Undergraduate Degree Programs Delivered Through The School

College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology and Political Science (Accelerated)

The Applied Sociology and Political Science program is a 128 credit hour program that prepares individuals for the contemporary work environment by developing their critical thinking skills and providing a greater understanding of our diverse communities. This degree presents the various political and social issues affecting the workplace and communities. The courses examine individual behavior and group dynamics, ways of dealing with conflict, creating opportunities for cooperation, and understanding the diversity of individual beliefs, values and attitudes. In addition to teaching students to work collaboratively, this degree will enhance students’ verbal and written communication skills and analytical abilities. 

More information can be found under Applied Sociology and Political Science Accelerated Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management (Accelerated)

Today’s work environment requires human resource professionals to be key partners in helping organizations achieve their goals. Selecting, developing, and retaining the right individuals for the right jobs are essential to an organization’s success. The new accelerated undergraduate program in Human Resource Management is designed for working adults. Classes will be offered in the evenings in accelerated 8-week classes, as well as online and in blended (online and face-to-face) formats.

Students in the program will learn the essential functions of the human resources professional, as well as organizational psychology and business concepts, and will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of human resource management. Emphasis will be placed on direct skill development and application, with most classes taught by working professionals.

More information can be found under Human Resource Management Accelerated Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Fire Service Administration

This program is also available online. The accelerated Bachelor of Arts degree completion program in Fire Service Administration consists of 33 credit hours of upper division core courses and 6 credit hours of electives to complete the requirements for the major in Fire Service Administration. This degree completion program is designed to provide administrative courses for professionals in the fire service field.

Students admitted to the program must be at least 24 years of age, have at least three years of full-time work experience, and have a fire service-related associate’s degree or equivalent hours in the fire service field from an accredited college. A maximum of 72 community college credit hours will be accepted. Consistent with Lewis University policy, an unlimited number of credit hours will be accepted from upper division/senior institutions as long as the final 32 hours, including at least 12 hours of upper division courses in the major and 6 hours of Mission-based courses are completed at Lewis.

Core courses for the major will be offered in a continuous eight-week accelerated format. There will be two eight-week sessions during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This format will allow students the opportunity to earn up to 6 credit hours of courses in the major during each sixteen-week semester. Courses may be taken without regard for sequence.

Firefighters in the Chicago area typically work one 24-hour shift with the following 48 hours off duty. Because of this type of work schedule, each class will be offered on two consecutive days, when enrollment permits. Each class will mirror the class of the prior day. This will allow for a maximum number of firefighters to attend classes. The mirrored class schedule was recommended by leadership personnel in all of the fire departments involved in the discussion of this program.

More information can be found under Fire Service Administration Accelerated Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (Accelerated)

Applying the knowledge, insight and skill of the social sciences to the workplace, Organizational Leadership is founded upon liberal learning in the Lasallian tradition, with emphasis on Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Communication.

Leadership is identified as essential to organizational effectiveness and success. Students in Organizational Leadership study the multiple understandings of both “leadership” and “organization,” develop the skills associated with these themes, are prepared to bring these abilities to the highest level of effectiveness in organizations, develop skills in human relations and management operations, and are introduced to critical and strategic perspectives. Majors are taught to interpret, direct, and understand organizational alignment.

More information can be found under Organizational Leadership Accelerated Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies (Accelerated)

The paralegal program prepares students to work as paralegals (sometimes referred to as legal assistants). Graduates will be knowledgeable about and have expertise in the operation of the legal system, substantive laws, and legal procedures. Paralegals may perform functions delegated by an attorney, such as conducting interviews with clients and witnesses, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. Paralegals are typically employed by lawyers, law offices, corporations, or governmental agencies. (Paralegals may not perform attorney functions, such as providing legal advice or representing a client in court.)

This program is housed in the Department of Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies. It is offered in an 8-week accelerated format for students 24 years and older. All Paralegal core courses offered at Lewis University include instruction in substantive law or legal procedures or processes, have been developed specifically for paralegals, and emphasize practical paralegal skills. All applicants are reviewed by the Program Director and Chair of the Department of Justice, Law, and Public Safety Studies.

Paralegal courses from ABA-approved programs may be applied to the Paralegal Studies major or minor at Lewis University. Paralegal courses taken in programs not approved by the American Bar Association do not transfer to Lewis.

More information can be found under Paralegal Studies Accelerated Bachelor of Arts

College of Business

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (Accelerated)

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy is a 128 credit hour program offered for students in Albuquerque. Accountancy majors study the process of recording and interpreting financial data, as well as examining accounting concepts, procedures, standards and ethics.

The Lewis Accountancy curriculum qualifies majors to pursue professional licensing as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

An applicant for the Uniform CPA Exam must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, at least 30 hours of which must be in accounting. No more than 3 of the 30 hours may be in business law. Finance courses are not acceptable in lieu of accounting courses. The Lewis University Bachelor of Science in Accountancy curriculum satisfies these requirements.

In addition to passing the Uniform CPA Exam, candidates must also complete 150 semester hours of credit to be eligible for a CPA license. Since the Lewis Bachelor of Science in Accountancy is 128 semester hours, students must earn at least 22 additional credits any time prior to, or after, passing the Uniform CPA Exam in New Mexico. These credits can be obtained separately or as part of the Lewis University BS Accountancy/MBA option. With this option, students acquire the additional credits needed for licensure and obtain their Master of Business Administration degree by completing a 30-credit MBA program. Students should consult their advisors about this option.

More information can be found under Accountancy.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accelerated)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration is a 128 credit hour program designed to provide entry-level and middle-level managers the credentials and knowledge necessary for successful advancement within their organization. The curriculum also prepares graduates for entrance in the Master of Business Administration and other advanced degree programs.

As a result of earning this degree, the graduate will be able to:

• Better understand the social, economic, and political realities which impact the business environment.
• Strengthen functional skills in the areas of accounting, finance, economics, marketing, information systems, quantitative methods, and management.
• Increase long-term potential through the development of management knowledge and skills.
• Prepare for graduate business studies.

More information can be found at Business Administration.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management (Accelerated)

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management is a 128 credit hour degree designed to engage students in an integrated and innovative curriculum grounded in practical competencies needed in the dynamic field of information technology. This program offers a combination of technical and managerial expertise that will prepare students to work in a variety of business environments with a sharp understanding of the industry’s objectives and management practices.

Unique elements of the program include:

• Students will work on and manage a project as it moves through the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Students will manage their project building on skills learned in each course.
• The end deliverable is a complete project e-portfolio which fully documents all elements of the SDLC.
• Students can use their project after graduation to demonstrate their competencies and skills to potential employers.

More information can be found at Information Technology Management.

Bachelor of Arts in Management (Accelerated)

The Bachelor of Arts in Management is a 128 credit hour program in business designed to provide individuals that aspire to managerial positions the credentials and knowledge for professional advancement. Designed for diverse educational and experience backgrounds, this program provides focused study in four concentration areas: Organizational Leadership, Marketing, Project Management and Information Technology.

As a result of earning this degree, the graduate will be able to:

• Better understand management principles and skills as they relate to the management of people and organizational resources.
• Successfully apply informed decision analysis to managerial decision-making.
• Increase long-term potential through the development of management knowledge and skills.
• Focus study on areas of interest including marketing, organizational leadership, project management and information technology.

More information can be found at Management.

College of Nursing and Health Professions

Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Leadership (Accelerated)

This interdisciplinary program is a 128 credit hour program that prepares healthcare providers for professional careers and leadership roles within dynamic healthcare organizations. To achieve these goals, the program draws from several academic disciplines including communication, healthcare administration, business, and the social sciences to provide learners with a holistic and humanistic approach to value-centered leadership. This value-centered approach integrates leadership theories with ethical behavior within the context of the organization’s values. In an era of increased financial constraints and regulatory demands, value-centered leadership provides organizations and their members a sound foundation for professional practice. This foundation serves to balance the environmental demands and increase the effectiveness of healthcare teams in today’s service-oriented multicultural, healthcare system.

More information can be found at Healthcare Leadership.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN/BSN (Accelerated)

This program is a 128 credit hour program designed to meet the unique needs of the professional nurse licensed to practice who, having graduated from a diploma school of nursing, associate degree nursing program, or foreign-based program, seeks to earn a bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Lewis articulates with NLNAC accredited hospital-based schools of nursing and associate degree nursing programs.

More information can be found at Nursing RN/BSN.

School for Professional and Continuing Education

Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies

Professional Studies at Lewis University is a straight-forward, defined and transfer-friendly path to the bachelor degree.  The Professional Studies degree completion program is a flexible, versatile, and practical option for working adults.  The program encourages you to integrate liberal studies in a career-oriented degree in which you can use your transfer credits from all of the regional associate degree and certificate programs.  This degree provides theoretical and practical experiences and opens up new opportunities. Working adult students gain immediately applicable skills and competencies that are desired by employers. Move up the career ladder, perform your job more effectively, gain a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your life.

Graduates of this program will develop capacity in:

• Integrative Learning

• Oral, Written, and Electronic Communications

• Inquiry and Analysis

• Information Literacy

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Problem Solving

• Quantitative Literacy

• Use of Information Technology

• Ethical Reasoning

• Civic and Global Engagement

• Intercultural and Knowledge

• Faith, Religion, and Spirituality

• Skills for Lifelong Learning

• Teamwork and Collaboration

• Career Development

Degree Plan

This is a Bachelor of Arts degree built upon our current general education and mission program.  Transfer students who elect this degree program will complete the general education and mission program, and a major in Professional Studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Construction Administration (Accelerated)

Construction management is one of the largest and most diversified industries in the country and we see evidence of its impact in all aspects of our daily lives. Interstate roads, buildings, bridges, and a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial structures are developed and built using human capital, equipment, and resources in an effective, efficient, safe, and timely manner. Creating this type of physical infrastructure requires employees who have the technical, management, and leadership skills to coordinate multifaceted projects. This field also seeks professionals who can analyze situations, deal with challenges and time pressures, solve problems, communicate effectively, and conduct business in a fair and ethical manner.

Employers increasingly prefer to hire individuals with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, construction science, or civil engineering, as well as industry work experience. As construction processes become increasingly complex, employers are placing a growing importance on education which includes technical training offered by local community colleges and baccalaureate degree programs from four-year colleges and universities.

Advancement opportunities for construction managers may vary according to individual work performance and the size and type of firm in which they are employed. Opportunities may occur over time for qualified and experienced personnel to become top-level managers and executives, independent consultants, project arbitrators, and establish their own businesses.

Excellent employment opportunities for construction managers are expected through 2014 because the number of positions will exceed the qualified individuals who are seeking the occupation. Individuals who transfer to other fields or retire will also create a void for having experienced and educated managers and leaders in the field (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-07).

Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Administration (Accelerated)

The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation with a comprehensive array of services provided by hotels, convention and event centers, foodservice companies, and tourism facilities. Due to the increased demand and expectations for quality service, management personnel are needed who can master both the art and science of the field in this highly competitive economic sector. The hospitality field seeks professionals who have a strong liberal arts education, a solid core of business administration courses, and the applied study of various components of the broadly defined hospitality and tourism industry. The curriculum for a baccalaureate degree in hospitality administration should be practical, relevant, and visionary so students are ready to lead with a strong skill set and understanding of industry complexities and demands. Employees with a college degree, work experience, technology and analytical skills will have a definite advantage over those individuals working in the field without such preparation.

The degree combines technical coursework focused upon various functional areas of the hospitality industry with communications, business, leadership and management, math and sciences, and the liberal arts. This blended approach to advanced study will take an individual from being a skilled hands-on employee to one who can effectively manage human resources, materials, services, money, technology, and time. This degree program will also have a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and principles of quality service.