As part of an ambitious ten-year strategic plan, officials at Marian University have challenged themselves to create and launch at least 14 new master’s and doctoral programs by 2025.
They also seek to increase the number of full-time students to 4,200, a goal that includes an additional 750 graduate students.
With the start of the 2016-17 academic year, the Marian University administration, led by President Daniel J. Elsener, will be on its way to achieving both goals.
Four new master’s programs, all with a focus on health and wellness, will launch this fall.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Master of Science in Biosciences
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Master of Science in Nursing
The move reflects Marian University’s desire to advance the presence, strength, and academic quality of its degree programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It also reflects the university’s commitment to preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to assume next-generation leadership roles in their chosen professions, noted President Elsener.
The biomedical science program, for example, has two tracks. The first is designed for graduates who plan to pursue medical or other professional careers, whether that means completing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Marian University or earning a degree from a different institution. The second track is for those who want to work in biomedical research, like developing and administering research programs in public- and private-sector laboratory settings.
The master’s degree in biosciences will allow graduates to pursue a career teaching at the undergraduate level, perform research in the health and life sciences industry, or further education at a doctoral level. They can choose electives that enable them to focus on specific bioscience specialty areas and will complete an intensive research experience that complements the specialty they select.
The counseling master’s program provides aspiring practitioners with evidence- and competency-based curriculum that takes a holistic view of mental health treatment. Students can choose a clinical track that focuses on the neurological basis of mental health disorders, such as addiction, depression, and stress. A second track focuses on school counseling for children and youth in K-12 settings.
The nursing master’s degree will have an education focus. Graduates will be prepared to assume educator roles in nursing schools, hospitals and health care facilities, public health and social service organizations, and a number of other settings in which health and wellness educators are in demand.
For more information about graduate programs at Marian University, visit marian.edu/graduate.