Sept. 3, 2014
For Immediate Release
By Candice Boone, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY. - Getting a master's degree in business administration at Campbellsville University doesn't have to be strictly about business; a new MBA track in church management is now being offered.
While this is still a business degree, classes will not be limited to leadership and management; three theology courses, for nine credit hours, will also be required. The 36-hour degree can be completed in one year.
The degree was created for people who are in leadership roles in churches along with business leaders who want to learn the basic skills needed for the church environment.
Dr. Rick Corum, professor of business administration in the School of Business and Economics, said the intent of the track was two fold.
“It was aimed at people who are in leadership roles in churches, such as both lay leaders and church staff including pastors, church administrators, executive pastors, etc.,” he said. “People who perform these roles need to be familiar with the idea of running the ‘business' side of the church,” he said.
He said in some church situations, ministers/pastors are, of course, running the business side of the house, and need the degree to help them out. It is also helpful for bi-vocational ministers, Corum said.
“While there are leadership skills that are transferable from bank to school to grocery market, the church has a leadership context with a unique set of challenges,” Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology, said.
“Courses on spiritual formation, leadership development and innovations in the contemporary church prepare MBA students for the church context.”
This degree is for students who have recently graduated with a bachelor's degree, as well as practicing professionals who want to further their educations.
Students will take 36 hours of 600-level coursework to complete the MBA including 27 hours of core coursework and nine hours of electives. Each course is three credit hours.
Classes take place on weekday evenings on campus and online.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.