in Management and Leadership, Master of Sport Management, Master of Social Work (new) and Master of Theology.

Garrison said, "A Campbellsville University Online student could begin by completing a two-year associate's degree in business or general studies, then move forward in seeking a four-year bachelor's degree from a variety of fields.

"Then they could continue on with one of ten graduate degrees in education, social work, business or theology.

"The student could complete all of these and never quit their job or relocate to a new city. This is the power of online education. It has the potential to improve lives forever."

For more information about these programs and other graduate programs, contact Garrison at (270) 789-5541 or msgarrison@campbellsville.edu.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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