Delaware Valley University has seen graduate student enrollment increase by 24 percent in its first academic year after gaining university status.
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Allure West Studios. Chad Watters, a graduate of DelVal’s M.S. in educational leadership program who is now a student in DelVal’s doctoral program and Autumn Canfield B.S. ’13, M.A. ’15, who was hired as special projects coordinator for Doylestown Township after completing DelVal’s graduate policy studies program.[/caption]
DOYLESTOWN, Pa., — (10/27/15)-Expanding graduate enrollment and programs is a major goal of Delaware Valley University, an institution in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, that gained university status and changed its name in April 2015. In its first academic year after changing from Delaware Valley College to Delaware Valley University, DelVal has seen a 24 percent increase in graduate student enrollment. The University has 344 graduate students enrolled for the fall 2015 semester; 67 more students than fall 2014.
“There is a great deal of momentum and excitement on our campus,” said University President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan. “DelVal is an institution that is committed to adapting and changing to deliver the best possible experience for our students. Our expanded and thriving graduate school is a reflection of that approach.”
In order to meet the requirements to become a university, DelVal had to expand its graduate offerings. The University now offers six master’s degree programs. For business leaders, DelVal offers the Master of Business Administration with specialization options in: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, food and agribusiness, general business, global executive leadership, human resources and supply chain management. Educators looking to pursue master’s degrees at DelVal have the option of earning a Master of Science in: educational leadership, teaching and learning or special education. DelVal offers one doctoral program in educational leadership. Educators interested in shorter programs can gain certificates in relevant topics such as bullying prevention, diversity and inclusion at the University. The University also offers a Master of Arts in Policy Studies and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
Programs that had the largest increases in enrollment from fall 2014 to fall 2015 include: the M.S. in Special Education (enrollment increased by 500 percent); the doctoral program in educational leadership (enrollment increased by 167 percent); the M.S. in Educational Leadership (enrollment increased by 88 percent) and the M.A. in Policy Studies (enrollment increased by 50 percent).
“We plan to continue to grow our academic offerings by adding a physician assistant program, which will help prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers,” said Dr. Bashar Hanna, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “The University anticipates matriculating its first physician assistant class in July 2019.”
The success of the graduate school also impacts the undergraduate students on campus.
DelVal’s graduate programs focus on bringing in faculty with relevant real-world experience who provide personal attention in small classes.
“Our graduate classes are taught by people who are working in the fields in which they’re teaching,” said Dr. James Moryan, dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. “By having faculty who are passionate about what they do, who can bring current, firsthand experience from their industries into the classroom, we create a student experience that is engaging and valuable. That focus has helped us to attract quality students. Our students can apply what they’re learning in our graduate classes in their careers right away. We are committed to helping our students reach their professional goals.”
To learn more, please visit: delval.edu/grad.
