CIC would like to highlight a sampling of member institutions that shared with us that they are launching new programs, majors, or scholarships. There is innovation in our sector, and we are pleased to pass on some great examples that were sent to us.
If you have important or exciting news to share about your institution, please email Allison Barkley, CIC communication operations specialist, at abarkley@cic.edu to be considered for an upcoming newsletter article.
Midway University Hosts Summer Academy Academic Camps
Midway University (KY) launched the Summer Academy, an immersive, on-campus experience designed to educate rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as admitted and prospective Fall 2025 students. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore potential career pathways and get a feel for college life at Midway University.
Each different session provides students with hands-on learning experiences. Participants will select from the following program options: Eagle Scholar Experience, Forensic Science Experience: Can You Solve the Crime?, The Midway Equine Experience, Game Jam Experience, Future Nurses Experience, Social Media Marketing Experience, Future Leaders Experience: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Playful Paths: A Teaching Experience in Nurturing Nature and Creativity, and Math Escape Experience. Read more on the Midway website.
Anderson University Offers Summer Program Based on MLK Teachings
Anderson University (SC) became the first school in the state to offer classes based on the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. Those principles include conscience, hope, love, justice, perseverance and freedom. The university is offering a summer course for college students stemming from that curriculum: The Andrew Young Higher Education Initiative is endorsed and named after civil rights leader and former US Ambassador Andrew Young.
Students were chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as from other universities, to spend a week at Anderson learning how to apply King’s principles to fight division and hatred. Next year, Anderson University plans to host even more students from across the nation. The MLK Curriculum is also being workshopped internationally, with the hopes of bringing students from overseas to Anderson within the next two years.
McDaniel College Moves to Develop New Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
McDaniel College (MD) is continuing to grow its graduate programs, while expanding the college’s academic offerings in health care, with the development of a new Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. The program has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and is expected to launch in Spring 2027. The Speech-Language Pathology program will be campus-based with some courses available in a hybrid format in the second year to allow for flexible scheduling during the required clinical externship placement experiences.
D’Jaris Coles-White, a speech-language pathology researcher and practitioner, has joined McDaniel to serve as the inaugural program director. Coles-White previously taught as an associate professor at Western Michigan University, where she was awarded a Presidential Innovation Professorship and served as associate chair of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Her research focuses on autism and child language, and she was involved in the creation of the Diagnostic Evaluation of Language Variation, a two-part screening test designed to detect a language disorder in children who speak dialects other than Mainstream American English, such as African American English. Read more on the McDaniel website.
Luther College Improves Pathways for Transfer Students; Adds Marketing Major to Meet Student Demand
Students who transfer to Luther College (IA) from other institutions have traditionally been a small part of the new student population each year. But through participation in the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative and the work of Luther faculty and staff, Luther is preparing to welcome more transfer students in the future. The project started when Luther and 18 other four-year institutions formed the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative. With support from a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis and Teagle foundations, the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative brings together faculty from community colleges and four-year institutions to ensure the seamless transfer of academic credit. This partnership has addressed several challenges for student transfers, including streamlining processes, designating an admissions staff person to assist prospective students, and easing access to transfer course equivalencies. Now, transfer students are experiencing a smooth admission process. Luther welcomed 27 new transfer students in Fall 2024, representing ten states, including Iowa, and four countries. 18.5 percent of those students are first-generation.
Starting in Fall 2025, Luther College will offer a marketing major. The new program will provide coursework for students to understand consumer behavior, analyze market trends, and develop creative strategies fostered through an incubator atmosphere. Along with supporting employment opportunities, Luther is launching the marketing program to meet growing demand among current and prospective students. The Luther admissions team reported that marketing is a program of “high interest” with students inquiring about studying marketing, advertising, social media, digital marketing, and sports marketing. Read more on the Luther website.
Lipscomb University Launches LUInnovate and Foundations to Futures
Lipscomb University (TN) announced the launch of LUInnovate, the university’s new Office of Innovation. LUInnovate’s mission is to maximize exposure and access to Lipscomb University’s educational offerings through high-quality content, unique learning experiences, and industry partnerships. The office will work closely with university leadership, faculty members, and external stakeholders to design and implement innovative programs and partnerships. Leading this new initiative is Todd McCullough, who has been appointed the university’s first chief innovation officer. McCullough, a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, global consulting firms, and higher education institutions, will spearhead LUInnovate’s efforts to expand Lipscomb’s reach and impact.
Lipscomb University also launched Foundations to Futures, a dual-impact teacher apprenticeship program to address workforce needs in early childhood education while providing a pathway for aspiring teachers seeking to earn a fully funded bachelor’s degree in early education. The apprenticeship program will create a pipeline of trained teachers to fill workforce needs at early childhood education centers across the state. The program is a collaboration among the Tennessee Department of Education, the US Department of Labor, and the Joe C. Davis Foundation that removes financial barriers and creates a unique opportunity for students to graduate debt-free and with experience in the classroom. This new apprenticeship program also covers ancillary costs such as books, transportation, childcare and other expenses that could interrupt students’ progress toward licensure, giving teaching candidates in the program the opportunity to earn their degree for free. The program is projected to launch this fall. Read more on the Lipscomb website.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Launches New Career-Focused Graduate Programs in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Cybersecurity
St. Thomas Aquinas College (NY) continues to lead in career-driven graduate education with the latest expansion of ADVANCE: Graduate and Certificate Programs for Lifelong Learners with new MBA concentrations and Advanced Certificates in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Cybersecurity. Launching in Fall 2025, the new MBA concentrations are offered through a partnership with Rize Education, ensuring an industry-aligned curriculum that delivers real-world business applications of AI, business analytics, and cybersecurity strategies. With flexible online and on-campus options, students can tailor their MBA or certificate experience to fit their schedules while gaining hands-on expertise that translates directly into leadership roles in technology-driven industries.
These new programs join the college’s growing ADVANCE portfolio, which recently introduced an MS and Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science and a Master of Public Administration with new specializations in Nonprofit Leadership and Criminal Justice Leadership, further strengthening the college’s commitment to high-impact, career-focused education. Read more on the St. Thomas Aquinas website.
Albright College Announces Significant Tuition Reduction for Graduate Programs; Expands STEM Offerings with Three New Undergraduate Majors
Albright College (PA) announced a significant tuition reduction exclusively for its graduate programs in education and business, making advanced study in these fields more accessible and affordable than ever. Beginning in Fall 2025, tuition will drop from $1,540 per course to $975 per 3-credit course—ensuring students can pursue their advanced degrees with minimal financial burden. Read more on the Albright website.
Albright College has also announced the addition of three undergraduate majors to its academic offerings: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, and Cybersecurity. These innovative programs will launch in the Fall 2026 semester. Albright faculty have collaborated with industry professionals to develop curricula that align with current best practices and emerging technologies. The programs will also feature guest lectures from leading technology professionals, opportunities for internships with regional and national companies, and capstone projects that address real-world challenges. The majors reflect Albright’s commitment to providing students with cutting-edge educational opportunities that respond to evolving workforce needs.
Brescia University Launches Graduate Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Brescia University (KY) launched its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. Classes begin in Fall 2025 and will be delivered in an online hybrid format, with two required on-campus residency experiences. Brescia has long-standing experience in offering programs in areas such as social work, clinical psychology, and speech-language pathology. The addition of this degree supports Brescia University’s commitment to academic excellence, career preparation, and lifelong learning while also directly addressing the community’s need for more mental health professionals. Read more on the Brescia website.
North Central College Launches Master of Arts in Teaching Program
North Central College (IL) has introduced a Master of Arts in Teaching program that provides a pathway to Illinois teacher licensure for those who did not receive an undergraduate degree in teaching. The program features a hybrid format—fully online coursework combined with on-site field experience—and an accelerated timeline. The program is available in two tracks: Secondary Education, which can be completed in five semesters, and Elementary Education, which can be completed in six semesters. The program capitalizes on North Central College’s long history of teacher education at the undergraduate level.
Program Features:
- 100 percent online and flexible coursework with on-site field experience
- Students can choose Elementary or Secondary licensure with the option to add on a Learning Behavior Specialist licensure
- Expert faculty members who serve as mentors and are dedicated to supporting students throughout the program, including the admission process
- North Central College assists students in finding field and student teaching placements
- Opportunity to reduce the cost of tuition by 20 percent through the Education Alliance Partnership
Read more on the North Central website.
New Trine, Parkview Partnership Provides Tuition and Employment for Surgical Technology Students
Trine University (IN) and Parkview Health are partnering to provide financial support, enhanced training, and a seamless pathway to employment for students interested in a surgical technology career. Through the Parkview Academy of Surgical Technology in Partnership with Trine, up to ten students will receive apprenticeships that include paid positions with benefits as Parkview Health coworkers and paid tuition to Trine’s program.
Students in the Academy will benefit from surgical technology training embedded within their employment, allowing them to enter the workforce better prepared to serve in operating rooms. Trine University’s Associate of Applied Science in surgical technology program prepares students for a career in the growing field of surgical technology, allowing them to complete a degree in as little as 17 months. The program provides maximum clinical exposure, beginning in the first semester, at multiple sites. Read more on the Trine website.
Wellness-Focused Student Center Opens at Moravian University
Moravian University (PA) will open the HUB, a transformative, state-of-the-art student center designed to foster student wellness, community, and academic and career success, in Fall 2025.
The new student center will include the university’s health center, counseling center, and key student support offices, along with quiet reflection spaces, meeting rooms, and conference facilities that can accommodate up to 500 guests. Apple technology will be featured throughout the building to support academic success and collaboration among students, faculty and staff.
The HUB has earned WELL Precertification from the International WELL Building Institute—recognizing buildings designed to enhance human health and wellbeing through intentional, evidence-based design. It is one of only two higher education facilities in Pennsylvania to achieve this recognition, joining a building at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The HUB is part of Moravian’s ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience rooted in care, innovation, and purpose. Read more on the Moravian website.
St. Edward’s University Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Nursing Program and School of Health Sciences
Leadership from St. Edward’s University (TX), Texas state lawmakers, Austin city leaders, local health officials, and long-standing supporters of St. Edward’s came together in July to commemorate the milestone achievement and honor the inaugural nursing program cohort within the School of Health Sciences. The historic ceremony was a testament to the university’s commitment to developing new programs addressing the critical needs of society, such as the ongoing nationwide nursing shortage, and attaining academic excellence through world-class, innovative educational opportunities for students.
The event began with a special reception, where honorable guest speakers shared their inspiring remarks regarding the significance of the new nursing program and School of Health Sciences. Also in attendance were members of the Ladies of Charity of Austin, a woman-run Catholic organization serving the Austin community since 1880. During the reception, charity representatives participated in a check-signing presentation for a $1 million gift towards renovations for the new school and its state-of-the-art instructional labs in Fleck Hall.
Following the reception, honorable guests joined President Montserrat Fuentes on the entrance steps of Fleck Hall for a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony — signifying the official opening of the School of Health Sciences. Guests then made their way inside Fleck Hall to tour the Simulation and Learning Resource Center, where nursing students utilize high-quality equipment and mannequins to gain experience in real-life scenarios in clinical patient care. Read more on the St. Edward’s website.
Briar Cliff University Expands TEL Partnership to Support College Student Eligibility and Retention
Briar Cliff University (IA) is expanding its partnership with TEL Education to help address two key challenges in higher education: academic eligibility and student retention. As part of a new initiative launched by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and TEL Education, Briar Cliff is excited to be a partner institution to help students maintain their eligibility and participate in their sport. This expanded collaboration builds on Briar Cliff’s existing TEL partnership, which provides flexible, online college credit opportunities for high school students through dual enrollment. Now, the university will also offer TEL-supported courses to current college students who need additional academic options to enhance their eligibility status and continue progress toward their degrees.
Through Briar Cliff’s On-Demand Courses, powered by the TEL platform, students can enroll in regionally accredited, self-paced general education courses that count toward graduation. Courses are available throughout the year, with fall, spring, and summer terms. They can be completed in as little as two weeks or extended to six months. This expansion aligns with Briar Cliff’s commitment to creating responsive, student-centered pathways that help students stay academically eligible for their pursuits. Read more on the Briar Cliff website.
Midway University Launches Three New Academic Programs: Data Science, Exercise Science, and Supply Chain Management
Midway University (KY) announced the introduction of three new academic programs for the upcoming academic year: data science, exercise science, and supply chain management. These undergraduate programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the job market and provide students with the skills necessary to excel in their respective fields.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science program, a STEM major, will equip students with essential knowledge in data analytics, statistical methods, and programming. The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program will focus on the scientific principles of physical activity and wellness, preparing students for careers in fitness, rehabilitation, and health promotion. The Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management program will equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and optimize the flow of goods, services, information, and finances throughout the entire supply chain, a field that is critical to many of Kentucky’s manufacturers and industries. All of these programs will be available for enrollment starting in the fall semester of 2025. Read more on the Midway website.
Messiah University Launches NEXT Steps, a Residential Certificate Program for Students with Intellectual Disability
Messiah University (PA) launched the NEXT Steps program, a fully residential, two-year, four-semester certificate program designed to provide a transformative college experience for students with intellectual disability. This new program reflects Messiah’s commitment to inclusive education, equipping students with intellectual disability with the skills and experiences they need to lead more independent lives.
The NEXT Steps program (Navigating Educational Experiences Together) offers students aged 18-25 who have completed high school the opportunity to live on Messiah’s campus, engage in academic and co-curricular activities, and participate fully in campus life. Through individualized support and programming, the initiative aims to enhance students’ independence, vocational readiness, and social connections. Read more on the Messiah website.
Dakota Wesleyan University Partners with Mitchell Public Schools to Transform Local Education
Dakota Wesleyan University (SD) announced a historic $33 million gift from Roger and Vicki Musick to elevate education in the Mitchell, South Dakota community and beyond. A portion of the endowment will fund free advanced degrees and customized graduate certificates for Mitchell Public Schools (MPS) teachers, while also strengthening Dakota Wesleyan’s Department of Education. The initiative will also expand opportunities for students: scholarships will be available for MPS graduates to attend Dakota Wesleyan, and high school juniors and seniors who qualify for free and reduced lunch will be able to take dual-credit courses at no cost. A signature element of the MPS investment is a free after-school program at all three elementary schools, ensuring every grade-school child has access to academic support and enrichment.
Together, these efforts support a shared vision of making Mitchell the premier community for education in South Dakota. Educators will have direct access to advanced professional development, while Dakota Wesleyan education majors gain unparalleled hands-on classroom experience within the district. In addition, Dakota Wesleyan will develop custom graduate certificates designed to meet the specific needs of local educators and administrators. Read more on Dakota Wesleyan’s website.
Stillman College Launches the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management Program Fall 2025
Through the last 20 years, Stillman College (AL) has produced an Olympic gold medalist, Super Bowl champion, championship coaches across all levels, front office personnel, and sports agents. Now, Stillman College offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management which launched in Fall 2025 for students seeking a career in coaching, athletics administration, or sports business.
The new major brings the total of majors offered by Stillman College to 19. Taught in the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, in partnership with the School of Business, the BS in Sport Management consists of courses that include an introduction to sport management, facilities and equipment, policy analysis and compliance, and a course in personal branding and name, image, and likeness (NIL). This degree creates internship opportunities across the nation, but specifically in Tuscaloosa with the Stillman College Athletics Department, including the 2026 HBCU Athletic Conference Basketball Championships, hosted by Stillman and Visit Tuscaloosa.
Stephens College Among Only 26 US Schools to Offer Animal Behavior Degree
Stephens College (MO) announced its new Animal Behavior Program, led by Jill Villareal, the founding chair. Villareal has also been appointed chair of the psychology program, strengthening the college’s interdisciplinary commitment to studying animals and the ways they enrich human life.
Stephens now joins an elite group: according to CollegeValuesOnline, which used NCES/College Navigator data, Stephens is one of just 26 colleges and universities in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in Animal Behavior or an Animal Behavior–related field. The new program builds on Stephens’ longstanding reputation as the pet-friendliest campus on the planet. With a nationally recognized Equestrian program, pet-friendly residence halls, hands-on research opportunities, and a partnership with Retrieving Freedom Inc. to train and provide service animals for veterans, Stephens offers students an unmatched environment to learn, live, and love alongside animals of every kind—from cockatiels and iguanas to rabbits, ferrets, cats, and dogs. Read more on the Stephens website.
Mount St. Mary’s University Adds New Computational Technology Programs
Mount St. Mary’s University (MD) Division of Continuing Studies recently developed a new Bachelor of Science in Computational Technology, as well as a Computational Technology Baccalaureate Certificate. Courses are entirely online, offering working adults a flexible option to further their education in a high-demand field. Students can begin enrolling in the program in January 2026. Computational technology is an interdisciplinary major, synthesizing curriculum from data and computer science, business, and mathematics to prepare students for real-world, tech-based careers. Computational technology graduates go on to build a variety of careers, in fields like cybersecurity, IT, artificial intelligence, research, and software development.
The Mount’s new program and certificate were designed with working adults and nontraditional undergraduates in mind. Courses are offered in five and eight-week sessions, both asynchronous and synchronous online, and provide a convenient and affordable pathway to a new career without sacrificing academic experience. The certificate is also available to traditional undergraduate students studying on the Mount’s Emmitsburg campus.