Graduate School

Improve your future

Ashland University’s Graduate School aspires to a goal of academic excellence by setting high standards for our post-baccalaureate programs. By combining conceptual learning with theoretical reasoning, our programs provide experiential knowledge; student-instructor research-collaboration; relevant course work; and personal academic support.

The Graduate School ensures equity in the standards for all master's and doctoral degrees by establishing admission, credit hour, grade point, and completion requirements.

Learn more about the Graduate School.

Graduate Programs

The Ashland University Graduate School and Ashland Theological Seminary offer the following doctoral, master’s and licensure programs:

• Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (Ed.D.)
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
• Master of Arts programs in American History & Government (MAAHG)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Theological Seminary (D.Min., M.Div., MA)
• School Nurse Licensure Program
• Bachelor’s Plus Teacher Licensure
• Licensure & Endorsement

Add value to your career

Earning a master’s or doctoral degree can provide a critical competitive edge and valuable personal development for professionals at all stages of their career. Our Graduate School is committed to serving working professionals, both locally and nationally.

Education

Graduate Education

Ashland University offers graduate programs that are among the largest in the state. With their intentional integration of theory and practice, our programs offer the academics and field-based elements that professionals need. Ashland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Our faculty members are proven practitioners who understand how to provide a balance of theory and research with successful professional practice.

Learn more about the Education Programs.

Quality programs

The Graduate School offers the following graduate education programs:

• Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (Ed.D.)
• M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Intervention Specialist
  • Talent Development Education
  • Literacy
  • Teacher Leader
  • Technology Facilitator
• M.Ed. Educational Administration
• M.Ed. Adapted Physical Education PreK-12
• M.Ed. Sport Education
• M.Ed. Sport Sciences
  • Applied Exercise Science
  • Sport Management
• Bachelor’s Plus Teacher Licensure
• Licensure & Endorsement

Business

Master of Business Administration

Ashland University believes the most important investment you can make is in yourself – especially in this economy. That’s why we make it easier for busy professionals like you to earn your MBA with skilled instructors who offer real business experience; comprehensive flexible class schedules to fit your busy life; and personal academic support services.

Our MBA program offers hybrid online courses; content specializations; and a complete understanding of the true essence of business. And, our students bring such excellent practical experience to the classroom no GMAT is required!

Learn more about the MBA Program.

Enhance your expertise

The MBA program at Ashland University is designed to provide mid-level professionals with a top-management perspective on organizational effectiveness by equipping them with the conceptual frameworks necessary to operate a business or business segment. We stress the importance of developing key competencies in addition to enhancing your specialized expertise, including:

• Strong communication
• Effective leadership and teamwork
• Solution-focused resource management
• Organizational effectiveness
• Ethics and accountability

Explore our program

Please join us at an open house where you can learn about our MBA Program, ask questions and take the first step toward reaching your goals. Can’t make an open house? Check out our online information and orientation videos!

Fine Arts

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

An arts community for poets and creative nonfiction writers, this low-residency master of fine arts program insists on both high aesthetic standards in writing and a strong, supportive, interrelationship between faculty, students, visiting writers and staff. The program is built on the understanding that even the most accomplished writers need a dynamic and critically acute group of fellow writers to reach the full potential of their art.

Learn more about the MFA Program.

Only program of its kind in the country

Ashland University offers the only two-genre, low-residency MFA program in the country. Our program is unique because it provides a sharper focus on poets and nonfiction writers exclusively. The cross-genre option—the option of studying for one non-residential semester outside of a primary genre—offers a further opportunity to deepen an understanding of the interrelationship between poetry and creative nonfiction.

Explore our program

We offer a number of opportunities for prospective students to become more aware of what our program has to offer. Learn more about our program; attend an open house or view our online open house video; or read the MFA Monthly Newsletter.

History & Government

Master of American History & Government

Designed with teachers in mind, Ashland’s Master of American History and Government is a unique summers-only graduate program. Unlike traditional programs for social studies teachers, coursework is in the substance of history and government, rather than in teaching methodology. And each course is built around the study of original historical documents.

Students may pursue the MAHG degree, or take individual courses for continuing education credit. The courses and the degree program are open to any qualified student, including community college faculty, non-teachers, and those seeking credit for transfer to another university.

Learn more about the MAHG Program.

Earn your degree in three summers!

Each course in the program is offered as an intensive week-long course during the summer, making it convenient for teachers nationwide to participate in the program. Lodging on campus in Ashland’s residence halls and meals from our award winning Student Dining are available. This program is the only content-based summer Master's program for social studies teachers in the nation.

Explore our program

Learn more about our program, request information or contact us with questions regarding how a Master’s of American History & Government from Ashland University can improve the classroom learning experience for your students.

Seminary

Theological Seminary Graduate Programs

In order to equip men and women for ministry, Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) brings together a faculty with shared commitment to biblical, evangelical faith; the pursuit of excellence in teaching; and professional development through continuing education and research.

The Seminary creates a learning environment that emphasizes both biblical conviction and tolerance. This climate facilitates the appreciation of persons and ideas from diverse Christian traditions within a cross-cultural perspective. Students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of and involvement in their own denominational traditions.

Learn more about the Seminary Program.

Diverse areas of study

We offer the following graduate programs:

• Doctor of Ministry
• Master of Divinity
• Master of Arts
• Master of Religion

Explore our program

The Ashland Theological Seminary integrates theological education with Christ-centered transformation. Take advantage of our visit opportunities, request information or contact us to find out how a degree from the ATS can help develop your life and relationship with God.

Leadership

Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies

Working professionals who have or seek leadership responsibilities in a range of work settings are taught by full-time faculty from across the University in Ashland’s interdisciplinary doctoral program in Leadership Studies (Ed.D.). Students from diverse backgrounds including education, health care, social services, church, government, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, business and international agencies learn in a supportive cohort group.

Learn more about the Leadership Program.

Oriented toward problems of practice

Doctoral classes are scheduled to be compatible with work day hours, and the program expects that the student will maintain employment in an organizational setting. A unique feature of the program is the Mentorship, in which learning is focused on an actual problem the student faces as an organizational leader. The student, the student’s employer, and the University faculty mentor work together to integrate problem-based learning with site specific research and organizational design and renewal.

Explore our program

Learn more about our Ed.D. program or contact us to find out how a Doctoral Degree in Leadership Studies can add value to your career.