Two Master Degree Programs at ETBU

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University will begin offering two master degrees next spring. The Marshall university will begin offering the Master of Arts in Religion and the Master of Education degrees in May 2011. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission On Colleges (SACSCOC) has approved for ETBU to offer the graduate programs.

Since 1995, over 1,300 students have graduated from programs in either religion or teacher education at ETBU. The University made the decision last spring to seek approval for these two graduate programs because of a need for such programs in East Texas. The graduate programs are an opportunity for current students to continue their educational training as well as to reach others in the area who are seeking an advanced degree. The ETBU Board of Trustees approved the curriculum for both graduate programs in September 2010.

According to Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, “Today’s students are looking for universities that offer a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate study opportunities. The ability to offer graduate opportunities in a compacted format for our undergraduate students, as well as new graduate opportunities for people of our community who already have undergraduate degrees is a real addition to the ability of ETBU to provide quality lifelong learning to the region we serve.”

The Master of Arts in Religion will be offered by the School of Christian Studies. The 30 hours of coursework for this degree may be completed in three semesters, and is set to begin during the fall semester of 2011. According to the Dean of the School of Christian Studies, Dr. John Harris, the program is designed to provide opportunities for intensive study in Christian scriptures, theology, and ministry.

The Master of Education degree will be offered by the School of Education. According to the Dean, Dr. Donna Harrell Lubcker, the department is excited about the opportunity to offer two programs that will serve the needs of area schools. The 30 hours of coursework for the Master of Education degree may be completed in 13 months, and is designed to attract new teachers to the profession as well as provide new opportunities for graduate training leading to a master’s degree for licensed educators in our local P-12 schools. The first cohort will be admitted in May of 2011.