Graceland University

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Graceland University

In 1895, Graceland University was established as Graceland College by the RLDS Church, now known as the Community Church, in Lamoni, Iowa. The first 20 acres of land for the college was donated by Marietta Walker and other church members donated the remaining land to establish the school. While the school was being built, students attended classes in a building in downtown Lamoni. The school was built on a gracefully sloping hill, named Walker Hill in honor of Ms. Walker's generous donation. Col. George Barrett, surveyor of the land, gave the school the name Graceland based on the gentle slope of Walker Hill. Initially, what is now the Administration Building housed the entire college. The college was originally free to all regardless of race or creed.

The college underwent major renovations in 1990 and the administration building was renamed Higdon Administration Building in honor of three presidents, all from the same family – Earl T. Higdon, his son, William "Bill" Higdon and his daughter-in-law, Barbara McFarlane Higdon. Graceland became a four-year college in 1960. The nursing program at Graceland began in 1910 as a cooperative program with Independence Sanitarium and Hospital in Independence, Missouri. The Graceland Partnership Program was established in 1989 and the school gained university status in 2000. Today, Graceland is recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Midwest. There are over 900 students enrolled in online programs with more than 1,900 registered throughout the school.

Graceland University Accreditation Details

Graceland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the university meets or exceeds standards set forth by the accrediting agency that demonstrate excellence in education. The Bachelor and Master's degrees in nursing as well as the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Graceland are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

What are the Different College Accreditation Agencies?

Graceland University Admissions Requirements

First year students who wish to attend Graceland must rank in the upper 50 percent of their high school class, have a 2.5 grade point average or above and a minimum composite ACT score of 21 or a minimum combined SAT I score of 960. Students must complete a placement test to determine proper placement in English and Math if they do not have SAT or ACT scores. Students must complete an online application and provide an official high school transcript along with SAT or ACT scores.

Transfer students are accepted based on college work rather than high school if the student has attended college full-time for at least one semester and/or has completed 12 semester hours. Students must have a 2.0 grade point average in all transfer credits. Students are required to complete an application and provide official college transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Students who have not completed 36 hours of college credit must also provide official high school transcripts.

Each graduate program has their own admission requirements so potential students should contact an admissions counselor to learn what requirements exist for their chosen degree.

Graceland University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Graceland University varies depending on the program the student chooses to attend. For full-time on campus attendance tuition is $33,990 per year or $775 per semester hour. The Online Standard Accelerated College Education Program is $250 per course. Graduate courses are $395 per semester hour on average. Financial aid is available in the form of work-study, loans, grants and scholarships. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any aid at Graceland University.

Graceland University Online Degrees Available

Dual Major in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership Program

The Business Administration with a dual major in Organizational Leadership at Graceland University provides students with the basics of business as well as a background in organizational leadership. Initially, students take courses such as:

  • Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing
  • Business Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Business Policy

The next portion of the program provides insight into leadership and management with courses such as:

  • Principles of Management
  • Concepts of Leadership
  • Skills in Organizational Leadership
  • Conflict Resolution and Interpersonal Communications

The program is designed for students who have earned an associate's degree or have at least 48 hours of college credit. The program is offered completely online and classes are eight weeks long.

BA in Healthcare Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management at Graceland University prepares students for a career in healthcare management. Students develop medical knowledge, experience in informatics and expertise in management. Students gain a fundamental understanding of healthcare deliver systems, services and the factors that impact healthcare today. Graduates have found positions in health insurance companies, consulting firms, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies and others that support the healthcare industry. The program is 30 semester hours and is offered completely online. In addition to general education credits, the student must successfully complete:

  • Principles of Marketing
  • Healthcare Finance and Economics
  • Human Resources and Organizational Behavior for Healthcare
  • Introduction to Healthcare Management
  • Healthcare Electronic Database Systems
  • Electronic Data Management
  • Quality Assurance in Operation Management
  • Leadership in Healthcare
  • Legal Aspects of Healthcare Management

Students are also required to complete an internship in order to graduate from the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program at Graceland University prepares students for careers in business or to further their education at the graduate level. Students gain an understanding of organizational behavior, business finance, marketing and business policy. Students improve critical thinking, communication and decision-making skills. Instructors for the program have years of experience in the field and are available throughout the student's academic career for guidance. The curriculum offered is the same rigorous curriculum delivered in the classrooms at Graceland.

The online programs available at Graceland University provide students who may have work, social or family obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classrooms achieve their higher education goals, whether they want to move ahead in a current career or hope to move into a new career.