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ABOUT USW Get to Know Us Founded in 1962, University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, four-year Christian university located in Hobbs, New Mexico. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) , the university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees both on-campus and online, and was recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 'Top Online Education Programs' and 'Top Online Business Programs'. Built on a foundation of Christian values and a servant leadership philosophy , University of the Southwest is a community of dedicated staff and faculty committed to developing each student, helping them achieve their full potential in the classroom, on the playing field and in the communities they serve. At A Glance History Mission Accreditation Campus Support USW USW Brand President's welcome On behalf of the faculty and staff, I am delighted to welcome you to the University of the Southwest. As we move deeper into the 21st century, the role of higher education continues to evolve and expand, but the heart of our mission remains constant: to develop individuals for a lifetime of servant leadership by emphasizing faith, responsibility, and initiative. At the University of the Southwest, we strive to blend tradition with innovation, inspire curiosity, and promote a culture of intellectual rigor and compassionate service. Our Core Values focusing on faith, excellence, diversity and inclusion, and service are embedded into our mission. These values determine our strategic priorities and essentially guide what we do every day here at USW. Our institution is rich in history, diversity, and achievement, and we have crafted an academic environment that challenges and supports our students at every level. From undergraduate to graduate programs, our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to ensure every student receives an individualized educational experience that will equip them with the tools and skills needed to thrive in their chosen fields and beyond. However, we are more than an academic institution; we are a community committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Our multicultural, multidisciplinary campus promotes dialogue and understanding, encouraging all our students to grow not only as scholars but also as global citizens. In a rapidly evolving world, we recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the classroom. That is why we emphasize experiential learning, community involvement, and the development of leadership skills. These dimensions of education at the University of the Southwest cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a sense of responsibility for the common good. We understand that choosing a university is one of the most significant decisions one can make, and we are honored that you are considering the University of the Southwest. As you explore our website and learn more about our community, we hope you will get a sense of the camaraderie, enthusiasm, and dedication that sets us apart. The University of the Southwest is more than just an institution; it is a family united by a common purpose. We pride ourselves on being a nurturing environment that facilitates personal growth, leadership development, and academic excellence. As you navigate your path, remember that we are here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you join our family, through your studies, and long after you graduate, you will always be part of the University of the Southwest. Jack Maddox Speaker Series The Jack Maddox Speaker Series is sponsored by the J. F Maddox Foundation in honor of its founder, Jack Maddox. The purpose of the series, which has been hosted by University of the Southwest since its inception, is to contribute to the quality of life in Lea County and the surrounding area by providing nationally recognized speakers for intellectual stimulation and entertainment.

< Back Self-Determination and Black Women Leaders Dr. Denise Turley Assistant Professor, College of Business Administration, University of the Southwest Email: dturley@usw.edu Abstract This article presents a phenomenological study of the leadership experiences of Black women through the lens of self-determination theory. Self-determination theory (SDT) suggests people can grow and change when their needs for competence, connection, and autonomy are fulfilled; once those needs are met, people become self-determined (Ryan & Deci, 2017). The researcher designed this qualitative study on the conceptual framework of self-determination theory to understand the success factors associated with Black women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Black women leaders living or working in Virginia. Three main themes emerged during data analysis corresponding with self-determination theory: (1) relatedness/support, (2) autonomy/authenticity, and (3) competence/confidence. Keywords: Black women leaders, self-determination theory, motivation DOI: https://doi.org/10.62548/SJAS23030101 Publication Details: Southwest Journal of Arts & Sciences, 2023, 3(1): 4-8 Article Views: 99 Read Full Text Previous Next

Executive Track MBA Back The Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive Track program is designed for working professionals who want to develop the strategic business skills necessary to succeed in today's competitive market. This program provides an accelerated pathway to earning an MBA. Students will learn about topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and business strategy. Through this program, students will gain the ability to understand and analyze complex business problems and develop sound decision making skills. This program will also provide students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving. After completing this program, students will be prepared to take on leadership positions in their chosen field of business. APPLY NOW! Degree Plan Previous Next

< Back Clinical Mental Health Professionals’ Perception on Quality, Change, and the Industry Impact of Telecounseling Whitney Boykin College of Business Administration, University of the Southwest E-mail: wboykin@usw.edu Abstract On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently ongoing and has social and health consequences for everyone (Sheridan et al., 2021). More than 90% of the United States population was under stay-at-home orders during spring 2020—telepsychology quickly grew to become the primary option for Americans in need of mental healthcare (Greenbaum, 2020). The United States Government demonstrated a commitment to developing, promoting, and integrating technology-assisted care in the United States by awarding $15 million to support telehealth providers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Health and Human Services, 2020). The specific problem to be addressed in this study is counselors’ lack of skills and knowledge in virtual counseling settings (Bernacchio & Wilson, 2018). The purpose of this phenomenological study is to gain knowledge of the experienced clinical mental health counselors’ perception of preparation experience for teletherapy with the intent of providing recommendations for professional organizations and counselor education programs regarding virtual counseling. Experiences of clinical mental health professionals who engage in distance counseling were explored to understand how a lack of training and resources affects clinical mental health counselors’ virtual counseling sessions with clients. Findings showed that counselors who were in the laggard category had difficulty adapting to change in the mental health industry, while the innovators, early adopters, and late majority excelled in virtual counseling. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62548/SJAS23030103 Publication Details: Southwest Journal of Arts & Sciences, 2023, 3(1): 13-20 Article Views: 34 Read Full Text Previous Next

Student employment If you’re looking for another way to help pay for college, state or federal work-study may be a great option for you. Work-study is a way for students to earn money to pay for school through part-time on- (and sometimes off-) campus jobs. The program gives students an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while pursuing a college degree. USW participates and each award year has limited amount of funds that can be awarded to eligible students. This is why it is so important for students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form so that eligibility can be determined. Federal and state work-study positions are based on need. The need is calculated from your FAFSA and scholarships you have received. USW has work-study positions on and off campus. USW has work-study funds that can be federal or New Mexico (if you are a resident) Work-study jobs are first-come, first-serve at USW. USW uses Handshake for the process of hiring students for work-study positions. Need help with your resume? Career Services is here for you! Requirements Be enrolled AND registered for courses as a full-time resident or commuter undergraduate student Have a FAFSA completed Be able to provide original (no copies) documentation for identification and authorization How to Apply 1. Complete a FAFSA 2. Check your eligibility: Log in to Handshake: a. Click here for computer login b. Click here for mobile login Select “Student Username” (will be directed to Microsoft page) and enter your USW email and password (must be registered for courses or returning student to be able to log in) If having difficulty logging in, contact Career Services Select “Jobs” > “Filters” > “On-Campus” > “Show Results" Select “Work Study Program: 2026-2027” and click “Apply” After applying, you will receive an email, notifying you of your eligibility status. In Handshake, if your application status under "My Jobs" is updated to: "Hired" = You are eligible for work study "Declined" = You are NOT eligible for work study 3. If eligible, apply to a work study job: A resume will be required . For help with building or improving your resume, see Career Services . After preparing a resume and logging into Handshake, select “Jobs > Filters > Work Study > Show Results" Select and apply to a work study position. Here are some things you should know about the work-study program: Being awarded work-study does not guarantee you a job. Applying for the work-study funds is just the first step. In order to receive those funds, you need to earn them, which means you need to start by finding a work-study job. USW requires the student to find and apply for positions on Handshake . Supervisors will interview for positions, just like any other job. When a supervisor decides to hire you, you will see the Financial Aid Office for the rest of the paperwork process. The personnel office will require approved I-9 documentation in accordance with the lists below. Not all work-study jobs are on-campus. The availability of work-study positions includes community service options with non-profit employers, which means some work-study jobs are available for off-campus work. If you are curious about securing a community service work-study position, these are also on Handshake and Career Services can help you apply for them as well. Work-study funds are not applied directly to your tuition. Unlike other types of financial aid, work-study earnings are not applied directly to your tuition and fees. Students who are awarded work-study receive the funds in a paycheck as they earn them, based on hours worked, just like a normal job. These earnings are meant to help with the day-to-day expenses that students have and are not meant to cover large costs like tuition and housing. Work-Study is not guaranteed from year to year. There are several factors that can determine whether or not you receive work-study from year to year. These include your family income or financial need, whether you used the work-study funds that were offered to you in a prior year, and/or how much work-study funding your school receives that year. Pay may vary. Work-study jobs vary in qualifications and responsibilities, so the pay will depend on the job that you are hired to do. Pay may also depend on your school’s policies and/or the minimum wage requirements. Hours worked may vary. How many hours you work each week will depend on the type of job you get and your employer’s expectations. Most employment positions for students, however, will work around your class schedule and only require between 10 and 20 hours per week, but again—that can vary! Work-study earnings are removed from your FAFSA calculation. One of the benefits of earning income through a federal work-study position is that those earnings do not count against you when you complete the FAFSA form. There’s a question on the FAFSA form that asks how much was earned through work-study during a particular tax year; make sure to answer that question accurately so the amount can be factored out. If you do not know how much you earned, you can contact the personnel office at USW for help.

Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure) MSE Back The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure) program provides students an opportunity to gain extensive knowledge and skills for an administrative role in the education field. The curriculum is designed to advance leadership competencies with data-driven decision making, leadership in learning organizations, fiscal management, and developing human capital. This non-licensure emphasis is recommended for students practicing in the private or public sector, as well as those in organizational training and development roles. APPLY NOW! Degree Plan Previous Next

< Back Dual Visions: Contrasting Perspectives of Sarah Pomeroy and Paul Cartledge on Spartan Women in Ancient Historiography Erica Armstrong College of Education, University of the Southwest Email: earmstrong@usw.edu Abstract Spartan women have been a subject of historical debate for centuries, with historians often holding conflicting views based on scant and sometimes contradictory sources. This article examines two perspectives on Spartan women by focusing on the works of Sarah Pomeroy and Paul Cartledge. While Pomeroy provides a more detailed understanding of the roles and lives of Spartan women, Cartledge offers a broader view of Spartan society, often questioning the reliability of ancient sources. By exploring their methodologies and conclusions, we can better understand how each historian contributes to our knowledge of Spartan women. This comparative analysis will highlight the complexities and challenges of studying ancient history, mainly when sources are limited and potentially biased. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62548/SJAS24040101 Publication Details: Southwest Journal of Arts & Sciences, 2024, 4(1), 4-8 Article Views: 29 Read Full Text Previous Next

Early Childhood Education BSE Back The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Early Childhood Education program prepares students to become skilled educators for children from birth to eight years old. Combining theory with hands-on experience, the program covers child psychology, teaching methods, curriculum design, and practical teaching practice. Graduates are equipped to create enriching learning environments, promote holistic development, and pursue careers in preschool teaching, childcare management, and more. Students in this degree plan are eligible to apply for the following supplementary programs: New Experienced Teachers (NExT+) Program Educator Preparation Program (EPP) The College of Education at University of the Southwest operates under the auspices of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) that uses the standards developed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to evaluate education programs. For testing and licensure requirements for your specific program, refer to the New Mexico Department of Education Licensure Department. https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure/ Out-of-state students will need to contact the respective State’s Department of Education for testing and licensure requirements. APPLY NOW! Degree Plan Licensure Disclosures Previous Next

Elementary Education (Social Studies) BSE Back The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Elementary Education program offers students a comprehensive foundation in pedagogy while allowing them to specialize in their chosen focus area among four (4) options: language arts, mathematics, general sciences, or social sciences. This program combines essential teaching methodologies with in-depth subject-specific training, enabling graduates to become adept elementary school educators. Through a balanced curriculum of theoretical instruction and hands-on teaching practice, students develop the skills to create dynamic and inclusive classrooms, cater to diverse learning needs, and ignite a passion for learning in young students. Whether aspiring to be a language arts mentor, a math instructor, a science educator, or a social studies guide, graduates emerge equipped to shape the educational journey of elementary school children with expertise and enthusiasm. Students in this degree plan are eligible to apply for the following supplementary programs: New Experienced Teachers (NExT+) Program Educator Preparation Program (EPP) The College of Education at University of the Southwest operates under the auspices of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) that uses the standards developed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to evaluate education programs. For testing and licensure requirements for your specific program, refer to the New Mexico Department of Education Licensure Department. https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure/ Out-of-state students will need to contact the respective State’s Department of Education for testing and licensure requirements. APPLY NOW! Degree Plan Licensure Disclosures Previous Next

Finance BBA Back The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance program provides a fundamental understanding of financial markets, the role of financial institutions, general investment criteria, and the processes used for making sound financial business decisions. The courses in this degree program focus on the implementation of quantitative analysis tools to build the foundation for success as a financial professional. APPLY NOW! Degree Plan Previous Next

< Back A genetic study on penetrance and expressivity for Bar gene in Drosophila melanogaster Elena Moya, Yusheng Wu* Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Southwest *Corresponding author and email: ywu@usw.edu Abstract Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) is commonly used as a model organism because it has significant properties such as short life cycle, abundance in genetic variations, relative inexpensiveness, and small body size. The Mendelian trait, eye shape, was chosen in the study. The bar eye (Bar ) shape was compared to the round eye shape. A cross (bar × round) and its reciprocal cross (round × bar), the corresponding F1 and F2 generations were created according to the mating maps. The goodness of fit test for the observed data against the theoretical genotypic ratios was analyzed using χ2 statistical test. The results showed that the observed values for Bar gene in male and female of both crosses fit the theoretical genotypic ratios because the χ2 values were much smaller than the critical χ2 value (3.84) at 5% significant level. For Bar gene, the penetrance was complete in male of both crosses. This was due to the hemizygous status. However, the incomplete penetrance and variable expressivities were observed in female of both crosses. In bar × round, when Bar was in homozygous status, the penetrance was 53.0%. In the heterozygotic status, the varied expressivities were 53.0% of bar eye and 47.0% of dent eye, respectively. In round × bar, the Bar gene in homozygous status demonstrated 0.0% penetrance. The expressivities displayed 0.0% of bar eye and 100.0% of dent eye, correspondingly. The allelic interaction was the cause for the incomplete penetrance and different expressivities of the gene. The finding provided a foundation for studying the interaction between Bar gene and other genes. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62548/SJAS24040102 Publication Details: Southwest Journal of Arts & Sciences, 2024, 4(1), 9-12 Article Views: 61 Read Full Text Previous Next

Master's students admissions Questions? Contact us. I have a question! Admission requirements Master's admission is based on completion of a bachelor's degree. To be considered for admission to USW, you must satisfy the following admission criteria: Conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 3.0 undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale) HOW to apply If you have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and would like to pursue a 100% online master’s degree, you’re in the right spot and one step closer to advancing your career! Follow these steps to apply as a Master's Student: 1 discover usw Take some time to explore our academic offerings and decide what program you'd like to apply to. Explore Programs 2 Submit your application Once you've decided what you want to study, it's time to submit your application! Apply Now! 3 Send in required admissions documents Applications typically require additional documentation such as transcripts, transfer coursework, etc. What else do I need? 4 apply for scholarships & financial aid Make sure to fill out your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check out additional scholarship opportunities. Learn More completed your application? Once your application and all required documentation has been received, allow three (3) business days for your application to be processed. Upon receipt, you will be sent an acknowledgement via email by your Graduate Enrollment Counselor. Next steps, additional information, further requests (if applicable) and initial admission decisions will be shared via email. Admitted already? Explore our Virtual Orientation to learn more about your student privileges and available resources at USW. Click the button below and log in with your student account to gain access. Virtual Orientation