Jan. 15, 2024 | Anna Flanagan
In its 2020-2025 strategic plan, the College of Applied Health Sciences makes a commitment to improving the access and affordability of its programs and reducing barriers that have historically limited individual opportunity.
For international students, the prospect of pursuing degrees in the United States can be both alluring and daunting. While the U.S. system of higher education is widely regarded as among the best in the world, the expense of moving overseas, securing required visas, learning a new language in some cases and adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. One way to increase educational opportunities for both international and U.S.-based students is to offer degree programs and professional certificates online.
Currently, AHS offers a master’s degree and professional certificate in recreation, sport and tourism online, as well as a certificate of professional development in information accessibility design and policy. Efforts are underway to create two new online degree programs in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, the Master of Public Health and the Master of Health Administration. In addition, the online master’s degree in RST will be restructured into three specialized degrees. Each new program also will offer online certificates that focus on professional skills that are in demand. For example, non-degree students and other professionals can take advantage of the college’s expertise in public health and health administration by pursuing certificates in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, physical activity and health, health promotion, health finance, healthcare quality and health informatics.
Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, dean of AHS, said the college is always happy to welcome students to campus but recognizes the challenge residential learning poses for many.
“We have incredible, internationally renowned scholars on our faculty and degree and research programs that are exceptional and visionary,” she said. “We want to continue our leadership in health and health-related education by sharing our outstanding resources with a global audience.”
According to the Investment for Growth proposal submitted by the college, the online MPH program could begin enrolling students by year three of the process, while the MHA program is expected to enroll students by the fourth year. As far as the RST plan, following two years of redesign, the department plans to enroll students by year three.
