The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has approved McMurry University’s application for a change in our degree granting status. Until today’s approval, McMurry could only grant bachelor’s degrees. With this status change from SACS, the university will now be able to grant master’s degrees.

The first master’s program to be offered will be in nursing. Beginning in the fall of 2012, students may enroll in a Master of Nursing degree program through the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

In addition, it is anticipated that a second master’s program through the School of Education will be launched in the fall of 2013. This degree program will be a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an English as a Second Language Endorsement (ESL).

Regarding the university’s plans for other master’s degree offerings, Dr. Paul Fabrizio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stated, "We are discussing the possibility of offering additional master’s degree programs in the future, but at this time, no final decisions have been made regarding which programs will be considered."