Elizabeth City, NC – February 10, 2016. The trustees of Mid-Atlantic Christian University met on February 9, 2016 and voted to approve a new Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (pre-professional). The university trustees approved this new degree program as part of the overall vision for the university called “Vision 2020.” The strategic plan that guides the future of the university states that “the Department of Academic Affairs will provide 10 ministerial degrees to directly serve the churches and 20 marketplace degrees in different disciplines to directly influence the culture for Christ.” The B.S. in Biology will produce marketplace leaders that will influence science, medicine, healthcare, agriculture, genetics, and ethics. Students who graduate with the biology degree will also complete a major in biblical studies.
MACU President D. Clay Perkins commented that “these are exciting times for Mid-Atlantic. With 28% growth in the last two years guided by our strategic plan we are thrilled to offer this new degree to continue the tradition of impacting the world by transforming ordinary people into extraordinary Christian leaders in the marketplace and in the church. Biology is a foundational degree in higher education. Our biology degree will be unique since it will be taught from a Christian Worldview. I look forward to seeing how our biology graduates will impact the world.”
The trustees approved the biology program as part of an overall two-year capital campaign called MACU Forward which will also establish new curriculum offerings in the areas of Church Planting and Philanthropy, provide scholarship funds to the Mid-Atlantic Foundation, renovate the university cafeteria and construct a new building to house biology and chemistry labs.
The university will present documentation to the school’s accrediting body, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), for approval and anticipates approval by October 2016. Construction on the new labs would begin following SACSCOC approval and courses will begin to be offered in the fall of 2017.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kevin Larsen, noted, “For centuries there has been a discussion of the relationship between religion and science. I’m excited that MACU will be better poised to enter and contribute to this conversation. Science and religion are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary to each other. MACU looks forward to making a contribution in the study of the life sciences.”
Enrollment Director, Dan Smith, says “The addition of the Biology major provides our students with a cutting edge education in the life sciences from a biblical world view. A Bachelor of Science in Biology is in high demand in the public sector and is foundational preparation for 50 rewarding and challenging career paths.” Dr. Ken Greene, Vice President for Student Services notes “this program responds to the request that was being heard from students and parents desiring a values based academic option that opens the door to pre-medical and pre- professional science based occupations. Mid-Atlantic desires to continue to provide the professional and ministry based degree programs that meet the needs of students and society.”
MACU alumni serve in 48 states, 1 territory, the District of Columbia, and 25 countries. MACU is an institution of higher learning that is committed to helping all, regardless of income and status, receive a high quality faith-based education that prepares them for service in the marketplace or in the church.
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mid-Atlantic Christian University.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University, a private, faith based, four year college is committed to equality of educational opportunity and will not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, or prior military service. Federal guidelines (Sections 702-703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act) clearly recognize the right of church related institutions to seek personnel who will support the goals of the institution. Being a student or employee at Mid-Atlantic Christian University requires a commitment and lifestyle consistent with the institution’s mission and values. |
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