Creighton University

Edward Creighton was born in 1820, eventually becoming a successful businessman before moving to Omaha, Nebraska from Ohio. His business interests included cattle ranching, banking and freight operations. Edward played a major role in creating the transcontinental telegraph line as well. He died in 1874 and his fortune passed to his wife, Mary Lucretia Creighton, who he had married in 1856.

Mary was known for her charity work in the Omaha area, delivering food, money and other items to the needy. In 1876, only four years after the death of her husband, Mary passed away. Her will provided $100,000 as a memorial to her late husband to purchase a site for and erect a college.

Bishop James O'Connor took on the task of starting the school that the Creighton's envisioned. He enlisted the Society of Jesus to operate the new school. He was aided by the younger brother of Edward Creighton, John A. Creighton, who was born in 1831. John moved to Omaha in 1868 to work for his brother and later found his own success as a gold miner in Montana. He married Mary's younger sister, Sarah Emily Wareham in 1868 and emerged as a leading figure in the Omaha Community. He was one of the organizers of the Omaha stockyard. In 1895, Pope Leo XIII named John a Knight of the Holy Roman Empire for his support of Creighton University.

The college opened on September 2, 1878 with five Jesuits, two lay teachers and 120 students. The College of Arts and Sciences was the first established and it is still the largest division at Creighton. It was established in what was is now known as Creighton Hall. The art deco limestone façade was added in 1930. Sarah's desire for students to worship resulted in the construction of St. John's Collegiate Chapel which was dedicated in 1888. The John A. Creighton Medical College was established in 1892 and was affiliated with the recently opened Creighton Memorial St. Joseph's Hospital.

Women were admitted to Creighton as early as 1892. Today, more than 8,000 students attend Creighton University, one of just 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.

Creighton University Accreditation Details

Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, specific programs have received the following specialized accreditation:

• Council on Social Work Education
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Commission on Dental Accreditation
• American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
• Liaison Committee on Medical Eduation
• Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession

Creighton University Application Requirements

In order to be admitted to Creighton University, students must complete an online application. Students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor to learn what requirements are necessary for the degree program they wish to pursue.

Creighton University Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for students attending undergraduate classes at Creighton University full-time (12-18 credit hours) is $34,810. Part-time undergraduate tuition is $1,090 per credit hour. Graduate program tuition on-campus is $800 per credit hour while online tuition is $1,000 per credit hour. Financial aid is available and Creighton is dedicated to making the process simple and stress-free. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships.

Creighton University Online Degree Available

Online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Creighton University offers a Doctoral Program for Interdisciplinary Leadership that is available online. The program is taught by instructors who are nationally recognized as leadership practitioners. The degree combines real-world practices with a format that is disciplinary, self-reflective and values-based. The Doctorate in Leadership offers a broad view of leadership that can be applied to many different industries, especially education. The program brings students together from different backgrounds where they learn next to high-achieving, experienced professionals. The program focuses on how leadership can be used to foster change.

Although the majority of the program is online, students are required to attend two residency experiences on the Creighton Campus in Omaha, Nebraska. During the first residency, students meet classmates, instructors and the assigned advisor. In addition, students delve deeper into leadership potential and develop an Individualized Professional Development Plan. During the second residency, students follow up on leadership activities and defend their dissertation.

The dissertation allows students to use their workplace as a laboratory for research as well as to practice leadership and problem-solving techniques. Students implement small-scale changes at their own workplace, assess the consequences and make evidence-based arguments regarding the result.

Students develop leadership skills that are rooted in faith, justice and ethics but with a global perspective. In addition, students develop a continued interest and utilization of practices designed for professional and person growth, not only for themselves but for those they serve and lead. The program provides an understanding of the integration and utilization of organizational theory in practice as well as the importance of effective communication. There is also information provided on funding and budgeting processes as well as legal principles applicable to organizations. Students learn the importance of technology as well as creativity in the design, application and assessment of research to improve practice.

Unlike Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs, the doctorate at Creighton is a Doctor of Education so there is less focus on research. The program is geared more for the working professional and the skills learned are immediately applicable to a student's current career. Students are prepared not only for leadership positions in education, but in other industries as well, including business, criminal justice, military, healthcare, human service, non-profit and spiritual organizations.

The online programs available at Creighton are designed with the working professional in mind. Many adult learners have obstacles that prevent them from seeking higher education due to work, family and social obligations. The Creighton University online programs, especially the Doctor of Education in Leadership, allows students to advance in a current career or to move into a new career.