NGU offers Christ-centered graduate study program
By: Molly Price
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: News
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Staff Writer
North Greenville University is spreading its branches of education with the development of its very own graduate degree program.
"The T. Walter Brashier Graduate School at North Greenville University is the culmination of a compelling vision," says ngu.edu.
The program was proposed in 2004 by Vice President and Dean for Graduate Studies of Brashier Graduate School Dr. Sam Isgett at the Annual Executive Planning Retreat. The administration and the Board of Trustees approved the idea. Quickly following the approval, classes began in the spring of 2006.
Currently, the NGU graduate program offers a Masters of Christian Ministry and a Masters of Business Administration.
The MCM is a 36-hour program with classes that are personalized to the student based on his or her academic history in the field.
The MBA is also a 36-hour program with classes ranging from Research Methods in Business to Issues in Professional Ethics.
But Isgett has many plans to carry the program to higher goals.
Initial planning is underway to offer a Masters of Education, with hopes of completing it in 2009. Plans for a Doctorate of Ministry are also geared toward being completed in 2010.
"It's a pretty big step, but over the next couple of years, we believe we can be ready to take that step," Isgett said. This step involves changing the level of the school from a level 3 to a level 5.
Isgett feels that because there are few Christ-centered programs near the area, the need for NGU to establish a graduate program is great.
"North Greenville University has earned a reputation for providing excellent academic programs that are truly Christ-centered. Few colleges offer the opportunity for a Christ-centered approach to graduate study, but the T. Walter Brashier Graduate School does," wrote Dr. Isgett, in a welcome letter found on the school website.
"We believe that offering graduate ministry programs is an extension of our core mission, which is to prepare men and women for Christian service," Isgett said.
Many teachers who are familiar with undergraduate students also teach at the graduate school, including Dr. Walter Johnson, Dr. Bill Murray, Dr. Adrian Pater and Dr. Pete Wilbanks.
Beginning in the spring of 2009, both the MCM and the MBA will be offered online. Blackboard, the online class service provider, will also offer the future M.Ed and D.Min degrees online.
The price to attend is around $750 per three-hour class. For students who are interested in attending the NGU graduate school, they will soon be able to apply online.
Tawana Scott, director of graduate enrollment, can also easily answer any questions students may have. She may be reached at 877-1598. Interested students may also access the T. Walter Brashier Graduate School website by following the link posted on NGU's home website.
The campus is located at the Fairview campus in Greer, S.C.
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