Lubbock Christian University

This program appears in our ranking of the 20 Most Affordable Private Colleges for Master's in Nursing Administration Online Degree Programs 2017.

Lubbock Christian University is a private Christian university that is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is located in Lubbock, Texas and has a student body of around 2,000 students; 462 of those students are enrolled in graduate programs. The school, which is known as LCU to its community, has 66 undergraduate majors and over 25 graduate programs available on campus. The school also offers one undergraduate and four graduate online degrees for working professionals. Along with its tradition of academic excellence, LCU has also taken steps to ensure that the campus adheres to the sustainability standards it has set for itself; it is currently seeking LEED certification, which is delivered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The school was founded in 1954 as Lubbock Christian College as a private institution that catered to students from kindergarten through college. By 1957, LCU had added an elementary school and a junior college. In 1972, LCU received its first regional accreditation and became a senior college. This was followed in 1987 with the school's advancement to university status, which promoted a name change to Lubbock Christian University. Since its inception, it has held on tight to the idea that Christian ideals taught at higher institutions of learning are a great way to ensure that its students are well prepared to take on service-oriented jobs in the future.

Lubbock Christian University Accreditation Details

LCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which is also known as SACSCOC. It has retained accreditation for over 40 years and continues to reaffirm every evaluation cycle. This is because the school is committed to providing the absolute best in terms of academic programs, online degrees, and career opportunities for all of its students.

LCU also holds special accreditation for a variety of its programs. This includes:

• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Texas Education Agency Educator Certification and Standards (TEAECS)
• Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (CAATS)

Lubbock Christian University Application Requirements

Lubbock Christian University has standard application requirements for students seeking unconditional admission into its graduate programs. These requirements are normal for most schools, but students should keep them in mind. The requirements include:

• College transcripts proving the successful completion of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the entire degree; alternatively, a 3.0 GPA for the final 60 hours of an undergraduate degree
• A letter of reference from a professional contact
• A letter of recommendation from either a personal or academic contact
• A resume
• $55 application fee

Online graduate programs have different requirements; this is because the online programs at LCU are all considered to be professional master's programs. These can include:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school in the field of study of the graduate program
• Licensure or credentials in good standing, should the field require it
• Professional work experience of more than one year
• Background check
• Approval of a drug screening

Tuition and Financial Aid

Lubbock Christian University provides flat tuition rates for all students, regardless of their residency status or whether they're applying for a bachelor's or master's degree. At this time, graduate tuition rates average $438 per credit hours, although some degrees, such as the MSN, can be as much as $509 per credit hour. Students will note that these tuition rates increase slightly every year.

There are other fees that are not included in the tuition rate. These can include online class fees, technology fees, lab fees, exam fees, and the one-time nonrefundable graduation fees. Students who live on campus also pay, on average, around $2,500 per academic year to stay at the school.

The tuition rates are quite affordable, meaning that online and traditional students pay the same for their degrees. Online students do pay an additional $100 per course, which is three credit hours, in order to be able to earn their degree online, but that is the main difference. It should also be noted that proctored exams, which are exams not taken on campus, do incur a fee of $55.

LCU does offer a variety of financial aid options, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Direct Loan
• Employer Reimbursement
• GI Bill
• Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credit
• State of Texas Financial Assistance
• Personal Loan
• Work-Study Grants

Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration

The online Master of Science in Nursing Administration at Lubbock Christian University is a hybrid cohort program that focuses on leadership and education. This degree does require some residencies at the campus as well as a Texas nursing license, so students outside of the state may not be eligible. It is a great part-time degree for working nurses that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Courses are delivered asynchronously and adhere to the 16-week traditional academic schedule. Students will be met with a comprehensive curriculum that covers both education and leadership, ensuring that every nurse is ready to take on the responsibility of leading their own team of nurses once they reenter the workforce.

The curriculum follows a research and evidence-based focus. Students will complete the majority of their requirements online, but a practicum is necessary in order to complete this degree; the practicum takes place in a student's community under the supervision of a preceptor that is approved by the Department of Nursing. Students will also complete 35 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Global Culture and Health, Applying Best Practices in Community Health Care, and Professional Issues: Law and Ethics.

Working professionals do not have time to attend a traditional graduate program. They need flexibility in their degree plans so that they can meet both their professional and academic requirements. Lubbock Christian University is committed to helping professionals do just that, and this online program can be the first step for any working nurse to meet their career goals.