Concordia University Irvine Launches New School of Health and Human Sciences for Fall 2020
IRVINE, CA (August 3, 2020)—Concordia University Irvine (CUI) has added a new School—the School of Health and Human Sciences—offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs in health-related areas of study.
Academic offerings in the new School of Health and Human Sciences include a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Coaching and Athletics Administration (MCAA), a Bachelor of Arts (traditional and online) in Healthcare Management, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Previously housed in other schools at the university, officials have consolidated the related academic programs under one School to share resources, and to allow for the creation of new programs.
“Merging health-related degree programs under one school further strengthens Concordia University Irvine’s commitment to preparing students to serve people physically and spiritually,” said CUI Provost Scott Ashmon. “By fostering cross-disciplinary learning, our efforts equip students to become healthcare leaders and administrators prepared for the demands of an evolving industry.”
Dr. Terry Olson has been named Dean of the School of Health and Human Sciences. Olson will be responsible for curricular alignment, new program development, and relationships with the local healthcare community. Olson has served at Concordia University Irvine as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and a Professor of Kinesiology since 2014. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Kinesiology, and his Masters of Science in Pedagogy from the University of New Mexico. Olson, who began his educational career as an elementary physical education teacher, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Persian Gulf.
More information about School of Health & Human Sciences programs:
Master of Public Health (MPH)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare are predicted to grow 20 percent by 2026, nearly double the national average. With a concentration in Community Health Education, the Master of Public Health degree program offers students a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of public health for careers in epidemiology, infectious disease, research, and public health education in nonprofit and government settings. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/mph.
Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
The Master of Healthcare Administration program emphasizes leadership, practical application, and professional development while equipping early careerists with the knowledge and skills necessary to shape today’s evolving healthcare landscape. Students are prepared to lead in various healthcare settings including hospitals, corporate medical systems, clinics, private practices, and nonprofit sectors. Designated with candidate status from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), CUI’s MHA program expects CAHME accreditation by late 2021. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/mha.
Masters of Coaching and Athletics Administration (MCAA)
The MCAA program at Concordia Irvine is the largest athletics graduate programs in the nation. With an alumni network spanning across all 50 states and abroad, thousands of MCAA graduates are leaders in the sports industry at various levels from high school, collegiate, to the major leagues. Two Master’s degree options—a Master’s of Arts, and a Master’s of Science—are designed for working coaches and athletic administrators who want to advance their careers as transformational thought leaders in their field. Courses can be taken online, in-person, or blended formats. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/mcaa.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
Whether students are just entering the healthcare field, or looking to advance their career, Concordia’s Healthcare Management online degree program prepares students through a comprehensive and focused fully-online program. Combining practice and theory to quickly adapt to emerging healthcare trends, the program is relevant, preparing students for their chosen field. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/hlmg.
Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
With a focus on professional development and advocacy, the bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management prepares students for careers that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare organizations in their community. Guided by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) competencies, students graduate prepared for today’s demanding healthcare roles such as health and social services managers, clinical directors, practice administrators, medical records managers, and other careers. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/hcm.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
By studying wellness, rehabilitation, therapy, exercise, human movement and athletics, students majoring in Kinesiology are prepared for careers in teaching, coaching, fitness, wellness, physical and occupational therapy, as well as allied health professions such as nursing. The Kinesiology degree program offers three areas of specialization—Health and Human Performance, Lifespan and Allied Health, and Fitness and Wellness. More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/kinesiology.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
For individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to transition to nursing, the ABSN program offers a fast track to a new career in as little as 15-months. In-person classroom time combined with clinical experience prepares students with the fundamentals of serving their community with competence and compassion. The ABSN program is accredited by WASC, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/absn.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Designed with compassion and a holistic approach in mind, students enrolled in Concordia’s MSN program are able to choose from one of two areas of specialization—Nursing Leadership or Education—to compliment core courses. Working closely with faculty role models, students learn to see nursing as both a philosophical and scientific approach to caring for others. The MSN program is accredited by WASC, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). More information about this degree is available at cui.edu/msn.
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a non-profit Christian liberal arts four-year university governed by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Preparing students for their vocations—their callings in life—Concordia offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs through its five schools—Arts & Sciences, Business & Economics, Christ College, Education, Health & Human Sciences—and the Townsend Institute. Nationally, its undergraduate core curriculum program, Enduring Questions & Ideas, has earned public recognition. Concordia is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University and has been named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing private nonprofit master's institutions. The only NCAA DII university in Orange County, Concordia enrolls about 4,000 students annually, and is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).