Rochester Christian University is adding two new Master of Arts degrees to its graduate program — one in sport leadership and another in clinical psychology — after receiving approval from its accrediting body in November 2022.
The two new degrees will launch in fall 2023, joining RCU’s existing master’s degree in missional leadership.
The Higher Learning Commission, RCU’s accrediting body, approved the two new programs and a change in student body status to acknowledge the university’s graduate-level work.
“We are thrilled to offer new graduate programs as we continue to provide professionals with degrees that broaden their career options while also enhancing their personal growth,” Dr. Brian Stogner, RCU president, said.
MA in Sport Leadership
Through a blend of online and seated instruction, this cohort-based program provides an extensive curriculum that equips students with the necessary leadership skills for today’s sport industry and prepares the next generation of leaders in the field of sport.
“We’ve designed this degree to expose our students to the many challenges and opportunities faced by the leaders of domestic and international sport organizations,” said Dr. Dave Hutson, professor of sport management and chair of the Department of Sport Studies. “We intentionally are combining academic learning with a travel intensive where students will learn from leading practitioners in the sport industry.”
The 33-credit-hour degree is offered in a 15-month shared cohort model with entry points in the fall and spring. Enrollment for each cohort is limited to 12 individuals. Each cohort will begin the program with a required orientation and intensive course on RCU’s campus. The travel intensive to locations throughout the United States will be required during the summer.
For more information about the master’s degree in sport leadership, email Dr. Dave Hutson at dhutson@rochesteru.edu.
MA in Clinical Psychology
This clinical, scientist-practitioner program aims to help students deepen their understanding of human behavior while also using research-oriented training to advance their skills in clinical psychology.
Through 500 clinical practicum hours and 42 credits of coursework, students will attain the theoretical, scientific, technical and personal experience needed to practice clinical psychology with appropriate mentorship and supervision. This includes providing treatment, assessment and research for diverse populations.
Students will gain overall knowledge of the discipline, learn basic clinical skills, and establish an identity as a professional in the field of psychology.
The master’s degree is particularly appropriate for students who need advanced work to strengthen their profiles in preparation for application to Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs or for those who wish to explore graduate-level work before making a commitment to Ph.D. training.
The program follows a cohort model in which students attend all of their courses together, and the degree is based on the scientist-practitioner model (Boulder Model) in clinical psychology. A key component of the training is a supervised practicum involving the application of classroom learning and the acquisition of new skills in a field setting. Building upon a strong bachelor of science degree in psychology, where students are intentionally prepared for graduate work, this master’s degree in clinical psychology will equip students to address the growing need for mental health services in the region.
For more information about the master’s degree in clinical psychology, email Dr. Remylin Bruder at rbruder@rochesteru.edu.
MRE in Missional Leadership
RCU’s inaugural graduate degree is a master’s in religious education, which was transformed to focus on missional leadership in 2009, and 122 individuals have earned the degree since then.
The two-year, cohort-based degree trains those called to professional or lay ministries to lead in a new missional era within their own congregation or ministry. The degree offers an integrated learning experience that combines courses in scripture, theology and ministry along with the practices of leadership in one’s faith community.
Student learning is deepened through cohort learning, on-site visits with missional practitioners, and spiritual formation practices that are integrated into the program from beginning to end.
“We strive to prepare students for a lifetime of faithful service and vibrant discipleship while helping them learn to stay ahead of our rapidly evolving cultural context,” said Dr. Mark Love, director of the MRE program and professor of theology and ministry. “We help missional leaders serve out of a clear and cultivated sense of calling, or vocation, and not in relation to their role. They cultivate habits and practices that help them to better discern and participate in the life of God.”
The 36-hour cohort-based degree program combines online learning with travel to a variety of locations in the U.S. at the beginning of each of the four semesters for a one-week intensive course and retreat.
For more information about the master’s degree in missional leadership, email Dr. Mark Love at mlove@rochesteru.edu.
