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New Doctor of Medical Science Degree Strengthens NGU’s


Allied Health College NGU will launch its Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program in 2026. The program, which is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, will be the third offered under NGU’s College of Allied Health.


NGU Expands Science Degree Offerings


NGU will add a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry in the Fall of 2026.


The new program will serve as the second science major in NGU’s College of Humanities and Sciences.


“At North Greenville, we view faith and science as a single entity,” said Dr. Ronald Marks, professor of chemistry. “When a student is studying science, we’re telling them that they are studying the Creator’s handiwork. We don’t want our students to simply be successful scientists, as fulfilling as that might be. We want them to be scientists who understand the Creator and do their work for his purposes and his glory.” According to Marks, the Biochemistry degree was designed to provide students with problem solving skills through upper-level chemistry courses that will offer necessary training and meet prerequisite requirements for graduate school. “We are providing an academically solid and rigorous pathway for students who have an


interest in research or biotech,” said Dr. Paul Thompson, dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “It allows us to reach students that we haven’t been able to reach before.” New chemistry courses introduced with this major are: Biochemistry II, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. “The classes are going to give the students more options and skills,” said Dr. Aaron Mood, associate professor of chemistry. “For example, in the Analytical Chemistry Lab, students are going to learn a lot of skills that they won’t find anywhere else on campus that they can then take on to their jobs or graduate school.” Marks said the new offerings will add depth to the science curriculum and challenge aspiring scientists and doctors.


“There’s a theory that says the language you speak affects how you think,” Marks said. “A person that only speaks German thinks in a different way than I do. In the same way, a person who is taking chemistry is going to have a different way of thinking and processing than someone who takes English or History. It’s not better or worse. It’s just different. Introducing that language to our students is going to help them think in new ways and it will serve as another method for cultivating transformational leaders for church and society.” For more information about Biochemistry at NGU, visit go.ngu.edu/Biochem.


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“Our mission is to create transformational leaders for church and society, and we see this as a big way for us to do that in the field of medicine,” said Dr. Jordan Hairr, dean of the College of Allied Health. “Medicine touches every type of person in every area of their life. We hope that we are graduating students who are prepared to be leaders and are thinkers in their field. This program is only going to enhance our reputation in the medical community, especially here in the Upstate.” The new program will be led by Hairr and Dr. Carson Moore. Hairr completed his Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the Medical University of South Carolina, working as a hospitalist prior to joining NGU. He also earned a Doctor of Education degree from NGU and served as the founding dean for the College of Allied Health.


Moore is a graduate of NGU’s PA program and worked clinically in emergency medicine and urgent care before becoming a partner at a pediatric urgent care in October of 2022. Since then, he earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree at Butler University and joined the NGU faculty.


“I’m really looking forward to developing students who are engaged in medical research. This is not a research degree, but we want students to be able to interpret medical literature, analyze it for any faults or confounding factors, and


decide whether it is worth applying to clinical practice,” Moore said. “This is a way for practicing PAs to discuss the rapidly changing healthcare landscape with the constant onslaught of new medications, procedures and interventions.” Hairr said the program is an important addition to his college.


“This offers a pathway for our PA graduates who are working clinically to get doctoral level training,” he said. “Our educational track will provide that needed training for PAs to transition from clinical practice into teaching.”


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“We’re also doing a track that is more clinical heavy,” Moore added. “That will be a spot where we can set ourselves apart from other programs.”


Moore said the degree will increase opportunities for Physician Assistants. “This degree will assist PAs in clinical practice and open opportunities in other aspects of medicine,” he said. “We need PAs in leadership, in administration, and other fields. This is a path to get them there.”


Learn more about the program and how to apply at go.ngu.edu/medical-science.


Outdoor Leadership Degree Reintroduced with Updated Curriculum


NGU’s Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership will return in the Fall of 2026, featuring new opportunities for incoming students.


The program was previously offered at NGU from 2003-2022. Since 2022, Outdoor Leadership has been available to students as a minor and as a concentration in the Interdisciplinary Studies program. Led by Dr. Sam Keith and Rick Masters, the program will be re-introduced with significant changes. “I can’t praise Sam and Rick enough,” said Dr. Paul Thompson, dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “With this program, we will be offering yet another area of study and vocation that has been missing for prospective students to pursue God’s callings at NGU, and it’s going to mean great things for our students.”


The program will continue its tradition of equipping students to facilitate outdoor experiences that foster leadership development, ministry, and group development. Building on this legacy, the new curriculum will introduce courses in the management of outdoor recreation spaces and research methods, giving students more options for specialization and deeper insight into the field.


“Our students are going to be growing as leaders, and that’s something that will prepare them for life beyond college in their churches, homes, workplaces, and communities,” said Keith, who serves as program coordinator. “We really do see this program as equipping students for leadership opportunities across the board – particularly for using the outdoors as a powerful context for ministry, service, and stewardship.” The 120-hour program will offer concentrations in Outdoor Ministry and Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Park Management.


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“While concentrations in outdoor recreation and park management are often found at large land-grant universities, this program offers a distinctive opportunity within the context of a smaller private Christian university,” Keith said. “This concentration will prepare students for a career in public land management agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, State Park systems, as well as non-profit conservation organizations.”


Keith said the Outdoor Leadership program is uniquely positioned to thrive in the Upstate of South Carolina.


“NGU’s campus is within a 35-minute drive from four beautiful South Carolina State Parks,” he said. “We’re in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in great proximity of many outdoor recreation opportunities. That works really well for both of our concentrations.”


SEE MORE Learn more about the Outdoor Leadershp program at go.ngu.edu/ ODEL.


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