Faculty: M. Carlson Hurst (Dean), L. Foote, J. Koshmider, S. McFarlane (Director of Enrollment), C. Pietrasz, W. Poland, M. Quinn, R. Savage, J. Thompson (Director of Life and Work Experience in Professional Studies), M. Williams, C. Wilson (Executive Director of Professional Studies)

The challenge and mission of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) is to deliver dynamic and contemporary, faith-based programs to the global lifelong learner. Students will develop and expand their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional competencies to provide ethical service to God, community, and the world. GPS, which is the result of a recent merger of the former School of Continuing Studies and the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services, supports the Malone University mission statement by providing an environment of lifelong intellectual and spiritual growth. Our students are individuals who excel in a wide variety of occupations and who extend the Malone University motto, “Christ’s Kingdom First” into their communities and places of employment.

Graduate Programs first began to be offered by Malone University in 1990 with the Master of Arts in Education. This was followed by the Master of Arts in Christian Ministries in 1992, the Master of Business Administration in 1996, and the Master of Science in Nursing in 2002. Oversight of the graduate programs lies within the appropriate disciplinary schools (i.e., The School of Business, The School of Education, The School of Nursing, The School of Theology, etc.). Following is a brief description of each of the graduate programs. Complete program descriptions and requirements are available in the Malone University Graduate Catalog.

The Master of Business Administration provides advanced study for individuals preparing to lead and manage organizations. Undergirding the program is a commitment to leadership standards based on communication, respect for people, and Judeo-Christian values. Cohort groups of approximately 25 students take the entire 24-month program together. The MBA program is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries is designed to help individuals prepare for ministry in the 21st century. The courses provide biblical and theological foundations for professional, academic, and personal growth. Typically, classes are scheduled one day each week to accommodate busy schedules. A student may select from the following core areas: Christian Ministries, Leadership in the Christian Church, and Christian Leadership in Sports Ministry.

The Master of Arts in Education: Graduate Education Program is designed for practicing teachers who desire enrichment and advancement in their professions. Courses are offered at convenient times for teachers. Students may choose from among four core areas: Curriculum and Instruction; Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development; Intervention Specialist; and Reading.

The Master of Arts in Education: Counselor and Guidance Education Program provides preparation for individuals who desire to seek licensure in clinical or school counseling, or to enhance classroom instruction. Students may choose from among three core areas: Classroom Guidance, Clinical Counseling, and School Counseling.

The Master of Science in Nursing provides registered nurses with the BSN degree an opportunity for advanced study in a nursing specialty. A lock-step class is admitted each fall with classes scheduled one day each week throughout the 24 months. Graduates are qualified to apply for doctoral studies and for selected certification exams. Two tracks are offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult Health. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Accelerated Degree Completion for the Bachelor of Arts degree first began to be offered by Malone University in 1984 through the Malone Management Program. The complete program description and requirements for MMP are found on the pages following immediately in this section of the catalog. In 1994 Accelerated Degree Completion for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was added. The complete program description and requirements for BSNDC may be found in the School of Nursing section of the catalog beginning in the School of Nursing .

For an application or information, please direct inquiries to:
330.471.8500; 800.257.4723; Fax 330.471.8343
gps@malone.edu; www.malone.edu/gps

Accelerated Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion

The accelerated Bachelor of Arts degree-completion program offers the following four majors:

• Organizational Management 
• Project Management 
• Marketing Management 
• Health Services Management 

All four majors include an Independent Research Project: MMP 441 [3 credit hours], and MMP 442 [2 credit hours]. The Independent Research Project (IRP) is an ongoing and integrated problem-solving program component that spans twelve of the fourteen months of the program.

Student Requirements for Admission

Students applying for admission must meet the following:

• Have 40 to 88 credit hours of undergraduate coursework from regionally accredited colleges or universities
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Have 5 years work experience
• Demonstrate writing proficiency through college/university English composition or a writing sample

For any applicant that may not meet all of the admission requirements, the student may submit a letter requesting review by the Enrollment Committee.

Course Requirements for Graduation

A student must have a minimum of 124 semester credit hours including the general education, liberal arts, and management curriculum requirements to complete the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in management. The graduation plan should be confirmed with the Malone University adviser.

A student pursuing the management major must meet the following course requirements for graduation, many of which are fulfilled by courses already listed above in the major requirements: one course each in communications (MMP 203), quantitative reasoning (MMP 305), English composition, mathematics (unless proficiency has been established by examination or a grade of C or higher in high school Algebra II), research writing (MMP 441 and 442), natural science, two courses in biblical studies/religion (MMP 407 and 409), MMP 410, and seven additional liberal arts courses from at least three of the following areas: fine arts, history, foreign language, literature, philosophy, psychology, natural science (one time only), and social science.

Transfer Credits

• Accredited college course work
   
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) National testing program for awarding of college credit (maximum of 20)
   
• Credits recommended by the American Council of Education (ACE) Guides, The Military Guide, The National Guide, and other guides.

Malone University reserves the right to set standards which may be higher than those recommended by ACE, CLEP, or other such agencies.

Additional Credit Options Offered through the School of GPS

• Credit by Examination (maximum of 20) – CLEP and subject area exams at Malone University
   
• Portfolio (maximum of 30) – An assessment of prior learning from work/life experience and technical/professional training (GEN 110 ; see School of Graduate and Professional Studies  for more information)
   
• Online General Education Courses
   
• Science Workshops – Designed as 2-credit-hour field studies. The field trips and classroom lectures take place over 3 Saturdays. Topics vary but can include conservation biology and natural areas of Ohio. Graded as credit/no credit. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.
   
• Writing Skills – see Course Descriptions (GEN 105 )
   
• Art Analysis Workshop – Designed as a 2-credit-hour field study. The field trips and classroom lectures take place over 4 Saturdays. The course objective is to develop the student’s appreciation of the diverse approaches to art and enhance the student’s ability to analyze the works of various artists. Graded as credit/no credit. Offered at least once per year.
   
• Business Survey of Algebra – see Course Descriptions (MMP 101 )
   
• Cooperative Education Field Study – A student may earn up to 15 credit hours based on the educational nature of the work experience as it relates to the field of study in management. Credit is earned depending upon the number of hours the student is employed during a given semester or summer session. A total of 1-3 hours of co-op credit may be earned during the semester or summer session. The course is graded as credit/no credit.
   
• Supplementary Courses – After transferring credits, additional courses may be needed. Courses can be taken at Malone University or any regionally accredited school.

Malone Professional Studies Centers

800.867.6267 or 330.471.8242

MMP is online for anytime or anywhere degree completion.

Online Learning

Online learning adds flexibility and availability by allowing students access to their courses twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our goal is to create an active learning environment through thoughtful and engaged activity. This is accomplished through the collaborative efforts of discussion and exchange among students and the online professor. The result is an educational experience that breaks the mold of the traditional classroom. Educational opportunities over the Internet are offered in the following areas:

• Accelerated Bachelor of Arts Degree Completion (MMP)
• General Education Courses
• Graduate Courses
• Portfolio Development

The accelerated degree-completion program, offering a bachelor of arts in management with a concentration in organizational management, project management, or marketing management is available online with no residency requirement. Students who meet the credit hours, GPA, and work experience requirements will find this option designed to fit their “any-time, any-place” needs.

A wide array of online general education courses that fulfill requirements in the humanities, liberal arts, math, and sciences is available. For a complete list of courses go to www.malone-online.org.

Several courses within the graduate programs have also been developed as online courses. Other courses continue to be added into this flexible delivery system in order to provide helpful options for graduate students.

Portfolio development offers adult students the opportunity to generate college credit from life experience and professional technical training.

Corporate Seminars

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies partners with community businesses to support the needs of the workplace. Customized workshops or seminars can be designed to meet a specific organization training or skill development area. Classes  can be hosted at the University or at the organizations’ facilities. Seminar leaders can be a combination of full-time teaching faculty and subject matter experts practicing in a specific field. Topics include the following:

• Synergistic Decision Making
• Managing Conflict
• Help for Business Writing and Presentations
• Setting Goals and Expectation for Employees
• Returning to College