Spurred on by the overwhelming success of graduate programs in business and education, Mount Mercy’s Board of Trustees have approved the launch of two additional graduate programs in nursing and marriage and family therapy. Classes in the marriage and family therapy program will be offered beginning Fall semester 2010, while classes in the nursing program are set to launch winter term 2011, pending interim approval of the Iowa Board of Nursing. The additional graduate programs are a key component in Mount Mercy’s strategic plan, The Plan for Mount Mercy University, and will be a centerpiece of the College’s growth and development as it moves toward University designation.
The Master of Science in Nursing program features emphases in health promotion and disease prevention focus and is a 36 credit hour program that can be completed in 18 months. The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60 credit hour program that can be completed in two years.
Dean of Graduate Studies Melody Graham, Ph.D., notes that both programs build on Mount Mercy’s reputation for quality, faithinspired liberal arts and professional education. “The addition of a graduate program in nursing is a natural evolution for our highly competitive and recognized undergraduate nursing program,” says Graham. “We look forward to offering local nurses the opportunity to meet the challenges of an ever-changing, complex health care system by continuing their education with our talented faculty.”
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy leads students to Iowa state licensure in Marriage Family Therapy — one of only two programs in the state of Iowa. The program offers students a unique systems perspective that is reinforced by the program’s mandated 300 counseling hours, which ensures that students learn successful counseling techniques to help individuals, couples and families. “The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a perfect program for adults interested in exploring and beginning a second career,” says Graham. “Students will benefit from Mount Mercy’s solid liberal arts curriculum while learning practical and successful counseling skills.” The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy does not require students to have a previous degree in social work, psychology or a related field.
“The positive feedback about our graduate programs in business and education is overwhelming,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John P. Marsden, Ph.D. “Our alumni, current students and community members approached us about starting additional programs to help fill gaps in local workforce development. We are pleased to offer resources that will positively contribute to the community.” For more information about Mount Mercy’s graduate programs, contact Melody Graham at gradprograms@mtmercy.edu.