The Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe, Kansas (above) represents one of many public service organizations.
MidAmerica Nazarene University is seeking approval from its accrediting organization, HLC, to launch an innovative online accelerated bachelor’s degree designed to help experienced public service professionals advance as leaders in their fields.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Service Leadership is a 90-credit-hour degree for professionals in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, government and nonprofit organizations. The program recognizes eligible professional training completed by those already working in public service and combines it with coursework focused on leadership and management.
“This degree is for motivated adults who have committed themselves to serving others and are ready to grow as leaders,” said Dr. Bob Humphrey, professor of business, who helped develop the program. “It gives them an opportunity to advance professionally while continuing to pursue their purpose in public service.”
Students in the law enforcement, fire and EMS pathways enter the program with 30-hours awarded for eligible professional training along with any general education coursework they may have completed at other institutions. They then complete the 30-hour Public Service Leadership major as well as any remaining general education coursework through MNU. Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience, completed professional training, and a minimum GPA of 2.0.
An administrative pathway is also available for government and nonprofit employees whose experience may not include the same level of formal training. Each student will receive personalized advising to determine what additional coursework in business is needed to complete their degree.
The curriculum includes leadership, organizational behavior, project management and administrative law, as well as practical instruction in communication, conflict resolution, budgeting and negotiation. A discipline-specific capstone will allow students to apply what they learn directly to their work. Practitioners with experience in public service fields will also help teach courses.
MNU consulted leaders representing Johnson County EMS, the Olathe police and fire departments, local government and other public service organizations while developing the program. Their feedback helped shape both its curriculum and structure.
The new degree continues MNU’s 40-year history of developing innovative programs for working adults. In the 1980s, the university introduced its Management and Human Relations degree completion program. Known as MHR, it allowed qualified adults to combine previous college coursework and credit for prior learning with an accelerated 30-hour curriculum offered at night—before online education made flexible learning commonplace.
“Much like MHR was a disruptor in adult education decades ago, the 90-credit-hour bachelor’s degree represents a new approach today,” Humphrey said. “It recognizes the extensive professional training these individuals already possess and builds on that foundation with the leadership education they need to advance.”
The program is pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission, the body that accredits MNU. For more information about the program, email pgadmissions@mnu.edu.
