University faculty recently voted and approved a new Master of Business Administration program for ACU’s Dallas-Fort Worth campus.
A total of 112 faculty members voted to approve the degree. 15 voted not to affirm it and six abstained from voting during the faculty vote March 31.
“The MBA is a key program in ACU’s desire to partner with adult professional students to advance their career and deepen their understanding of their life and work as a response to God’s call,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, vice president of academic affairs for ACU Dallas.
The university announced its expansion to North Texas March 17 as an effort to offer courses for non-traditional students in the area.
“ACU Dallas is a bold and exciting opportunity to serve adult students in graduate and professional programs and more fully live into our mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world,” Johnson said.
Johnson said business education is the most sought-after graduate degree program, and with more qualified applicants than spaces available, a campus in the Metroplex enables the university to provide a Christian-based education to those in search of one.
Jay Goin, executive vice president for ACU Dallas, will help move the development of the Dallas campus along.
“The MBA is an important part of ACU’s growth online,” Goin said. “It’s the most popular Master-level degree in the U.S. and also has tremendous reach internationally. With multiple industry tracks, it’s a good choice for many Christian professionals who want to build higher level skills while learning how to truly integrate faith and vocation.”
MBA program submissions are in their final preparations and are awaiting approval by the regional accreditor, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). Johnson said he anticipates receiving that approval later in the summer allowing the program to launch in the fall.
“Course development has already begun,” Goin said. “We’ll be ready to begin offering the program soon after we receive authorization to do so. The university is hoping to admit students and begin teaching later this year. ACU’s accredited program will be desirable and unique, and we’ll see interest from many students with strong academic and professional backgrounds.”
Goin said ACU hasn’t offered an on-campus MBA for more than a decade and that he believes directing their efforts online will allow a much greater reach.
“The MBA program development will continue with courses being developed through late spring and summer,” Johnson said. “ACU Dallas with the College of Business Administration will work to identify a key academic leader for the program that will reside in Dallas. That search will begin immediately.”
