2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Accreditation and Affiliations



Institutional Accreditation

University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, education specialist, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of University of the Cumberlands may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Institutional Authorization Kentucky

University of the Cumberlands is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) as a postsecondary institution. This license is subject to annual maintenance and authorizes University of the Cumberlands to offer specific degree programs.

Program Accreditations

The Hutton School of Business

The Hutton School of Business was awarded IACBE (International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education) accreditation in April 2017.

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Addiction Counseling program, and the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that accredits counselor preparation master’s degree and doctoral degree granting programs. University of the Cumberlands was one of the first higher education institutions to offer synchronous, CACREP-accredited programs online. CACREP accreditation ensures that our programs meet professional standards. More information about UC’s CACREP accreditation history, please visit the CACREP website at www.cacrep.org.

School of Education

National Accreditation

University of the Cumberlands’ School of Education is accredited through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), located at 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.

State Accreditation

University of the Cumberlands’ School of Education is further accredited through Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB), 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. (502) 564-4606. Fax: (502) 564-7080.

Nursing

The online nursing master’s program at University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 2015.

Physical Therapy

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

University of the Cumberlands is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. On June 1, 2022, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Physician Assistant Program

Main Campus

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program sponsored by University of the Cumberlands. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be 2029 March. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.

NKY Campus

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to University of the Cumberlands Northern Kentucky Campus Physician Assistant Program sponsored by University of the Cumberlands.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-the-cumberlands-northern-ky/.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for offering postsecondary distance education courses and programs in other member states. SARA is overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); Kentucky’s participation is through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).

University of the Cumberlands has been approved to participate in SARA and thus is authorized and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions within the 49 members states under that SARA agreement. (This excludes only California.)

California

This catalog is updated annually and aligns with the academic calendar year. If changes in educational programs, educational services, procedures, or policies required to be included in the catalog by statute or regulation are implemented before the issuance of the annually updated catalog, those changes shall be reflected at the time they are made in supplements or inserts accompanying the catalog.

This catalog is provided to all prospective students or to the public on demand on the university’s website. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

University of the Cumberlands is a private institution approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means University of the Cumberlands has met the minimum standards set forth by the California Education Code CEC and 5, CCR. CEC94909(a)(2), 94897(l)(1)(2).

University of the Cumberlands is located at 6178 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769. Phone - (800) 343-1609, www.ucumberlands.edu.

Classes in California will be held at 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA, 94904. 

Accreditation of the university and specific programmatic accreditation can be reviewed in the Accreditation and Affiliations section of the catalog.

This institution does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, and has not filed a petition or had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the last five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec 1101 et seq.) CEC §94909(a)(12)

Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA. 95798- 0818, www.bppe.ca.gov, Toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or (916)574-8900 or by fax (916) 263-1897. CEC §94909(a)(3)(A).

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s internet Web site, www.bppe.ca.gov.

The Mission , Vision , and Institutional Academic Purpose Statements  of University of the Cumberlands are the underlying principles and objectives guiding each education program.

Programs Offered in CA 
Business Administration, MBA  
Business, Ph.D.  
Cyber Engineering, M.S.  
Data Science, M.S.  
Finance, M.S.  
Global Business with Blockchain Technology, M.S.  
Information Systems Security, M.S.  
Information Technology Leadership, M.S.  
Information Technology, M.S.  
Information Technology, Ph.D.  
Leadership, PhD.  
Organizational Leadership, M.S.  
Project Management, M.S.  
Supply Chain Management, M.S.   

 

University of the Cumberlands’ Programming and CIP codes offered at all locations and modalities. Only the programs above are offered in CA.

 

Notice Concerning Transferability Of Credits And Credentials Earned At Our Institution

The transferability of credits you earn at University of the Cumberlands is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the credits or degree you earn in your selected program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending University of the Cumberlands to determine if your credits or degree will transfer.

All instruction occurs in English. The level of English language proficiency requirements in outlined in the Documentation of Language Fluency 

Facilities and Equipment

The University has created institutional standards for instructional technology in classrooms. Every classroom on campus has a lectern, computer, Webcam, microphone, projector, and sound system. The instructor can simultaneously instruct students that are in the classroom or remotely attending. Additionally, wireless network access is available in all locations on campus. 

Description of facility and classrooms used: University of Cumberlands offers classes on the campus of College of Marin which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges and currently has SEVP approval to accept F-1 students. All leased classrooms are student-centered and technologically equipped to match that of what a student would expect to experience at our primary campus location. University of the Cumberlands support staff will be present and accessible to both faculty and students during every residency session. Administrative services for the programs offered will be coordinated from our primary campus location in Williamsburg, Kentucky.  

Tuition and Financial Aid

The schedule of total charges for a period of attendance and estimated schedule of total charges is reflected in the Cost of Attendance section on the university’s website.

Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refund Policies and Procedures.    

The institution allows students to cancel and withdraw from their program with a 100% refund through the end of the second week of courses. For exact dates, please refer to the Student Financial Center.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund Disclosures
 
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, California, 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.  

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Financial Responsibility Disclosure Statement

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from the federal student financial aid program funds. 

Office of Student Assistance and Relief

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370-7589, option #5 or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.

Student Records Retention
 
University of the Cumberlands will retain the records and account information of students indefinitely to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. This includes, but is not limited to academic and administrative purposes, compliance with legal obligations, and institutional reporting and accountability. 
 
Housing Information
  1. University of the Cumberlands does not provide dormitory facilities in California.
  2. Classes are offered three days over a weekend. Short-term housing is available near the location for $100 - $200 a night.
  3. The institution has no responsibility to find or assist students in finding housing.

Faculty

Faculty teaching graduate coursework have earned a doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. In addition to academic credentials, faculty members at University of the Cumberlands may have other types of qualifications, including, relevant industry experience directly related to their field of instruction, active professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards acknowledging their contributions to their field, ongoing engagement in professional development activities, contributions to peer-reviewed publications in their areas of expertise, and proven track record of outstanding teaching performance. Information about specific faculty and qualifications can be accessed in the Personnel  section of this catalog.

Washington State

University of the Cumberlands is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes University of the Cumberlands to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

The transferability of credits earned at University of the Cumberlands is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at University of the Cumberlands will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma or other academic credential earned at University of the Cumberlands to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at University of the Cumberlands will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has the authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit https://www.wsac.wa.gov/student-complaints for information regarding the WSAC complaint process. Association

Affiliations

American Council on Education

College Entrance Examination Board

Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities

Kentucky Independent College Fund

International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities

Council of Independent Colleges

Non-Discrimination Policy

The University does not unlawfully discriminate in its programs, activities, or the admission of students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law. As a non-profit Christian institute of higher learning, the University exercises its rights under state and federal law to use religion as a factor in making employment decisions. The University is required not to discriminate unlawfully on the basis of sex by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106.

The University has grievance procedures to provide students, employees, or applicants an opportunity to file a complaint of illegal discrimination of any kind. In order to file a grievance, contact the appropriate person below or see the grievance procedures published in this handbook.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding the disability nondiscrimination policy, including compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

Mrs. Shirley Stephens
Academic Affairs and Student Accommodations Coordinator
Gatliff Administrative Building, Office 116
(606) 539-4214;
shirley.stephens@ucumberlands.edu

The following person has been designated to handle employee inquiries or complaints regarding the sex non-discrimination policy, including compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

Dr. Quentin Young
Chief Financial Officer and Title IX Coordinator
Gatliff Administrative Building, Office 224
(606) 539-4597; quentin.young@ucumberlands.edu

The following person has been designated to handle employee inquiries or complaints with all other portions of the non-discrimination policy:

Mr. Steve Allen
Vice President for Human Resources
Gatliff Administrative Building, Office 003
(606) 539-4219; steve.allen@ucumberlands.edu

The following person has been designated to handle student inquiries or complaints regarding the sex non-discrimination policy including compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as well as all other portions of the nondiscrimination policy:

Dr. Jamirae Holbrook
Vice President for Student Services and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Boswell Campus Center
(606) 539-4120;
jamirae.holbrook@ucumberlands.edu

Complaints may also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights:
1-800-421-3481

Student Definition

The word “student” in any official University of the Cumberlands publication is defined to be all persons enrolled full or part- time in any course or program.

Academic Catalog Notice

Failure to read this Catalog, the Student Handbook, or any other related program materials does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations described herein. The University reserves the right to make necessary changes without further notice.