Academics
Westminster’s instructional programs are characterized by an experienced and available faculty and staff; liberal arts, interdisciplinary and professional programs emphasizing both theoretical and practical learning; an administration committed to academic excellence; a genuine concern for each student’s plans and aspirations; small classes that encourage involvement and active learning; and a diverse and friendly student body.
The university welcomes students from all backgrounds and ages, and believes that the knowledge and discipline acquired through the rigors of higher education will lead to new and expanded opportunities. The university’s graduate programs are organized and administered through three units: the Westminster College of Arts and Sciences which includes the School of Education; the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business; and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students choose programs in units that will best assist them in achieving their academic goals and career interests, and they may take courses through the other units to ensure a balance in their academic endeavors. Close working relationships among the faculty in all three units are of utmost importance to the university in assisting its students.
Each unit is directed by a dean and has its own faculty. Instructional programs and procedures are recommended by the faculty members of each unit and approved by the entire university faculty. The academic deans and the provost/vice president for academic affairs constitute a Council of Deans who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the instructional programs.
Westminster’s academic calendar is divided into Fall and Spring semesters, followed by the annual commencement exercise and a 12-week summer term.
Please refer to the Graduate Academic Catalog for detailed information on requirements and course descriptions of Westminster's academic programs. Courses listed are subject to change following normal academic procedures that call for action by each school and by the entire university faculty. Additions, deletions, or changes effected since the publication of this academic catalog are on file in the Office of the Registrar.
Westminster College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Community and Organizational Leadership
This program prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of community organizations and settings. It prepares them to develop deeper relationships with community members, organize grassroots efforts and dialogue, lead and manage non-profit organizations, business human resources programs, social service and community outreach programs, advocate in public policy arenas, and communicate with and teach relevant audiences.
Master of Arts in Teaching
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and wish to earn a teaching license in elementary education or secondary education. The MAT program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This program is specifically designed to prepare teacher candidates to serve the diverse populations of students in culturally rich schools. Individuals must be interested in pursuing an advanced degree that is demanding in its focus upon teacher preparation; in exploring issues of cultural diversity; in learning applications of technology for teaching; and in research into their own professional practices. Commitment to professional growth is a prerequisite.
Master of Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a flexible degree enabling educators and future educators to develop their expertise in an area of interest. Students develop skills in the methods of teaching and deepen their understanding of crucial “why” questions in educational practice. Students research an area of interest through action research or a qualitative research project in order to improve their own practice as educators and contribute to the wider field of education.
Faculty
Margaret (Peggy) Cain, Professor and Director of MED, MACOL, and Educational Studies programs
Marilee Coles-Ritchie, Professor
Shawn Coon, Assistant Professor
Lowell Oswald, Associate Professor and Director of MAT program
Rebecca Penerosa, Associate Professor
Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business
Dax Jacobson, Dean
The Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business is dedicated to providing distinctive academic programs based on the integration of business and liberal arts education. This integration in both curriculum and delivery systems is requisite to prepare our students for life-long learning and to aid their adaptation to changing social, technological and economic conditions. This integration enhances the capabilities of our graduates in written and oral communication, computing and technology, international dimensions, critical thinking, ethics, social responsibility, and team effectiveness. Accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the programs of the Gore School of Business reflect Westminster University’s continuing commitment to provide a student-oriented learning environment and innovative education of exceptional quality. The integration of business and liberal arts education contributes to students’ effectiveness as citizens and agents of change. Whether students are preparing for entry-level or mid-career qualifications, the programs of the Gore School of Business offer a solid foundation of business knowledge and understanding of the complexity of organizations as they function in a global environment. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school also develops and presents non-credit classes, seminars, institutes, and workshops to meet the training and professional development needs of local businesses, government and non-profit agencies, and community groups through the Division of Competency-based Programs.
Graduate Programs
Master of Accountancy (MACC)
The Master of Accountancy is designed to meet the needs of students interested in a professional career in accounting. This is a one-year degree program designed to follow up on an undergraduate accounting degree and meets the requirements of all state licensure agencies. Students completing this program will be well-prepared to sit for the CPA exam and positioned to accept high-level leadership roles in either public accounting or corporate environments.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA program prepares students to be executive-level leaders in organizations. The program is designed so that students have flexibility in completing their core and elective coursework, and can pursue their career aspirations without interrupting their professional careers. The core requirements MBA program are not directed at specialization in one area of business. Instead, MBA coursework provides students with a well-integrated understanding of areas of business so that graduates are prepared to be leaders at the senior level of an organization. Once students complete their core courses, they can choose to focus on a particular topic area more intensively by completing a concentration.
Master of Business Administration in Technology Commercialization (MBATC)
The Master of Business Administration in Technology Commercialization (MBATC) is a professional program that prepares students for executive leadership roles in technology-driven business environments. Specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals with technical backgrounds, the MBATC will teach students how to achieve their career goals by building their professional and personal skill sets. Students can customize the program to strengthen career-specific abilities. The program emphasizes the practical and applied aspects of commercializing innovative products and managing the businesses that develop them.
Graduate Certificates
A Graduate Certificate allows students to update their graduate degree or pursue a specific field of study with a focused curriculum. Graduate Certificates are offered in Professional Accounting, Business Strategy, Leadership, Marketing, Management, and Technology Commercialization.
Faculty
Susan Arsht, Assistant Professor (Management)
Michael Blackburn, Visiting Professor (Accounting)
Matt Crouse, Visiting Professor (Finance)
Chelsea Dye, Associate Professor (Accounting)
Charlotta Farr, Visiting Assistant Professor (Accounting)
Michael Glissmeyer, Assistant Professor (Management)
Vicki Graham, Professor (Management)
Jennifer Harrison, Associate Professor (Accounting)
Richard Haskell, Associate Professor (Finance)
Dara Hoffa, Associate Professor (Accounting)
Dax Jacobson, Interim Dean, Assistant Professor (Management)
Brian Jorgensen, Associate Professor (Marketing)
Michael Keene, Assistant Professor (Technology Commercialization)
Lauren Lo Re, Associate Professor (Finance)
Michael Mamo, Associate Professor (Economics)
Alysse Morton, Professor (Management)
Nancy Panos Schmitt, Associate Professor (Marketing)
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Sheryl Steadman, Dean
The Westminster School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers programs leading to the Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees in nursing, public health, and nurse anesthesia. The undergraduate program prepares students to begin practice as professional nurse generalists. The program is designed for all qualified applicants including high school graduates, transfer students, and those with degrees in other fields.
Graduate Programs
Master of Public Health & Certificate in Public Health
The Public Health Program lays a solid foundation for public health practice in the twenty-first century. The program focuses on developing knowledge and skills needed to be an effective member of the public health workforce. The program offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and a Certificate in Public Health (Cert.PH) that are taught in an executive format, meaning core courses will be offered every two weeks on a Friday and Saturday during the semester. Additional courses may be offered in the evening. The MPH degree is recognized internationally for the public health professional. The Master of Public Health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a graduate program that prepares students for clinical practice and potential licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (L.C.M.H.C). This 3 year program requires 60 hours of graduate work, following guidelines established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Broad in scope, its focus and course work support a range of theoretical perspectives and potential practice with diverse treatment populations.
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
The Family Nurse Practitioner Program offers working professional nurses the opportunity to become licensed and certified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with prescriptive privileges. To accommodate working nurses, classes are scheduled one to two days per week. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Nurse Credential Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam and apply for Utah licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN). In addition, our program is fully accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The post-graduate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to prepare graduates with advanced skills, and abilities that are important to clinical practice; including an increased knowledge in leadership, clinical experience, and the business of health. Graduates are prepared for a variety of nursing practice roles and equipped with the abilities to assume leadership roles within complex healthcare organizations.
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia
The Nurse Anesthesia Program provides an academic environment which offers the highest level of didactic, lab simulation and clinical site experiences. The MSNA program allows nurse anesthesia students to master the intellectual and technical skills required to become competent in the safe administration of anesthesia. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NBCRNA examination. The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
Faculty
Ellen Behrens, Associate Professor (MS Mental Health Counseling)
Daniel Bunker, Assistant Professor (Nurse Anesthesia)
John Contreras, Associate Professor (Public Health)
Han Kim, Professor (Public Health)
Ronda Lucey, Professor (Nursing)
Colette McAfee, Assistant Professor (Public Health)
Manardie “Art” Shimata, Associate Professor (Nurse Anesthesia)
Sheryl Steadman, Dean and Associate Professor (Nursing)
Janine Wanlass, Professor (Counseling and Counselor Education)