Alverno College will Offer a Doctorate in Education Degree Program and Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Degree program in Jan. 2020

In partnership with Arizona-based premiere service provider Synergis Education, Alverno College recently announced their launch of two new degree programs. Starting in January of 2020, Alverno will be offering a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) degree.

The Ed.D. program is designed for working professionals that hold a master’s degree. The master’s degree must be relevant to their area of interest, and certain prerequisites have to be met to be accepted into the program. A part of the process is having an interview and a professional statement. These interviews help Alverno know what type of support the potential student may need.

According to Patricia Luebke, Ph.D., dean of Alverno’s School of Professional Students, with includes the division of Education, the program can be completed within two years. The program offers concentration options in Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Leadership through online coursework and dissertation support that comes with two in-person residencies, according to a press release.

“It’s innovative, it’s new,” said Luebke. “People who will be teaching in this program are experienced, [so] be prepared for a very positive challenge.”

Luebke said the things learned in this program can be directly applied in their work. This program has been in discussion for five years, she added.

“This program will further advance Alverno’s legacy of preparing leaders to provide high-quality education and develop the abilities of all learners,” Luebke stated an in a press release.

Alverno is also offering a direct entry program for nursing. Any student with a B.A. has an opportunity to enter into this program. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, although the RN (Registered Nurse) workforce is expected to grow from 2.9 million in 2016 to 3.4 million in 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2016-2026 says an additional 203,700 new RNs will be needed each year through 2026 to fill newly created positions and to replace retiring nurses.

“We know that there are a shortage of all nurses,” said Patti Varga, dean of the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions at Alverno. “This [program] is another step in Alverno really looking to improve healthcare in our area and across the state.”

Varga says DEMSN is a fast-paced program with an average of 15 credits. The program is broken into trimesters and is “very aggressive.”

According to Varga, there are a number of people with degrees who are already in an established career, but have some type of desire to enter the nursing field. DESMN is their way in, she said.

Both women suggest calling the administration office for more information on the programs. Visit Alverno’s website for contact info, here.