Baylor University Graduate Professional Education Launches Incubator Fund

Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-709-5959
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WACO, Texas August 29, 2024– Baylor University Graduate Professional Education (GPE) has launched the GPE Incubator Fund to aid the development of innovative online graduate and certificate programs. These programs will serve the needs of both current and future students, advancing the University’s offerings of online/hybrid graduate and professional education programs.

This fund, provided by the Office of the Provost, allows University departments and colleges to develop new interdisciplinary and original professional degrees or certificates to market. Approved programs may receive funding for up to three years from program launch. Baylor faculty and staff can view more detailed financial information here.

Baylor’s professional education portfolio currently consists of 29 degrees and certificates. These online/hybrid programs are developed through the collaboration of GPE with Baylor’s 12 Colleges and Schools pursuing the goal of bringing nationally ranked graduate and professional education programs to market. GPE seeks to further the initiatives set forward in Baylor’s strategic plan by promoting non-traditional, innovative and transformational learning opportunities and building an internal infrastructure that serves and supports the constituents of these various programs.

The review committee, composed of designated Professional Education Faculty, will review all applications submitted to the form, which can be found here. Faculty and staff also will find submission and eligibility requirements on the fund’s website.

“The launch of the Incubator Fund is important on many levels. It serves to inspire our deans, faculty, and leadership to bring innovative program ideas to market. It demonstrates the University’s commitment to growing graduate professional offerings by providing access to research, market data and development support behind these innovative ideas,” said Gary Carini, Ph.D., vice provost for professional education and institutional research. “It also signals to current and future students that our focus at Baylor is on ensuring that we are able to support their career aspirations with degrees and certificates that prepare them for a dynamic and changing workforce.” 

More information about Baylor GPE and the Incubator Fund can be found here.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT BAYLOR GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

We believe the passion that lives inside you should – and can - be put into practice. To that end, Baylor University's Graduate Professional Education (GPE) offers a portfolio of flexible, nontraditional, innovative, and transformational learning opportunities backed by over 175 years of experience. Our online and hybrid programs offer the academically rigorous Christian education you need to keep chasing your dreams until they are caught, shaken awake, and made a reality.

Media Contact:
Kate Blom-Lowery
Kate_Blom-Lowery@Baylor.edu
Professional Education
Director of Marketing and Communication