Graduate Course Descriptions
Survey of the clinical and empirical literature on child abuse and neglect. Includes an overview of definitional issues, psychological impact, prevention and intervention strategies, system responses, policy implications, and child advocacy.
Social, medical, legal, educational, and therapeutic responses to child maltreatment with a focus on investigating allegations and determining both criminal and family/civil court outcomes.
Evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies from multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive approaches. Comprehensive assessment and treatment issues will be addressed along with other issues commonly found in maltreating families, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty.
Emerging issues in child advocacy. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Supervised capstone project and/or field experience in a community agency. Acceptance into the Program and meeting academic prerequisites does not guarantee a project approval or field placement. Enrollment in the CAST U799 "Child Advocacy Project/Internship" requires an interview and approval of the CAST director along with an updated criminal background check; Department of Social Services Central Registry background check; and a professional credentials/licensing status check.
Strategies and consequences of public responses to criminal and deviant behaviors. Theories and tactics relating to policing criminal behavior are analyzed, along with more informal but public responses to the breaking of social norms. Public perceptions of law enforcement and the proposed policies regarding policing are evaluated.
An advanced analysis of a particular topic relating to the criminal justice system. The topics may encompass issues related to the criminal justice system not extensively covered by other courses, such as weapons, trafficking, and mental health.
The administration of criminal justice in U.S. federal and state court systems. Topics include an analysis of how Americans accused of crimes proceed through the court system. Strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary American court system will be evaluated.
The philosophy, programs, policies, and problems associated with responses to crime. Topics include an evaluation of the ways in which offenders are diverted from the criminal justice system via other social service agencies, punished in public institutions and communities, and monitored upon completion of their sentence.
Problems, processes, and theories of communication, decision-making, and control in public safety agencies. Topics include an analysis of each segment of the criminal justice system and related social service agencies, including how agencies work with one another to process offenders and divert potential offenders from the criminal justice system.
Theoretical, methodological, and ethical foundations of place-based criminology. Topics include an analysis of the ways in which statistical data is applied to the study of criminogenic neighborhood factors and crime rates. Theories related to the social control of high-crime neighborhoods are evaluated, as are the ethics associated with policing these types of communities.
Identification and treatment of youthful offenders in the context of juvenile justice systems. Topics include an analysis of the prevention and intervention strategies in the juvenile justice process, the social factors that produce youthful offending, and public responses to juvenile offenders.
Problems, processes, and theories of communication, decision-making, and control in victim service agencies. Topics include an evaluation of how victims of crime are handled within and outside of the criminal justice system, including how agencies work with one another to address victim needs.
Theories, causes, consequences, and prevention of violent acts. Topics include trends and patterns, violent offenders, typologies of violent behavior, social construction of violence, and criminal justice responses.
Research techniques and ethical considerations raised by the genres of ethnography, content analysis, interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Activities include the design of an original study in one or more of these methods and the dissemination of findings in written and oral formats.
Research techniques and ethical considerations raised by the use of statistics in research design, data collection, and data analysis. Activities include the design of an original study using quantitative methods, and dissemination of findings in written and oral formats.
Traditional and contemporary theoretical paradigms applied to current crime trends, with emphasis on the impact of criminological theory on public responses to violent and non-violent crimes. Examples of theories to be discussed include Conflict/Critical, Labeling, Feminist, Social learning, Social bonding, Strain, General strain, Lifecourse, Deterrence, Rational choice, Routine Activities, and Lifestyle.
Recent public policies adopted in response to crime, such as those intended to deter crime, address victim needs, rehabilitate offenders, improve community-police relationships, protect civil liberties, or create new crimes (e.g., new forms of cybercrime, abortion, etc.). Topics include an evaluation of how such policies are developed and implemented, and an analysis of the effects on society or a particular social group.
A planned program of observation, study and work in selected criminal justice and related agencies. Meeting prerequisites does not guarantee an internship placement. A history of illegal drug use or experimentation, a criminal record, location of desired internship, inability to attend on-campus seminars, and other issues may prevent program acceptance as an intern.
An in-depth study of a topic selected by the student which showcases the student's skills and knowledge and contributes to the general knowledge in the criminal justice field. Working with their thesis committee, the student develops a research question, completes a literature review, and designs a research project.
Completion of the capstone research project. Using the scientific method to collect and analyze data, the student disseminates the results of their original project via a written paper and an oral presentation to their thesis committee.
Analysis of programs and practices for involving parents in early childhood educational settings. Emphasis on objectives, methods, techniques and materials for program development. Community resources for supporting programs for children in various instructional settings.
School- and home- based experience with parents. Emphasis is upon home-school relationships and their effects upon the young child's development and learning. Participation with advisory groups, parent activities in the classroom, home visits, and parent-teacher communication. Weekly seminar sessions.
Analysis and discussion of theory and research related to the education of young children. Intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of infants, toddlers and young children will be examined. Special emphasis on implication for developing early childhood educational instructional programs.
An analysis of early childhood program models and curricula with theoretical orientation, related research, societal needs, and the student's philosophy of education.
Provides classroom teachers with an overview of the development of language and communication skills in children, birth through eight.
Theory, research and practices related to the play of young children in various instructional settings.
An overview of the function, funding, management and organization of the many varied programs for young children, including research centers, private and agency controlled schools.
Synthesis of development, curriculum, cognition and related issues in early childhood education.
Early childhood education is a new, developing and rapidly changing field; this course presents an evaluation of current programming. Extensive use will be made of ERIC and similar services. An analysis of what is taking place currently in various innovative and experimental centers.
Open only to teachers and graduate students who have had no experience or training for work with children below the first grade, especially those desiring certification. Supervised school-based experiences and related seminar participation will be required.
Reinforces the science background of practicing elementary teachers. Innovations are examined. Emphasis is placed on methods, materials, community resources and evaluation procedures.
Analysis of a developmental approach to teaching mathematics to early childhood and elementary students.
Analysis of the concepts and skills of arithmetic in the school mathematics curriculum; exploration of diagnostic-prescriptive teaching methods.
Instructional approaches and materials for teaching elementary school mathematics, grades 4-6.
Critical study of the modern elementary school curriculum.
A careful examination of the persistent problems of elementary schools (grouping, promotions, etc.) and the best solutions in terms of research findings and expert opinion.
An overview of the development of the middle school, history, purposes and organization and an in-depth analysis of middle school organization and curriculum. The characteristics of middle school students, methods of evaluating students, and the overall curricular program are also considered.
Analysis of the school curriculum and instructional methods in the designated areas of mathematics; exploration of appropriate outcomes of instruction.
The selection of teaching procedures and instructional materials used to teach social studies in the elementary school will be investigated.
Students will synthesize their graduate studies for a master's degree in elementary education.
Historical developments and recent innovations in curricula, resources, and techniques in the teaching of mathematics in the middle or junior high school. Investigative research into the improvement of instruction is required.
The functional considerations governing educational theories and practices.
Theoretical bases and techniques for teaching reading and writing in the elementary school, using multiple subject areas.
Development of concepts, materials, and practices to implement a whole language philosophy.
Theoretical and practical applications of applying stories and storytelling to 4K-12 school curriculum.
Integrate proven exercises and techniques into the process of story conceptualization, creation, and revision as a basis for teaching creative writing in the K-12 classroom.
Advanced in-depth development of skills using current and emerging technologies.
Utilization of technology in the classroom. Instructional design, long/short-range planning are explored.
Primarily for elementary, secondary and middle school teachers. Teachers at other levels may be accepted.
Rationale and strategies for teaching environmental education
Issues in the teaching of writing, with emphasis on classroom applications K-12 and program development.
Development of understanding School-to-Work issues and developing curriculum that connects schools with the workplace. Strategies for using technological resources as diagnostic tolls in the career development process are included.
Provides educators opportunities to understand the changing world of work and the current technology of the workplace. Course includes on-site opportunities in today's worksite.
Exploration of a current topic in education with emphasis on classroom application.
Exploration of a current topic in education with emphasis on classroom application.
An overview of reading and its curricular implications. Emphasis will be placed on developing teachers' knowledge and understanding of the linguistic, psychological, and social foundations of reading and writing instruction.
Demonstration and critical evaluation of reading and writing instructional approaches. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based approaches, instructional materials and integrative, comprehensive, balanced curricula necessary to support student learning in the PK-5th grade classroom.
Demonstration and critical evaluation of reading and writing instructional approaches for students with visual impairments. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based approaches, how to adapt instructional materials and integrative, comprehensive, balanced curricula necessary to support students with visual impairment in the PK-5th grade classroom.
Literacy instruction for oral language through emergent literacy. Emphasis will be placed on developing phonemic awareness and concepts about print, and on scaffolding the transition through emergent literacy into the initial stages of reading and writing. Related, developmentally appropriate, assessments will be considered as tools for focusing literacy support.
Literacy instruction in grades three through eight supporting the transition of learners from the initial stages of reading and writing into fluency. Emphasis will be placed on integrating literacy instruction throughout the curriculum. Developmentally appropriate literacy assessments as well as techniques for supporting struggling readers and writers will be included.
Diagnostic assessments and differentiated reading strategies. Emphasis will be placed on administering assessments, interpreting results, and matching research-based strategies to meet the needs of PK-5 students. Meets Read to Succeed requirements.
Demonstration and critical evaluation of strategies and structures to promote effective content area literacy. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based approaches and how to incorporate literacy into cross-disciplinary content areas in the PK-5th grade classroom.
A survey of reading and writing strategies for supporting learning in the content areas. Attention will also be given to enhancing literacy skills of middle school and secondary school students.
Theory and application of current evidence-based procedures for teaching children with specific learning disabilities.
Selected educational problems will be identified and explored and probable solutions developed. Emphasis will be on providing practicing school personnel an opportunity to work cooperatively, under supervision, toward solutions to problems that are of immediate concern to them. Activities will include seminars, review of literature, observations, case studies, materials development and other applicable approaches. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a comprehensive proposal designed to alleviate or solve problems identified.
In-depth investigation of a special topic in education. Fully admitted graduate students will have an opportunity to work individually with a faculty member to pursue a topic of interest.
Advanced foundation course for understanding perspectives of special education and disability services, including historical trends and philosophical perspectives; comparative practice of service delivery; policy formulation and analysis; and advocacy roles and activities.
Advanced study of foundations for development, historical context, determinates, content, organization, planning, design and strategies for change of K-12 curricula. The role of teachers in the creation, evaluation and revision of K-12 curriculum is examined.
An exploration of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for teaching children from diverse cultures. Though the course will investigate the history and characteristics diverse cultures, the focus of the course will be on promoting the academic and personal success of these children through appropriate learning settings and effective classroom instruction.
Focus on the relationship between growth and development (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical) and learning for children and adolescents. Particular attention will be given to developmentally appropriate teaching practice, learning differences, and learning difficulties.
Emphasis on the major methods and techniques of research employed by students of education.
An overview of history, application, and methodology of standards-based assessment in the public schools. Special attention will be given to using data analysis to inform and improve instruction.
An examination of salient issues in teaching and learning; the role of educational policy in school reform; and globalization and its effects on PK-12 education.
Study of open-source software, web tools, advanced office tools. Instructional application, copyright issues, and technology limitations are explored.
Historical, social, and pedagogical foundations of project-based learning approaches to education. Applications for project-based learning across the K-12 curriculum will be explored.
Cultural and pedagogical similarities and differences various project-based learning applications.
The implementation through a practicum format of project-based learning applications into various educational contexts.
Theory and practice related to gifted identification, educational and community programs, and provisions for this exceptionality. The unique learning and behavioral characteristics of gifted and talented children and youth and the methodologies for differentiation of the curriculum for these students are explored.
Examination of history and theories of the field, models and processes for curriculum modification and design.
Curricular design, instructional strategies, and the exploration of theoretical models that are suited to the development of differentiated curriculum for the academically and artistically gifted. The design and implementation of thematic units of study are required.
Exploring research in various teaching fields and establishing plans for classroom interventions.
Research-based interventions and instructional techniques in classrooms based upon the needs of learners and curricular objectives. Evaluation of interventions using a variety of data sources are shared across disciplines and contexts.
A historical perspective, legal requirements, ethics, accessibility issues, service delivery systems, prevalence, etiologies, educational interventions, adaptive aids, and resources as it relates to the education of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The cognitive, linguistic, motor, sensory, and psychosocial development characteristics of children and youth with visual impairment are explored.
Thorough review of the structure and functioning of the eye and neurological system relating to visualization, congenital and acquired visual abnormalities and their effects on functioning, ophthalmological examination procedures, and ocular terminology. Educational relevance of course content is emphasized by interpretation of medical eye reports, visual screening, and intervention strategies used to accommodate residual vision.
Provide assistance to a learner with visual impairment who has residual, useful vision by means of optic aids and other adaptive devices. Functional assessment, ophthalmic and optometric consultation, and educational intervention constitute course content.
A historical perspective, review of devices used to transcribe braille, comprehensive overview of uncontracted and contracted braille, and extensive practice in the production of literary braille by the use of the Perkins Brailler and a computerized Perkins Braille emulator. Instruction begins with uncontracted braille and common contractions in a logical sequence until all contractions are covered and the student in proficient in reading and transcribing braille.
Transcription of mathematics, science notation, music, and foreign language into braille on a Perkins Brailler and a computerized Perkins Brailler emulator. This course also includes instruction in using an abacus, creating tactile graphics, developing perceptual skills, using a slate and stylus, and teaching the Nemeth Braille Code to students who are visually impaired.
Adaptive aids, electronic devices, computerized Braille embossers, synthetic voice output, print reading programs and other software. Students learn about technological devices and become proficient in the use and instruction of these devices and programs.
Instruction in cane skills, orientation, mobility, and activities of daily living for students with visual impairment. The role and responsibilities of the teacher in instruction and in relationship with a certified orientation and mobility professional are stressed.
Supervised demonstration of techniques under blindfold and teaching content related to independent and assisted travel skills.
Supervised demonstration of techniques under blindfold and teaching content related to advanced orientation and mobility skills in complex environments.
Assessment, instructional planning, learning theories, adapted instruction, mobility devices, and sensory systems and the impact they can have on independent travel skills for individuals with visual impairments.
Applying and adapting O&M techniques and theories for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities as well as other groups of individuals who may require adapted instruction.
Supervised school-based experiences and community-based instruction with a focus on sequencing, implementing, and assessing individual learning objectives related to orientation and mobility.
The cumulative effects of visual impairment with concomitant disabilities on cognitive, sensory, motor, psychosocial, linguistic, and educational functioning. Educational intervention strategies, service delivery models, legal implications, and the multidisciplinary team model are reviewed.
Formal and informal approaches to evaluation for development of individualized educational programs, materials, equipment, curriculum adaptations, resources, adaptive aids, and instructional strategies. Emphasis is on knowledge of resources, methods of teaching, and how to develop and implement appropriate educational programs for learners with blindness and low vision.
Supervised school-based experience and related seminar for initial certification preparation.
Capstone field experiences and completion of a comprehensive teacher work sample. Candidates complete a minimum of 350 hours of supervised teaching of students with visual impairment. The comprehensive teacher work sample is completed, presented for committee review, and defended.
An overview of language and linguistics and their relationship to teaching and learning. Attention will be given to phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics as they relate to linguistic theory; to issues of language use; to questions of language in the social context, particularly in the K-12 classroom; and to issues of language acquisition and language learning.
Principles and strategies for developing and implementing effective instruction for K-12 second language learners. Focus is given on a variety of philosophies and models for teaching English to second language learners, variables affecting the learning of English by second language learners, and learning strategy research.
Theories of first and second language acquisition and literacy acquisition. Attention is given to strategies and techniques for guiding second language learners through the reading and writing process and for assessing progress in literacy acquisition.
Impact of linguistic and cultural differences characterizing US classrooms today. Attention will be given to issues, challenges, and opportunities for teaching and learning resulting from diversity. Appropriate curricula, materials, assessment, and home-school collaboration strategies will be considered.
Educational assessment of academic achievement K-12 second language learners. Content focuses on authentic assessment within the classroom, and includes psychometric statistics and theory, review of commonly-used standardized tests, appropriate modification of tests to achieve non-bias, and the review of legislative, legal, and ethical standards.
Clinical experience to prepare teachers to provide effective teaching/learning experiences for K-12 second language learners. The focus of the practicum will be the application of principles, guidelines, strategies and techniques appropriate for K-12 second language learners.
Forum for discussion on current trends and research in Exercise and Sport Science, as well as brainstorming unit for research study design.
Design Methods used to study the relationships between physical activity and physical and mental health outcomes.
Statistical analysis and software use in the Exercise and Sports Science field.
Acute and chronic effects on the musculoskeletal, bioenergetic, renal, and cardiorespiratory systems. The content includes discussion of factors that affect exercise performance such as ergogenic aids, genetics, age, sex, and environmental conditions.
Fundamental theories and principles essential to understanding the psychological and behavioral aspects of sport performance including the conceptual frameworks and the applied aspects of sport performance including the conceptual frameworks and the applied aspects of sport performance enhancement and mental skills, exercise behavior and motivation, sociological factors, and health.
Effects of exercise on brain, mood, and cognition in normal and special populations as well as implications for public policies and therapies.
Acquisition and practice of advanced laboratory techniques that measure various physiological and fitness parameters in both clinical and research settings.
Mechanisms that affect neuromuscular and endocrine function, particularly in response to acute or chronic physical activity in healthy and unhealthy populations.
Principles and concepts of cardiorespiratory control and adaptions in response to exercise including neural, endocrine, and intrinsic control of cardiac function, respiration, and hemodynamics.
Cardiopulmonary physiology, ECG and pulmonary testing interpretation and health-related applications including the implication of disease and structural abnormalities, and the relationship of cardiopulmonary function to exercise adaption.
Principles of exercise testing and prescription for general, special, and clinical populations including behavior modification, metabolic equations, health history assessment, common medications, and emergency risk management.
Overview of the physical, physiological, and metabolic responses of the human body to exercise testing and training in healthy individuals and in the metabolic, cardiovascular, and/or pulmonary disease.
Selected topics about current or emerging research in Exercise Science. Topics vary depending on faculty expertise
Topics vary depending on progress towards completion of Exercise and Sport Science final project. This course may be repeated for credit.
Practical experiences in clinical cardio-pulmonary setting for 135 hours.
Intensive experiences in clinical cardio-pulmonary setting for 270 hours.
Supervised research experiment contributing to general knowledge in the field. Candidates develop a research problem, literature review, and research model.
Continued supervised research experiment. Candidate complete data collection, analysis, and draw conclusions for dissemination and contribution to the general knowledge in the field.
Collection, organization, and interpretation of data pertinent to public health and vital statistics, population data, morbidity and mortality rates, and ratios in public health. Principles of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The characterization of health analytics and the continuum of business analytics and clinical analytics used for systemic changes in health care analytical strategy.
Environment and activities necessary to plan, evaluate, select, negotiate contracts, implement and evaluate systems from information technology suppliers in the healthcare industry. Internal and external demands placed on purchasing and supply chain managers internal and external to healthcare organizations. Workflow patterns and the identification of ways in which information technology (IT) can improve these processes.
Managerial and legal issues of healthcare corporate compliance, essential elements of a compliance program, federal legislation, and enforcement initiatives conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Inspector General.
Long range planning, migration path, regulations, and the impact electronic healthcare records had on information resources.
Advanced methods for turning data into information and information into wisdom, concepts and real-world applications of data mining and decision support systems including discovery of interesting facts and decision-making.
IT alignment to Cloud computing concepts, technologies, models, types, characteristics, architecture, IT governance, corporate politics that support varies building business cases for strategic IT investments, risk management, oversight of cloud based information security policies, and general executive-level business knowledge for information resource managers.
Incorporation of creative, alternative, parallel thinking methods, and computer-aided innovation (CAI) into existing governance processes and protecting the resulting intellectual property as a critical resource to sustain competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Laws, regulations, guidelines, and enforcement dictating data protection safeguards and privacy practices as well as the ethical, moral, and legal issues involved in securing data and information against cybersecurity threats.
Structural design of shared information environments, such as customizable user interfaces, website portals, intranets, and online communities and the conceptual forms maximizing effective presentation and usability.
Cybersecurity management, network and security foundation, data recovery techniques, network vulnerability assessments and technologies, issues such as cyber intelligence and internet governance, anticipating attacks, using monitoring tools, and developing defensive strategies.
History of human cognitive augmentation and intelligence amplification, cognitive architectures, current status of the rapidly emerging cognitive computing field, research directions and current trends defining the cognitive systems revolution including deep learning, distributed question/answer, big data, neurosynaptic computer devices and architecture, natural language interfaces, and the democratization of expertise.
Fundamental topics necessary for digital forensics investigation. Cyber-crime laws, the 4th Amendment, compliance and requirements, collection and handling, analysis, and reporting. Topics include: File forensics techniques, forensics artifacts, and anti-forensics.
Use of information technology to facilitate better business decisions by collecting and analyzing the efficiency and productivity of internal operations as well as external influences such as competitors, market trends, and global economics.
Techniques for integrating information from disparate systems by different manufacturers using different formats and communication protocols. Topics include: XML, EDI, Web services, and standards-based open-source collaboration.
Organizing and using resources to complete structured projects, activities, and tasks within defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints including the selection and alignment of performance metrics to bottom-line goals of the enterprise.
Select subjects and current trends in the social, cultural, political, and technical issues associated with information resource management.
Directed research and study in informatics, information technology, information resource management, or healthcare information management. This course may be repeated.
Preparation of a thesis and research in the pursuit of the masters degree in informatics. Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 hours, but this course may be repeated for additional hours.
Statistical estimation methods using R. Topics will include basic programming in R including simple graphs, data input and output, basic statistical concepts including probability theory, linear regression models, general linear models, piecewise linear regression, logistic regression, and factor analysis including exploratory and confirmatory analysis.
The fundamentals of data mining, data management, and data warehousing. Topics include design and querying of relational databases, design, setup, and use of data warehouses and various data and text mining methodologies.
Contemporary and comprehensive treatment of modern time series and empirical prediction. Topics include autoregression, moving average, ARIMA processes, volatility models, cluster analysis, and structural equation modeling.
Case-based approach to understanding the role and impact of data analytics on business performance. Data cleaning and data quality, analytics project life cycle, machine learning, fundamentals of good visualization, effective technical communication strategies, and ethical frameworks for business analytics are explored.
The essential and practical skills in visualization, including computer graphics, visual data representation, physical and human vision models, numerical representation of knowledge and concepts, animation techniques, pattern analysis, and computational methods. Various software tools will be studied including R, gg-plot2, and Tableau 8.
Applications of optimization through case studies and computer exercises to provide insights into business and economics. Statistical methods will include linear, network, integer, and nonlinear optimization using Excel and SAS/OPTMODEL.
Skills and knowledge necessary to model situations where uncertainty is a major factor. Models may include decision trees, Monte Carlo simulation, discrete event simulation, and stochastic optimization, along with applications for solving a wide variety of common business problems.
Collect, process and analyze financial data. The emphasis will be on analyzing firm valuation and firm and industry performance; forecasting and managing firm growth; evaluating business projects and major corporate decisions; and researching risk and returns of stocks, bonds, and portfolios.
Fundamentals of applying data analytics approaches in accounting and auditing. Topics include using the IMPACT model in accounting and auditing; designing and querying relational database using the REA (resource/events/agents) data model and SQL; understanding strategic and emerging technologies in accounting relating to data analytics; and applying auditing analytics and modern auditing concepts to aid in sampling and risk assessment.
Ethical and legal theories that have led to various regulations, including antitrust, workers' compensation, social security, employment law, taxation, and environmental compliance. Topics will include the uses of analytics to support the overarching theories and regulations.
Quantitative modeling tools and techniques used to solve problems faced in modern supply chains such as forecasting demand, determining the capacity of a manufacturing line, and optimizing the production operation.
Principle and practical issues while effectively integrating data analytics topics using R/Python. Topics will include data preparation, missing data, lists, functions, and loops.
Methods and tools to collect, analyze, and report website usage data by visitors, emphasizing the nature of the visits to websites and visitors' demographics. Concepts, tools, tutorials, and case studies that business managers need to extract and analyze the seven layers of social media data, including text, actions, networks, apps, hyperlinks, search engine, and location layers will be emphasized.
Developing analytical methods and applying statistical and mathematical tools to predict consumer behavior. Formal models to analyze how and when customers make product purchase decisions, configure new products, develop market segments, forecast market share, and determine optimal pricing strategies will be introduced.
Solving business problems from data collection and model construction through analysis and presentation of results to recommendations for specific business decisions. Commercial and open source software tools will be used to build models and conduct analyses.
Select subjects and current trends in the social, cultural, political, and technical issues associated with business analytics.
Select niche topic in business analytics and related disciplines with a special focus on applying theories and principles in business analytics to solve real-world problems. Emphasis is on applied learning to achieve in-depth expertise in a topic of relevance to the workforce.
Exploration of various nursing theories and the utilization of nursing theory to health care delivery and to the role of the Masters-prepared nurse. This course investigates nursing theory and its relationship to providing comprehensive and holistic care.
Comprehensive advanced holistic health assessment skills based on the integration of advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge necessary to identify health needs and risks. Emphasis will be placed on the differentiation between normal and abnormal findings, integration of laboratory findings and diagnostic reasoning analyses for clinical decision making, incorporating the principles of health promotion.
Examination of the pathophysiological bases of disease processes. Advanced pathophysiological concepts for all body systems as a foundation for clinical decision making and nursing management by the advanced practice nurse are included.
Emphasis on understanding the ways cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, linguistic, spiritual, religious and lifestyle variations are expressed. Attention is directed at increasing the capacity of health care professionals to develop culturally sensitive health care systems.
Educational theories and principles for students, patients, and groups. Teaching and learning themes apply evidence-based strategies and prepare nurses to teach patients, peers, and students in various settings.
Advanced exploration of essential digital, media and information literacies and their conceptual underpinnings critical to nursing practice in increasingly technology health care environments. Learners engage in a variety of advanced technological uses and skills while synthesizing health care information and management.
Curriculum development, revision, and the role of the nurse educator in supporting cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning. Topics include characteristics of a good curriculum, appropriate teaching/learning and educator resources.
Examination of the outcomes from and use of instructional strategies. Topics are designed for graduate-level nursing students targeting areas of staff development, patient education, and academia. The students will explore goal-setting and ongoing improvement of instructional approaches that lead to positive results.
Comprehensive review of the social determinants of health and health inequities influencing rural populations. Learners formulate nursing plans to address problems identified.
Preparation of Masters-prepared nurses with skills and knowledge needed to use nursing evidence to provide high quality nursing care, initiate change and promote evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice models are used to evaluate and apply scientific knowledge surrounding practice issues.
Examination of health care policy organization and finance. Topics explore the role of the Masters-prepared nurse in providing high quality, cost-effective care and addresses issues related to the delivery of healthcare.
Leadership in the healthcare delivery system across all settings. The definition and role of the transformational nurse leader will be explored as well as implementation across various settings. Fundamental aspects of nurse leadership will be expanded upon to prepare the graduate for this multifaceted responsibility.
Introduces the CNL role as clinician, outcomes manager, client advocate, educator, information manager, systems analyst, team member and lifelong learner. CNL portfolio is initiated. Minimum of 75 clinical practicum hours required.
The challenges that nurse managers and healthcare organizations face including the relationships between healthcare systems and structures within organizational theory and their ability to efficiently plan and organize within an ever-changing and highly complex healthcare system.
Immersion experience in an international or national setting. Exploration of the interplay of culture, public health, ethics, social justice, policy, and models of health care delivery in a global perspective. Course will require travel and related expenses. Language course preparation may be required.
Healthcare policy from an economic perspective including alternative healthcare systems and healthcare reform. Content examines the US healthcare structure comprehensively including the important role of finances and policies within the current healthcare system.
Exploration of current issues influencing healthcare policies including finance with specific attention to the role of the nursing leader as an advocate. The current health policies at the local, state, and federal level and analysis of nursing contributions to healthcare policies are emphasized.
Comprehensive review of pharmacological concepts and principles. Focuses on use of pharmacotherapeutics in the treatment of disease and in health promotion.
Application of the principles of quality improvement and risk management within a healthcare organization. The methods, tools, performance measures, and standards of quality and patient safety to implement quality improvement risk management within a healthcare organization will be synthesized.
Examination of appropriate data analysis techniques to various research designs. An overview of health information systems that are utilized to develop patient data sets and safeguard privacy is provided.
Provides an opportunity for students to address problems in health systems leadership education using evidence based approaches.
Transition into the CNL role as clinician, outcomes manager, client advocate, educator, information manager, systems analyst, team member and lifelong learner. Functioning under the guidance of a faculty member and clinical preceptor, the student continues creating the CNL portfolio with additional emphasis on microsystem assessment. A minimum of 75 clinical practicum hours required.
Exploration of the role of nurse educators in academic, community, and clinical settings. Teaching and learning strategies used by nurse educators in various settings including academia, community, and in-patient settings are emphasized.
Preceptor-guided experience with advanced educational principles and theories. Application of the nurse educator core competencies from the National League for Nurses for a minimum of 250 hours is required.
Accountability for healthcare outcomes for specific groups of patients within a unit or setting. Application of research is utilized to implement and evaluate plans of care. Relevant factors are synthesized to evaluate and achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Culmination of evidence based practice project initiated in NURS U723. A required final portfolio verifies the development and competency of the student in the CNL role and records the student's achievements.
Immersion experiences in the role of the Clinical Nurse Leader. Involves 300 clinical practicum hours.
Instruction on performance and organizational dynamics of healthcare. Healthcare organizations throughout American history will be examined with a focus on the twenty-first century healthcare system.
Evaluation of performance and organizational dynamics of healthcare with a focus on healthcare organizations throughout American history emphasizing twenty-first century healthcare systems.
Transition into the role of nurse leader. A minimum of 187.5 hours is required to develop core competencies of the nursing leader, which are communication, knowledge, leadership, professionalism, and business skills.
Health care trends, best practice guidelines, and resources related to the care of patients experiencing chronic and acute illness.
Experience in various health care settings managing chronic and acute illnesses in a population of interest.
Assessment of relevant ethical topics in healthcare. This course will explore and examine fundamental ethical principles and build specialized knowledge with applications to societal and professional ethical challenges and dilemmas to advance the common good.
A learning experience collaboratively planned by the nursing faculty member and the student.
Ethical, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational theories from a range of disciplines. Content targets the principles of philosophy of science, social, political, and historical factors that have shaped the evolution of nursing science and practice. Theories and concepts providing the framework for the practice doctorate in nursing are critiqued.
Epidemiological research and the distribution and determinants of health and disease in human populations. Content targets improving health by altering personal and environmental risk factors.
Global health problems facing the world's populations today, efforts taken to improve health at a global level, and its impact at the national, state, and local levels on public and community health among diverse populations.
Global health problems facing the world's populations today, efforts taken to improve health at a global level, and its impact at the national, state, and local levels on public and community health among diverse populations. 90 clinical hours required.
The leadership role of the DNP in natural and man-made disasters. Course targets emergency preparedness including planning, response, mitigation, and remediation. Content highlights public health risks. Students will utilize systems analysis to promote effective collaboration in disasters.
The principles of healthcare informatics, communication networks, and healthcare technology in assessing, delivering, and evaluating healthcare in various settings. Ethical and legal considerations are integrated into the application of technological best practices to care.
The economic, financial, social, and political forces that influence healthcare policy and examine current healthcare policies and factors that influence policy development. Explores the relationship between healthcare economics, healthcare policy, and population health and examines the role of the nurse in influencing and constructing healthcare policy to support community health.
The dynamic and complex health care system and organizational imperatives to deliver quality health care through clinical initiatives based on ethics, industry standards, key outcome indicators, and cost-quality imperatives. Explores relevant theories of organizational change, systems leadership, organizational culture, healthcare finance, communications, and systems thinking to produce quality patient outcomes.
The application of best practices to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the structures and processes in public and community health settings, including alternative strategies to bridge gaps between desired and actual healthcare outcomes, and upstream strategies for health care systems improvement in quality and safety in complex health environments. Students complete at least 90 clinical hours in this course.
Information and tools for strategically evaluating change initiatives and outcomes in public and community health practice environments.
Essentials of doctoral nursing practice in collaboration with advanced healthcare professionals and faculty. The faculty-guided DNP project practicum course focuses on the application of advanced nursing practice and systems-level knowledge in a public/community healthcare setting. Learners translate current best evidence and use collaboration, leadership, and knowledge of informatics to design, implement, and evaluate a project to improve health outcomes. A minimum of 135 clinical hours is required.
Project implementation of essentials of doctoral nursing practice in collaboration with advanced healthcare professionals and faculty, including in-depth study of a select phenomenon of scholarly interest. This is the second of three faculty-guided DNP project practicum courses focused on providing students with experience in the application of advanced nursing practice and systems level knowledge in a public/community healthcare setting. A minimum of 180 clinical hours is required.
Project evaluation and dissemination of essentials of doctoral nursing practice in collaboration with advanced healthcare professionals and faculty, including in-depth study of a select phenomenon of scholarly interest. This is the third of three DNP project practicum courses focused on providing students with experience in the application of advanced nursing practice and systems level knowledge in a public/community healthcare setting. A minimum of 180 clinical hours is required.
Continuation of faculty-guided DNP practicum and project hours from previous semesters. The goals for this course are to provide additional time for students to finish the program project. A minimum of 45 practicum hours are required.
A specialized learning experience regarding the role of the DNP college nursing faculty member and the student.