The University of Mobile (UM) is set to add its first two doctoral programs in Fall 2018 — doctor of nursing practice and doctor of musical arts in vocal performance.
The additions continue a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings that started in April 2016 with the selection of Timothy L. Smith as president. Since that time, UM has added nine new degree programs and anticipates adding 11 new degree programs in Fall 2018.
“We’re on the move to serve Christ in a very distinctive way that allows us to be very intentional, very focused and very aggressive as a leader in Christian higher education,” Smith said. “I’m excited about that opportunity.”
The two doctoral programs will start pending approval from the school’s regional accrediting organization.
The doctor of nursing practice is a terminal degree for advance practice nurses. It aims to help nurses strengthen their leadership and patient management roles as an advanced practitioner or executive leader within the health care industry. Kathy Sheppard, dean of the School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions, is heading up the development of this program.
The second doctoral program, the doctor of musical arts in vocal performance, provides professional training for vocalists through courses in voice, pedagogy and performance styles. Maryann Kyle, who will join the faculty of UM’s Alabama School of the Arts in Fall 2018, will direct the program.
Smith said the decision to launch the first doctoral programs in health care and the musical arts is a response to needs in the community, as well as an opportunity to expand in areas where the university is already well known.
“There is a need in the community for advanced practice nurses who are prepared at the highest level of education, and we are here to serve the community,” he said.
The university is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar renovation of science and health care laboratories and classrooms that is scheduled to be completed before fall semester begins.
Advanced technology
“The renovation allows us to provide the most advanced educational technology in assuring the highest level of academic programming,” he said.
Smith also said the strong reputation of the Alabama School of the Arts provides an excellent foundation for a doctoral program in music.
“The high caliber of our faculty and their expertise — and the incredible national and international exposure our students have through the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts — make expanding graduate programs a natural next step,” he said. (TAB, UM)
For information about the doctoral programs, contact the office for enrollment services at 251-442-2222 or visit umobile.edu.
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