John Brown University’s Graduate School, in affiliation with the JBU Department of Business, will launch online master of science degree programs in outdoor program management and design thinking & innovation, beginning this fall.

The M.S. in Outdoor Program Management equips students with the education, leadership skills and training in therapeutic treatment to advance their career in the outdoor industry for roles such as executive director or site manager.

The M.S. in Design Thinking & Innovation, helps students learn techniques, gain experience and develop real projects using design thinking methodologies to implement new and creative solutions to positively impact the world around them. Students acquire the tools and knowledge to develop innovative products, services, processes, communications and business strategies, while bridging the gap between the intent of the organization and the interactive experience of the customer.

“These two new programs will not only expand our graduate program offerings but will also provide our students with the leadership and professional skills to advance in their careers,” said Dr. Ryan Ladner, department head for graduate business. “Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of tools and techniques to best equip them as professionals in the growing industries of collaboration and recreation.”

For both programs, students are required to complete 18 hours of core classes in organizational management and leadership, leading organizational transformation, personality and emotional

health in organizations, financial acumen, Christian foundations of business, and designing and executing strategies. Students will finish their degree by taking 12 additional courses in their specialization.

These new programs will also expand JBU’s Graduate School offerings, which include master’s degrees in business, counseling, teacher education, higher education and cybersecurity. The Design Thinking & Innovation curriculum will also be offered as concentration area for JBU’s MBA program.

To learn more about JBU’s graduate programs, visit jbu.edu/grad.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges, 2018), JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 41 states and 50 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 40 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.