Begin Earning Your Master’s or Doctoral Degree at Gardner-Webb This Summer

Master of Arts in English and Master of Business Administration Begin in June; Other Programs in Business, Divinity, Education and Health Sciences Start in August

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s graduate programs offer two upcoming start dates this summer. For those who are ready to begin pursuing their master’s in business administration, accounting, sports management or English, online programs start in June. However, these programs along with others in public administration, religion, nursing, counseling, divinity and education also have programs starting in August.

Gardner-Webb’s graduate programs are offered in different formats—online, in person or a combination of both. The flexibility of earning his master’s online appealed to Blake Elizalde, enrollment development officer for the Godbold College of Business. Also, a Gardner-Webb alumnus with a bachelor’s in political science, Elizalde received his Master of Business Administration in May. Now, he shares his firsthand experience with prospective students. “I really appreciated how flexible the program was,” he emphasized. “I was able to complete it while working full time, and I could go at my own pace. It was designed in a way that accommodated my busy schedule, which made it manageable and less overwhelming.”

Besides enjoying the flexibility of an online program, Kristina Moore valued the faculty’s efforts in creating community among the students. Moore, enrollment development officer for the Hunt School of Nursing, has worked at Gardner-Webb for 14 years. She often thought about improving her writing skills and finally decided to pursue her Master of Arts in English with a writing studies concentration.

“The faculty used innovation and the newest technology to create relationships between students and themselves, and also to build relationships among students,” acknowledged Moore, who graduated in May. “The technology was easy to use. It has the feel of an in-person writer’s workshop but with the convenience of logging on whenever students are able.” 

Elizalde added his praise for the professors and appreciation for the chance to make and renew friendships. “Anytime I had a question or needed support during the semester, I could easily reach out to my professors and they were quick to assist,” he observed. “It was great getting to know other students, both meeting new faces and reconnecting with old peers. Being part of the College of Business helped me expand my network. The relationships and connections I built through the program were an added bonus to the academic experience.”

For those who are thinking about taking their education to the next level, Elizalde and Moore said it’s a step you won’t regret and an investment in yourself. “You can finish in as little as 10 months, and you’ll gain a ton of knowledge,” Elizalde related. “It’s the perfect complement to a business degree, but it’s also a great fit for students like me who come from non-business backgrounds. The program really helps you build a strong foundation.”

The curricula in each graduate program emphasize knowledge of the discipline’s literature, focus on research and professional practice, and promote continual learning within the context of community. Moore noted, “This program creates supportive, lasting relationships with professors who have been with Gardner-Webb for years. It also comes with all of the benefits of a small, private program.”

June and August Start Dates

College of Arts and Sciences

• Master in Public Administration – Begins Aug. 18; online
• Masters in English – Begins June 25 and Aug. 20; online
• Masters in Religion – Begins Aug. 20; in person, but may have some online components

College of Business

Programs offered online

• Master of Business Administration, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Sports Management – Begins June 23
• Doctor of Business Administration – Begins Aug. 20

School of Divinity

Programs offered in person, but may have some online components

• Master of Divinity and Master of Bible and Theology – Begins Aug. 25
• Doctor of Ministry – Begins Aug. 25; in person

College of Education

• Master’s programs in curriculum and instruction, instructional technology and school administration (online) and doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and organizational leadership (online and in person) – Begin Aug. 20.
  • For students who are pursuing the Master of School Administration, Gardner-Webb offers two options. A 12-month program is available for those who already have a master’s degree in an education-related field. Otherwise, the program is 20 months.

College of Health Sciences

• Master of Science in nursing – Begins Aug. 18; online
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Begins Aug. 20; online and in person
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Master of Arts in School Counseling – Begin Aug. 20; in person

For more information about any program, contact graduate admissions at [email protected] or call 704-406-4490.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.