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.
New Programs
Alvernia University Launches Banking and Financial Services Academy
Alvernia University (PA) launched the Banking and Financial Services Academy, a two-year, cohort-based professional program designed with regional banking executives to build the next generation of banking and financial services leaders. Offered through Alvernia’s Academies, the program blends executive mentorship, case-based learning and an applied capstone that advances each participating institution’s growth goals.
Built by banking leaders for banking leaders, the academy is guided by an advisory and steering committee representing Fulton Financial Corp., Customers Bank, Tompkins Community Bank and Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors. Senior executives from Customers Bank, Visions Federal Credit Union, Orrstown Bank, and Alvernia serve as content curators and mentors. Participants complete a 24-month sequence focused on emotional intelligence and leadership development; relationship and sales mastery; commercial banking and corporate responsibility; and compliance and governance. The learning model combines in-person intensives, online modules and cohort collaboration and features keynote perspectives from the Federal Reserve, banking leadership from around the country, as well as industry investment experts. The academy complements Alvernia’s expanding portfolio of industry-aligned academies and workforce partnerships.
Hood College Receives NSF Grant for Biotechnology Training Program
Hood College (MD) has been awarded a $999,850 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies program to launch the Innovative, Immersive Training Program in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing. Led by Rana Khan, director for the Biomedical Research and Education Center, the three-year project will prepare undergraduate and community college transfer students for high-demand careers in the biotechnology workforce.
A total of 51 students, 17 annually, will participate in a year-long immersive experience, including specialized coursework, paid summer internships, site visits, site-specific mini-courses at partner sites, and hands-on training aligned, supported by local industry partners such as the Maryland Tech Council, with AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, and Texcell. Additionally, planned partnerships with Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College will reserve spots in the program for community college transfer students.
Millsaps College Awarded Gulf Scholars Grant; Teams Up with the University of Mississippi School of Law
Millsaps College (MS) has been awarded a $525,000 Gulf Scholars grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to establish a new minor that will prepare students to address sustainability challenges in the Gulf South. Beginning in Fall 2026, first-time, first-year students will have the opportunity to enroll in the Gulf Scholars Program at Millsaps, which combines rigorous academics with hands-on experiences to tackle pressing environmental, health, energy, and infrastructure issues unique to the Gulf region. This program is as much an investment in the state of Mississippi as it is in its students. The new minor includes three courses exploring sustainability through science, policy, and the humanities, as well as a two-course capstone sequence where students work closely with a faculty mentor and community partners to design and implement a project. The program will leverage Millsaps’ distinctive strengths in undergraduate research, community-engaged learning and personalized faculty mentoring. Millsaps joins five other institutions in the 2025 Gulf Scholars cohort: Alcorn State University, Louisiana Tech University, Texas Southern University, University of Mississippi and University of South Florida.
And Millsaps College students can now earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years, one year faster than the traditional route, thanks to a new partnership with the University of Mississippi School of Law. The two institutions recently signed a memorandum of understanding creating the Pathway to Law School initiative, anchored by a 3+3 Accelerated Law Degree Program. This innovative program streamlines the academic journey for students who want to pursue a legal career.
Moravian University Announces Aviation Management Program Launching in Fall 2026
Moravian University (PA) announced the launch of the Aviation Management program, a new academic initiative that will begin enrolling students in Fall 2026. This new program will offer state-of-the-art aviation education in the Lehigh Valley region, combining rigorous instruction with practical flight training, industry partnerships, and a commitment to safety, innovation, and student success. Initial program offerings will include Aviation Management and a Professional Pilot program, with future expansion planned for adding an Air Traffic Control program and more. Moravian intends to launch the Aviation Management program in partnership with flyGATEWAY, one of the leading flight schools in the Mid-Atlantic region.
As the region’s fastest growing university and the fifth fastest-growing in the country, Moravian continues to expand its academic portfolio in response to evolving student interests and workforce demands. The Aviation Management program will build on Moravian’s ongoing goal to be a forward-thinking institution that equips graduates for careers in high-demand and high-skill fields.
Mount St. Mary’s University Launches New Instructional Design and Technology Degree Programs
In Spring 2026, Mount St. Mary’s University (MD)’s Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) will roll out their new degree completion program in instructional design and technology (IDT), open to students who have earned prior credits in other subjects and are hoping to earn a bachelor’s degree in IDT. In addition to the DCS degree completion program, the Mount is also beginning a traditional undergraduate IDT degree program—the only university in the region, and one of only a handful in the country, to offer bachelor’s degrees in IDT.
Both programs are housed in the school of education and offer a pathway to curriculum, content, and training development careers in every setting, from education to nonprofits, government to technology industries. Students in the DCS degree completion program will benefit from a flexible, well-rounded, accelerated curriculum that prioritizes experiential learning opportunities and interdisciplinary courses in areas such as management, psychology, computer science and communication.
Saint Leo University Launches Lionova Institute
Saint Leo University (FL) launched the Lionova Institute, a new division focused on faith-anchored, technology-enabled education, and the appointment of a nationally recognized leadership team to guide its development and growth. The appointments represent a significant investment in the future of Catholic higher education, bringing together leaders known for scaling high-quality online programs, pioneering direct-entry nursing education, launching innovative doctoral programs, driving data-informed enrollment growth, and integrating AI responsibly into academic and operational models. The Lionova Institute will focus on expanding Saint Leo’s impact through online education, healthcare and nursing pathways, international partnerships, military-aligned education, and workforce-connected learning models.
St. Norbert College and Bellin College Announce Pilot NCAA Transfer Agreement for Student-Athletes
St. Norbert College (WI) and Bellin College (WI) are proud to announce a first-of-its-kind pilot agreement with the NCAA, giving student-athletes the unique opportunity to continue their athletic careers while pursuing a degree at Bellin. Students who complete two years at St. Norbert and transfer to Bellin can remain eligible to compete in NCAA athletics, provided all waiver requirements are met and approved by the NCAA. St. Norbert and Bellin are the first partner schools in the country to have student-athletes approved for this initiative, which offers academic and athletic flexibility.
The NCAA waiver program ensures that students who transfer to an institution without varsity athletics may continue to compete, provided there is an existing academic relationship between the institutions, eligibility standards are met, and all parties—including the conference office—approve participation.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Expands Master of Science in Teaching Program to Physical Education Certification Pathway
St. Thomas Aquinas College (NY) announced the expansion of its Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program to include a new certification pathway in Physical Education (All Grades). This new program will launch in Fall 2026 and join the College’s “ADVANCE: Lifelong Learners” portfolio, a dynamic initiative designed to support individuals throughout their academic and career journey.
Designed for individuals seeking initial certification—especially those whose undergraduate degrees were not in education—the MST in Physical Education offers a comprehensive, research-informed curriculum. Students will learn to teach Physical Education across K–12 settings; design curriculum aligned with New York State standards; promote lifelong physical activity and wellness; and apply evidence-based instructional and assessment practices that support student growth and achievement. The addition of the Physical Education pathway reflects both the growing regional and national need for qualified educators and the College’s longstanding commitment to preparing highly effective teachers. National projections highlight sustained demand across all school levels, with the College Board reporting steady growth in Physical Education positions and the field expected to expand by more than 6 percent over the next five years.
Trine, LECOM Partner to Provide Doctoral Degree Pathways
Trine University (IN) and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) (PA) will partner to provide Trine students with pathways to doctoral degrees and careers in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and podiatry. Students admitted to Trine’s Bachelor of Science in biology beginning in Fall 2026 will have the opportunity to apply for early acceptance into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree programs at LECOM.
New Majors
Bennington College Launches Premier MFA in Screenwriting and BFA in Creative Writing
Bennington College (VT) announced its MFA in Screenwriting, a premier low residency program that prepares writers for a leading career in film and television. The MFA in Screenwriting at Bennington College is small, elite, and focused. Just twelve gifted, driven writers—students who are serious about building a body of work and launching a professional screenwriting career—will be admitted to the inaugural class. The two-year program is built upon a set of intensive in-person residencies—four ten-day residencies, with two held during the summer at Bennington College, and two in Los Angeles, the heart of the film and television industry—and a final four-day showcase residency in Los Angeles. In between residencies, students complete eight synchronous ten-week online courses, which allows them to live and work wherever they choose. Students will produce six major pieces of work across the program. By the end of the program, they’ll have a portfolio of work that demonstrates established mastery of the two fundamental screen forms—feature screenplays and series. The program culminates in a capstone industry showcase in Los Angeles and reflects Bennington’s tradition of sustained excellence in the arts.
Bennington College also launched a new Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing, offered through the college’s Conservatory for Creative Writing. The program offers an inclusive and welcoming student-centered conservatory experience with the rigorous scholarship, work experience, individualized mentorship, and the type of creative community one would typically find at the graduate level. It builds upon Bennington’s extraordinary legacy of excellence in writing and literature and allows students to hone their craft in a vibrant artistic and intellectual environment. The BFA in Creative Writing offers an immersive, student-centered curriculum. Participants engage in genre-specific creative writing workshops and craft seminars in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, alongside literature courses and electives drawn from a range of academic and artistic disciplines. Throughout the program, students receive individualized pre-professional mentorship from a faculty of nationally recognized poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction authors, along with the opportunity to interact with distinguished visiting writers.
Hiram College Launches New Intervention Specialist Major to Address Growing Need in Education
Responding to the evolving needs of today’s classrooms, Hiram College (OH) launched a new intervention specialist major, preparing students to support learners with diverse academic and developmental needs. The intervention specialist program is designed for students who are passionate about inclusive education and working with children and adolescents who have mild to moderate educational needs. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on experiences, and close faculty mentorship, students will gain the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in K–12 settings.
Students in the program will benefit from Hiram’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, including classroom observations, field placements, and opportunities to work directly with students and educators in real-world settings. The major builds on Hiram’s longstanding commitment to education, preparing graduates to pursue licensure and careers as intervention specialists in schools and related educational environments. The launch of the intervention specialist major comes at a time when schools across Ohio and the nation are experiencing a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide individualized academic and behavioral support.
Midway University Expands AI-Enhanced Academic Programs with Expert Faculty Leadership; Launches Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree to Prepare the Next Generation of Educators
Midway University (KY) is proud to announce the growth of its AI-enhanced academic offerings with two innovative majors-AI-Enhanced Data Analytics and AI-Enhanced Computer Science, led by distinguished faculty members with global expertise. Graduates of the AI-Enhanced Data Analytics major may pursue careers such as business analyst, operations research analyst, marketing analytics manager, healthcare analytics manager, or supply chain analytics manager. Meanwhile, the AI-Enhanced Computer Science major prepares students for roles including web developer, application/software developer, information security analyst, IT project manager, and database developer. Through a blend of rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and mentorship from accomplished faculty, Midway University positions students at the forefront of technological innovation.
Midway University also launched a new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program, designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified teachers in Kentucky’s P–12 classrooms. This graduate program provides both traditional and alternative pathways to teacher certification, giving candidates the flexibility to pursue their teaching credentials through either a full-time student teaching experience or while already employed in a certified teaching role under Kentucky’s Option 6 Alternative Route. The MAT program is offered in an online format to meet the needs of working adults. Students will engage in pedagogical training, field experiences, and mentorship to develop effective classroom skills and leadership capabilities.
St. Norbert College Prepares to Launch Four New Majors, a 4+1 MBA Program, and New Concentrations in Fall 2026
St. Norbert College (WI) will launch four new majors, a 4+1 MBA program, and new concentrations in fall 2026, pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission. The additions reflect the college’s commitment to academic innovation, faculty leadership, and alignment with student interest and workforce demand.
New majors and program:
- Sacred music
- Digital marketing
- Cybersecurity management
- Exercise science
- 4+1 MBA program
New concentrations within the communication and media studies major:
- Journalism
- Professional communication
- Sports media
- Public image and promotion
The college’s decision follows a strategic review of its academic offerings to ensure they align with student interests and emerging career opportunities. St. Norbert College is growing in new ways, meeting student demand, preparing graduates for impactful careers, and staying true to its mission of educating the whole person through intellectual, spiritual and personal growth.
Simmons University Launches Degrees and Certifications in Women’s Sports
Simmons University (MA) has launched a new Master of Science in Management and a groundbreaking concentration in business and leadership in women’s sports—the first graduate degree in the nation dedicated to the business of women’s professional sports. Simmons will also offer a graduate certificate in women’s sports business, with both programs beginning in Fall 2026.
New Scholarships
Briar Cliff University Welcomes 24 Iowa Tuition Commitment Students for 2025-26 Year; Expands Support for Future Educators Through Endowed Scholarship
Briar Cliff University (IA) is proud to announce that 24 students joined campus in Fall 2025 through the Iowa Tuition Commitment, a program designed to provide qualifying Iowa residents with tuition-free access to higher education. Together, these students received over $550k in institutional support, making their dream of earning a four-year degree a reality. The Iowa Tuition Commitment covers full-tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees for eligible students. To qualify, students must be Iowa residents who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens; meet Briar Cliff’s admission requirements and display leadership qualities; and be eligible for both maximum federal Pell grant and be an Iowa resident. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as students remain full-time, continue to meet eligibility requirements, and maintain good academic standing. The initiative underscores Briar Cliff University’s mission to expand access to higher education for students from low-income families and build a more diverse and inclusive student body.
Briar Cliff University also announced the establishment and expansion of two endowed scholarships supporting students pursuing degrees in education. The Sr. Ruth Schock Endowed Scholarship has been increased to $100,000, and the newly created Franciscan Educators Endowed Scholarship has been established at $100,000. The Sr. Ruth Schock Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of Sister Ruth, continues her legacy of dedication to teaching and service. Originally endowed at $34,000, the fund’s growth more than doubles its long-term impact, ensuring future generations of education majors receive meaningful financial support. The Franciscan Educators Endowed Scholarship celebrates the many Sisters who have served in Briar Cliff’s Education Department and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to forming compassionate, service-minded educators. A new plaque honoring these Sisters will be displayed within the department. Both scholarships will be awarded in Fall 2026, each providing approximately $5,000 to full-time education majors in good standing who demonstrate financial need and embody the university’s Franciscan values through service to others.
Lenoir-Rhyne University Launches Tuition-Free Guarantee Program for North Carolina and South Carolina Families
Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) has launched the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, a bold college affordability initiative that covers 100 percent of undergraduate tuition for qualifying students from North Carolina and South Carolina. Beginning in Fall 2026, first-year and transfer students from the Carolinas with a family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less will have tuition fully covered for four years. The award is funded entirely through scholarships and grants.
In addition, Lenoir-Rhyne University announced new merit scholarships for all students including a new $30,000 Presidential Scholarship as the top merit award. These new scholarships also reaffirm Lenoir-Rhyne’s commitment to college affordability.
Quick Facts
- Covers 100 percent of full-time undergraduate tuition for up to four years (eight semesters)
- Available to North and South Carolina families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less
- Applies to new first-year and transfer students beginning Fall 2026
- Tuition funded entirely by scholarships and grants, no loans required
McDaniel College Expands Legacy Scholarships to Children of First Responders in Honor of National First Responders Day
McDaniel College (MD) has expanded its suite of guaranteed Legacy Scholarships to recognize first responders. The new First Responder Legacy Scholarship is available to all children whose parent or guardian is an active law enforcement officer, career firefighter, licensed EMT or paramedic, or 911 dispatcher, with at least four consecutive years of current employment. This includes children of first responders who died in the line of duty, regardless of years of service. McDaniel is also partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation and plans to connect scholarship recipients with the Foundation’s Scholars Council, providing support and mentorship to children of first responders. Additionally, McDaniel is adding a Health Professional Legacy Scholarship for children of full-time health professionals working in hospitals, health systems, public or community health or counseling clinics, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, and home health, hospice, or public health agencies, as well as a Public Servant Legacy Scholarship for children of full-time, benefits-eligible government employees at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels with at least four years of current and consecutive employment.
The Legacy Scholarships are valued at up to $132,000 over four years, or $33,000 annually for residential students ($22,000 annually for commuters). There is no limit to the number of Legacy Scholarships awarded by McDaniel. Current high school seniors and incoming transfer students applying to McDaniel for Fall 2026 admission are eligible for McDaniel’s new Legacy Scholarships, which are renewable each year to students who maintain continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.
