For the first time in its 157-year history, Ursinus College will offer a graduate program. Starting in May of 2027, students can now obtain a degree in Exercise and Sports Science upon completing a 15-month, 30 credit program. Current Ursinus students have the opportunity to take two graduate courses during their undergraduate career after they’ve been admitted to the graduate program (assuming they have completed the pre-requisite course required for the graduate program) which enables them to complete the program in just one year.
Dr. Holly Hubbs, Professor of Music and Music History and Culture has been appointed as the Director of Graduate Studies. She explained that the college decided to expand into graduate studies in order to, “further develop what the school already does well.” She added, “Of course, graduate programs can also provide an important new source of revenue for the College, but what excites us is the opportunity to bring the Ursinus approach to a new group of students. Our programs are designed to combine professional preparation with the personalized attention, close faculty relationships, and broad-based thinking that characterize an Ursinus education.”
Dr. Hubbs shared that the asynchronous format of the program is intended to enable those already in the workforce to pursue the degree. Given that 20% of Ursinus students go on to careers in the fitness industry, the program will likely benefit many existing students. Ursinus decided on the Exercise and Sports Science degree as their debut graduate program in response to data the school collected through regional job postings, prospective student google searches, and additional information.
While Exercise and Sports Science is currently the school’s only graduate program, Dr. Hubbs is optimistic that it will not be the last: “Part of my role will be to research additional future masters programs that would be a good fit for our institution. These future programs might take a myriad of formats, from online, to hybrid, to fully in-person, depending on the nature of the programs. Formats will be determined by each specific program’s leadership, teaching faculty, and the needs of the type of students likely to enroll.”
Ursinus’ program distinguishes itself from similar programs offered at other schools due to its emphasis in liberal arts. Similar to Ursinus’ undergraduate programs, the graduate program will foster “deep inquiry, close connections with faculty, and the ability to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.” While the program is virtual, students will be able to attend in-person office hours and the program is hoping to provide an in-person event campus for students to meet one another. Those responsible for designing the curriculum and teaching courses include current Health Science faculty and adjunct professors who specialize in one of the fields covered in the program.
Classes for the program will begin on May 24, and the deadline to enroll is April 15th.
