Graduate Studies

Graduate study at Hardin-Simmons University was established in 1926 by action of the Board of Trustees. Graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Athletic Training, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Doctor (Ed.D.) of Leadership, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science, and Master of Science in Nursing are available. The policies of the Graduate School are developed by the graduate faculty and administered by the graduate council.

Students in graduate programs at Hardin-Simmons University will:

  1. Increase knowledge and competency in a field of specialization.
  2. Develop a spirit of inquiry and the capacity for original and independent thought.
  3. Acquire knowledge of the literature of the discipline.
  4. Engage in research or appropriate professional practice and training experiences.
  5. Grow intellectually, professionally, and culturally.

Graduate study is progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs. It occurs at a level of complexity and specialization that extends the knowledge and intellectual maturity of the student. It requires students to analyze, explore, question, reconsider, and synthesize old and new knowledge and skills. The curriculum affords the depth of education, specialized skill, and sense of creative independence that will allow the graduate to practice in and contribute to a profession or field of scholarship.