A new academic year brings new possibilities to Tiffin University. As students return to campus, they will find new academic programs, partnerships and hands-on learning experiences designed to give them more ways to explore their interests, build career-ready skills and prepare for what comes next.
From artificial intelligence and healthcare leadership to national security, cybersecurity and digital storytelling, TU continues to expand opportunities that connect classroom learning with the needs of a changing world.
New Academic Programs
Several new academic offerings are giving students more ways to build expertise in growing and emerging fields.
TU’s new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares professionals who are ready to move into leadership and administrative roles across healthcare settings. The online program includes a standalone MSN in Health Systems Administration as well as dual-degree options that combine the MSN with an MBA in Healthcare Administration or Data Analytics. All pathways include 500 practicum hours, allowing students to apply leadership, strategy and evidence-based practices directly within healthcare settings.
Technology is another major area of growth. The new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence provides advanced study in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, big data analytics and intelligent systems. The program structure supports those entering or advancing in the AI field, with opportunities for specialization and research throughout the coursework. Students can apply skills learned across industries including healthcare, finance, cybersecurity and manufacturing.
TU is also introducing a Master of Science in Computer Science, a fully online program focused on advanced computing concepts including algorithms, systems architecture, programming languages, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The program combines technical study with hands-on projects and a capstone centered on real-world problem-solving. This degree prepares graduates to think more strategically, approach technical challenges with greater depth and apply computing knowledge in ways that support leadership, innovation and long-term career growth.
The University is also expanding its MBA offerings with a new Applied AI for Business concentration. Recently approved by the Higher Learning Commission and Ohio Department of Higher Education, the concentration focuses on using AI to support business strategy, analytics, automation, innovation and organizational decision-making. Students will learn to frame business problems as AI opportunities, assess data readiness, evaluate tools and workflows and develop recommendations tied to clear business goals.
At the undergraduate level, the new AI+X Minor makes artificial intelligence relevant to students across disciplines. The 18-credit program can complement any TU major, helping students develop practical skills in AI, data and machine learning while exploring how the technology applies within their chosen field. Students will complete practical, project-based work tied to their major and graduate with a curated AI+X portfolio to show off their skills.
New Partnerships Create New Pathways
New opportunities at TU extend beyond individual degree programs.
Beginning this fall, Tiffin University and Heidelberg University are partnering through five academic partnership agreements across counseling, criminal justice, teacher education and nursing. Through these partnerships, both TU and Heidelberg will now offer clearly defined dual-enrollment and “bridge” pathways that allow students to begin graduate-level coursework earlier, transfer credits efficiently between programs and transition seamlessly into advanced degrees. The agreements include pathways from TU undergraduate programs into Heidelberg’s Master of Arts in Counseling, from Heidelberg criminology and psychology programs into TU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice, expanded teacher licensure opportunities and coordinated nursing pathways leading from undergraduate study through RN-to-BSN and MSN preparation.
TU has also partnered with The Institute of World Politics (IWP) in Washington, D.C., creating an accelerated opportunity for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in National Security, Intelligence and Terrorism Studies. Eligible TU students can begin graduate coursework through IWP while completing their undergraduate degree, with the opportunity to take up to eight graduate credits tuition-free during their senior year. Students who meet program requirements also have access to IWP’s internship program, where they can gain professional experience through research, mentorship, lectures and networking in the nation’s capital.
Fellowships Bring Learning to Life
Students will have even more opportunities to move beyond traditional coursework through four new fellowships focused on real-world projects and professional preparation.
The Hidden Digital Narratives Fellowship brings together research, storytelling and media production. Through this program, fellows investigate local and regional stories that touch on the unexplained, from paranormal history and folklore to government projects and other anomalous phenomena. Working in small teams, fellows will plan and produce documentary-style videos and podcasts that span all stages of production, from initial research through public screening. The work helps preserve regional narratives, connects TU with surrounding communities and provides students with high visibility content for their professional portfolios.
Through the White-Collar Crime Fellowship, students from business and criminal justice disciplines can work together to examine financial crime. Fellows will help examine financial records, emails and digital evidence to identify fraud patterns and document losses while learning proper evidence handling, chain of custody and investigative reporting. Fellows also gain experience with professional tools used in data analytics, link analysis, forensic accounting and digital forensics and learn directly from fraud examiners, forensic accountants, FBI agents, prosecutors and corporate investigators. The fellowship can also help students explore pathways toward professional credentials such as the Certified Fraud Examiner certification.
Ethical Hacking Fellowship students will have the chance to build practical cybersecurity skills while earning their degree. Through hands-on training, national competitions, guided security assessments and community outreach, the program helps students move from classroom theory to real cybersecurity practice. Fellows will learn how to assess risk, document findings, communicate with technical and non-technical audiences and approach cybersecurity work with integrity and professionalism. The program also supports preparation for industry-recognized certifications and gives fellows opportunities to build a portfolio of applied work.
The Crime Analysis Fellowship gives students interested in careers in criminal justice, homeland security or intelligence an immersive field experience working with law enforcement agencies across northern Ohio. Fellows may conduct real crime and operational analyses using data from partner agencies and apply methods used by police, homeland security and intelligence professionals. They will also produce maps, charts, graphs, bulletins, forecasts and other analytical products that help identify patterns, inform decision-making and support crime reduction and public safety efforts. Through the experience, fellows will provide valuable analytical services to regional law enforcement and business partners.