This track was created from a portion of the fund received from the Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (KBHCE), an institution that was formed to address the growing shortage in mental health clinics in Kansas by increasing the number of clinicians and removing barriers that make it challenging to practice.  

The addiction counseling track will equip students to support individuals and families affected by addiction through evidence-based treatment, compassion and a commitment to long-term recovery. Students will pursue licensure, as well as work in diverse settings, including private practice, substance abuse clinics, group practices and hospitals. Offered as an online degree option, the track is designed to fit around work, family and other responsibilities.  

Scholarships for the addiction counseling track will be available for new students as part of the KBHCE grant. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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The evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency and objectivity. 

Friends University has been recognized for the following 2026 awards: 

Best Online Master’s in Health Services Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Information Systems and Technology Degree Programs | Ranked 4
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs | Ranked 6
Best Online MBA Programs | Ranked 12
Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration Programs | Ranked 32
Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs | Ranked 49

This recognition underscores Friends University’s commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education designed to meet the demands of modern industries and support long-term student success. 

About Friends University  

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

About OnlineMasters.com 

OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to evaluating accredited online master’s programs across the United States. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates independently to ensure objectivity and methodological integrity. 

Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. The platform’s mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education. 

To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com. 

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“We are excited to provide an affordable opportunity for landlocked students in Kansas to gain hands-on experience in marine science,” DISL University Programs’ Chair Dr. Lee Smee said. 

Faculty from Friends University will also have opportunities to engage in collaborative research initiatives and utilize DISL’s facilities to advance scientific understanding of the Gulf Coast region. Registration for Friends University students is set to begin in Spring 2027. 

This partnership further reinforces DISL’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality coastal education while creating new opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and to contribute to research supporting the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. 

“I’m very excited about our partnership with Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Our students are going to have the ability to learn from experts in the field of marine science, get incredible experiential learning opportunities, and have a truly transformational learning experience,” said Friends University’s associate professor of biology Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter. 

More about Dauphin Island Sea Lab 

Currently, DISL partners with 21 Alabama colleges and universities through the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC). Established by the Alabama Legislature in 1971, MESC was created to reduce redundancy in marine science education across the state. DISL is not a degree-granting institution but supports students in fulfilling undergraduate and graduate degree requirements through their home campuses. 

More about Friends University 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/

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Wichita, KS— Former CEO of Spirit AeroSystems Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Turner was announced as the Friends University Keynote Speaker for the Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2026. 
Since June 2005, Turner served as the President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. until the divestiture of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Wichita Division. As CEO, he successfully led the transition from Boeing Division to an independent company completing the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in November 2006.  Mr. Turner was a member of Spirit AeroSystems’ Board of Directors from 2005-2014.  

A Kansas native, Turner worked for The Boeing Company for more than 30 years. He started in 1973 as a part-time computer programmer while completing his degree at Wichita State University. During his tenure with The Boeing Company, Turner held key management and director positions at Boeing Computer Services, Boeing Military Airplane Company and Boeing Commercial Airplanes located in Wichita and Seattle, Washington. From 1995 until the divestiture in June 2005, he served as Vice President-General Manager for the Wichita Division. 

Turner received a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1973 and a M.S. in Engineering Management Science in 1977, both from Wichita State University.  In 1984, he was selected as a Boeing Sloan Fellow to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Sloan School of Management, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Management. 

Turner is a partner in the Turner Nichols Williams Group, which focuses on developing small businesses in the Wichita, KS area. He served on the Board of Directors of Rockwell Collins and Spirit AeroSystems and served on the board of INTRUST Bank. He has also been very involved in the local community having served on a number of boards and Co-Chaired the community Leadership Council, as well as the Board of Directors for “Doc’s Friends”, a non-profit organization which owns and flies a WWII vintage B-29 aircraft.  Turner and his wife, Rhonda, are active members of their community and have two adult children and six grandchildren. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Gifts to the university can be made online, in person or by mail to support the Friends Annual Fund or individual funds. Whether you support scholarships, academic programs or other vital initiatives, your contributions have a profound impact on the Friends community. 

“The scholarships I have received from Friends have given me so much more than just financial aid. It has allowed me to come to a new country and obtain friends and acquire knowledge that will stick with me throughout my whole life,” said senior Sander Fjell, a Friends University student. “Without the financial aid from Friends University, I would not have been able to pursue a degree and career in finance, which I am very passionate about.” 

To participate in the university’s annual Day of Giving on April 8, visit our website at http://friends.edu/dayofgiving or contact Sanya Wiles at sanya@friends.edu. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Wichita, KS— Friends University has been named a 2026-2027 Military Friendly School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2026-2027 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard. 

Friends University offers retired and honorably discharged military, Kansas Army and Air National Guard a 10% discount as a thank you for their service. 

“Our military service members have done so much for our country,” said Preston Todd, vice president of enrollment management. “We are committed to giving them the opportunity to earn an education at a discounted rate, while attending a private, faith-based university. It is an honor to be included on the Military Friendly list once again.” 

For more information about Friends University’s student veteran programs, visit our website at https://www.friends.edu/admissions/costs-financial-aid/veterans/. To see Friends University’s page on the Military Friendly site, visit https://www.militaryfriendly.com/school-profile/?sid=358 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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In the wake of a nationwide mental health epidemic, Kansas has seen an increasing shortage in mental health clinics. To address this issue, a group of universities and mental health providers have formed The Kansas Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, which aims to increase the number of clinicians entering the workforce and remove barriers that make it challenging to practice in Kansas. 

Friends University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Ken Stoltzfus, has been serving as a founding member and representative for Friends University among the KBHCE.  

A portion of this near-million-dollar budget request will also help Friends University develop an addiction counseling track within the psychology major, as well as provide scholarship support for students who pursue that degree. Dr. Stoltzfus is excited to see what impact these funds will have on future students and the community at large. 

The Center on Family Living was established in 1978 with a grant from the Lilly Foundation to provide family education and support, primarily providing services through the local church. Today, the university seeks to re-establish that founding vision with the goal of bringing hope and healing to families. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/  

The post Friends University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Receives a Near Million Dollars in Program Support  appeared first on Friends University.

To view our list of 2026 summer school courses, download the summer school course offerings PDF.

*There is a $75 technology fee per course. Some courses may have additional fees.

General Education Requirements can be viewed on the General Education page.

Please contact our admissions department at admissions@friends.edu or call 316-295-5100.

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#1 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program in Kansas: 
https://www.mbaschools.org/schools/kansas/#show  

Friends University offers three distinctive MBA pathways, each designed to meet the diverse goals of today’s professionals. With efficient course sequencing, each MBA can be completed in under two years, while online options offer the flexibility needed for professionals to specialize in one of six optional concentrations without interrupting their careers.  

To view more about the evaluation and ranking process visit https://www.mbaschools.org/rankings-methodology/  

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Through the partnership, Friends University marketing students complete a curriculum aligned to associate-level digital marketing standards and are positioned to graduate with industry-recognized credentials alongside their degree. The pathway includes the Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) from DMI and the Associate Professional Certified Marketer® (APCM®) Digital Marketing credential from the American Marketing Association. 

“At its core, this accreditation is about student outcomes. Making sure the skills we teach in the program match what employers need right now,” said Sean Cash, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Friends University. “I’ve spent more than 30 years in marketing and in the classroom, and the one constant is changing. DMI accreditation helps us keep the curriculum current and skill-based, while giving students a credible, industry-recognized way to demonstrate what they can do. It’s another step toward graduates who are both strategic marketers and confident practitioners.” 

The accreditation enhances the university’s ability to attract students seeking programs that combine academic excellence with industry relevance. Research from DMI shows that: 

• 90% of employers value professional certifications when hiring 

• 92% of students say DMI content adds value to their degree 

• Graduates report increased confidence, practical experience, and stronger job prospects 

At the time the program earned accreditation, Friends University was only one of 11 accredited programs in the nation, a strong indicator of the program’s commitment to contemporary, industry-aligned marketing education. 

Friends University’s marketing program emphasizes experiential learning and portfolio development across key areas of digital strategy, including content marketing, social media strategies, ethical e-mail marketing, marketing analytics and integrated campaign planning. The DMI accreditation complements Friends University’s continued focus on preparing students for real roles in marketing, locally and beyond. 

About the Digital Marketing Institute 

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is the global leader in digital marketing education, serving more than 360,000 members worldwide. Its curriculum is developed and validated by industry experts, ensuring alignment with the skills employers need most. DMI’s The Certified Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) credential is DMI’s foundational certification, designed to equip emerging marketers with essential digital marketing knowledge and hands-on capabilities. 

About the American Marketing Association (AMA) 

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is one of the world’s largest and most respected professional associations for marketers, dedicated to advancing the practice, teaching, and understanding of marketing worldwide. Its Professional Certified Marketer® (PCM®) credentials set a national standard for marketing excellence, helping individuals demonstrate mastery of contemporary marketing skills and strategic expertise. 

About Friends University 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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“IN MOTION” is a dynamic concert exploring music driven by energy, momentum and expression. The program features works by Kevin Day, John Philip Sousa, Franz Doppler and others, blending contemporary voices with enduring traditions to create a performance that is both reflective and forward-looking. 

Principal flutist Courtney Dunagan will be featured in the evening as a soloist, taking on the expressive and virtuosic work of Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise with both technical brilliance and lyrical depth. 

“Through ‘IN MOTION,’ we’re exploring how music moves us, physically, emotionally and collectively,” said Dr. Shawn Knopp, conductor of the Friends University Wind Ensemble. “Each piece carries a sense of purpose and forward energy and together reflects where we’ve been and where we’re headed.” 

The concert will also feature special guests from Junction City High School, whose jazz ensemble and wind ensemble will join Friends University for an evening that celebrates collaboration, mentorship and shared musical momentum across generations of musicians. 

Tickets for the performance start at $6 for adults and $3 for students, children and seniors. ADA and ADA Companions Seating is available. Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fine-arts-tickets/ or at the door prior to the performance. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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The collaboration began after Dr. Jerry Smartt, director of foreign languages at Friends University, noticed Butler students consistently arrive at Friends well-prepared. “Butler students transfer with a really strong background, and are always outstanding students,” she said.

Smartt connected with Dr. Kelsey Harper, chair of Butler’s Foreign Language Department, to explore ways to support Butler students as they progressed in the language. Their conversations led to a Friends University–funded scholarship specifically for Spanish majors who demonstrate readiness for higher-level coursework.

A key element of the pathway is Butler’s Certificate of Proficiency. Students who meet its benchmarks can qualify for the endowment-based scholarship, providing practical support as they advance their skills.

The scholarship’s first recipient, Gianna Van Zelfden, completed intermediate Spanish at Butler and earned both the Certificate of Proficiency and the Global Seal of Biliteracy in May. “She’s a tremendous student,” Smartt said. “Ten out of ten.”

Van Zelfden credits Dr. Harper with helping her grow as a student and gain confidence. “She taught me that not only can I achieve something that was previously unreachable, but that any mistakes along the way are not hindrances, but the path itself,” Van Zelfden said. “Having a test score and certificate gives me a sense of legitimacy and confidence.”

Additional Butler students are expected to benefit from the scholarship as early as next fall.

About Butler Community College

Butler Community College, Kansas’ only Adobe Creative Campus and a recognized Top Community College by Education Insider, offers more than 85 degree programs and 30 professional certification programs in person and online. The main campus is in El Dorado, Kansas, with several other campuses throughout Butler county and beyond. Visit www.butlercc.edu to learn more.

About Friends University

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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