The first of a four-part series highlighting the Colleges of Methodist University
Nearly 20 years ago, as then-Methodist College was celebrating its 50th anniversary, a special convocation was held, and a major announcement was made by President M. Elton Hendricks. On that day (Nov. 1, 2006), Hendricks shared that the MU Board of Trustees had voted unanimously to change the name of Methodist College to Methodist University.
From that point on, “University” would be on the logos, the letterhead, the T-shirts, and the uniforms. One of the reasons was that while “colleges” across the country typically focus on undergraduate programs, it’s the “universities” that most commonly feature both undergraduate and graduate programs. And that was (and remains) the strategic future of MU.
The word “College,” however, remains extremely important at MU. It represents the academic divisions within the University, grouped with very intentional organizational purposes to enhance efficiency, research, and most importantly, the highest-quality of study possible in a student’s pursuit of a degree.
At Methodist University, there are currently four of these Colleges that house more than 80 areas of study leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; professional certificates and licensure; and more. In this issue of MU Today, we’ll examine the College of Business, Technology, and Professional Studies. In subsequent issues, we’ll delve into the other three: College Arts, Humanities, & Sciences; College of Health Sciences & Human Services; and the recently added College of Medicine.
The Structure Within
The College of Business, Technology, & Professional Studies at Methodist University is comprised of divisions, departments, and programs that include the Computer Science & Computer Information Technology Department, the Reeves School of Business, the Mathematics & Data Science Department, the Teacher Education Program, and the Engineering & Environmental Studies Division.
Dr. Tat Chan, a professor of Computer Science who has been a faculty member at MU since 2001 and a dean since 2011, has served as the dean of this College since 2020. Chan assisted in the founding of MU’s Engineering Program and started the MU STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Camp that continues to this day.
“It’s an honor to work with so many talented professors and students,” Chan said. “Dividing into Colleges has been very successful at MU. It invites cooperation and teamwork that benefits the students, faculty, and staff.”
Computer Science & Computer Information Technology
Exemplifying Methodist University’s strategic goal of preparing students for professional success after graduation, the Computer Science & Computer Information Technology Department at MU opens the door to some of the world’s fastest-growing and in-demand career opportunities.
Learning in small class sizes and lab settings from expert faculty who have extensive experience, MU graduates from this department have pursued a wide-range of career paths, including software engineer, web developer, gaming developer, system software developer, quality assurance engineer, and IT security analyst. Many also pursue advanced degrees in Computer Science.
“Although the introductory sequence in the curriculum for Computer Science is programming, Computer Science involves a great deal more than programming,” said Dr. Terry House, chair of the CS & CIT Department.
One of the great advantages for MU students in their Computer Science studies is the opportunity to utilize two different computer labs (both located in D. Keith Allison Hall).
The computer labs house more than 40 fast computer units to support instruction and research. All computers in the labs are upgraded regularly and installed with up-to-date software/applications.
The Computer Science Department offers majors (Bachelor of Science) and minors in Computer Science and Computer Information Technology (CIT). Students majoring in CIT must focus on one of three available concentrations, and the Business Information Systems and Cybersecurity & Information Systems concentrations are available 100% online. The department also offers an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science.
Learn more about the Computer Science & Computer Information Technology department by visiting: methodist.edu/computer-science.
Reeves School of Business
With more than 700 students from nearly 20 different countries studying in the Charles M. Reeves School of Business (both on campus and online), it’s obviously home to some of the most popular and successful majors at MU.
The business leaders of tomorrow from Methodist University are studying Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Financial Economics, International Business, Marketing, Sport Management, and more. The highly regarded PGA Golf Management and Professional Tennis Management Programs are within the RSB as is the highly sought-after Master of Business Administration (which is available online).
Dr. Mary Kirchner is head of the Reeves School of Business and a professor in the Accounting & Financial Economics Department of the RSB. It’s one of two departments in the School, along with Business Management & Marketing.
“We are truly dedicated to the development of the entrepreneurial spirit that is the driving force behind the U.S. economy,” Kirchner said. “We want to fashion and nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship and creative economic endeavor by developing students’ understanding of the American economy, appreciation of its power and institutional structure, and an ability to function effectively in it.”
Opportunities for students abound in the RSB, including internship and other experiential learning experiences, research projects, a Center for Entrepreneurship that was founded in the early 1970s, and amazing career-driven networking. As one example of the RSB leading students to professional success, the PGA Golf Management Program began in the mid-1980s and continues to have a 100 percent job-placement rate for graduates of the program who seek a career in the golf industry.
Learn more about the Reeves School of Business by visiting: http://methodist.edu/rsb
Engineering & Environmental Studies
Engineering & Environmental Studies continue to be some of the fastest-growing areas of study and MU offers undergraduate majors in both within the College of Business, Technology, & Professional Studies.
The Engineering major is offered with a concentration in Industrial Engineering, and the Environmental Health & Safety major offers concentrations in Regulatory Compliance or Regulatory Compliance & Management of Natural Resources.
Dr. Denise Bauer is founding director, chair, and a professor of Engineering at MU and is head of the Engineering & Environmental Studies Division. She also leads the annual STEM Camp at MU.
Bauer said having a personal approach, being student-centered and having classes as two-way conversations, is something that sets MU’s programs in this division apart of other universities.
“We embrace a community-learning environment where students work closely together as well as experience one-on-one contact with the Engineering faculty in and out of the classroom,” she said.
Learn more about the Engineering & Environmental Studies Division by visiting: methodist.edu/engineering-environment.
Mathematics & Data Science
Mathematicians have vast, diverse occupational opportunities, and data scientists utilize math, computer science, and statistics to fuel artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. The combination makes the Mathematics & Data Science Department one of the most intriguing on campus.
Led by Professor of Mathematics and Chair Kathleen Fick, Ph.D., the department offers a bachelor’s in Math, Data Science, plus a Math minor and an associate of science in Math. But the department is also a perfect partner with other areas of study. In addition to the above listed degrees, the department works with the Engineering Department to offer a popular double major. The Math Department also partners with the Teacher Education Program to offer a concentration in middle grade (6-9).
“Students who graduate with a major in Mathematics, Data Science, or Math Education will be prepared to pursue advanced degrees or pursue careers in teaching, a number of industries, or many related fields,” said Fick. “Math is a high-impact major focused on complex problem solving and mathematicians and data scientists are the core of cybersecurity, data science, engineering, and artificial intelligence teams.”
Learn more about the Mathematics & Data Science Department by visiting: methodist.edu/math-data-science.
Teacher Education Program
Throughout the city of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, and Southeast, you’ll find Methodist University graduates working as talented, dedicated teachers who are making a difference in our schools and lives of young students. They are byproducts of an amazing Teacher Education Program that believes the primary purpose of teaching is to provide every child with the opportunity and instruction needed to maximize his or her talents, ability, and ethical potential.
MU offers three undergraduate majors that lead to N.C. licensure: Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (6-9), and Physical Education & Health Education (K-12).
“Teacher education is an institution-wide responsibility,” said Dr. Courtney Samuelson, co-chair & assistant professor of Education. “The unifying theme for all of the Education programs is the development of professional educators as facilitative teachers who understand and value the process of learning.”
MU offers undergraduate non-licensure programs as well, and if someone has a degree in something other than education, but is looking to change careers and become a teacher, MU has the pathway. The Residency Licensure Program is 100 percent online – perfect for working adults, military members, their spouses, and veterans. With an increased demand in education for leaders who are proficient in the use of instructional technology, another popular, 100 percent online offering, is the master’s in Educational Leadership: Instructional Technology.
Learn more about the Teacher Education Program by visiting: methodist.edu/teacher-education.