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Physical therapy students learn techniques in Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing

What do I do now? That is the question most university students are asking themselves, friends, and family, as they prepare to graduate.

With only six weeks left before graduation, some students are making plans to continue their education in graduate programs. While the job placement rates in many fields are high, many students choose to continue their education.

Dr. Nancy Kucinski, HSU dean of graduate studies, says, “Typically, students are interested in pursuing advanced degrees to enhance their skills and knowledge in a particular field and to advance their career opportunities.

“Many HSU graduate students have found that their degrees increase their chances of landing a career, not just a job. As the economy improves, various organizations will seek out those with the highest skill level. In the private and public sector job markets, individuals with a graduate degree often have an advantage over those with only a bachelor’s degree,” says Kucinski.

Graduate enrollment at HSU has been stable over the last three years, says Kucinski. There were approximately 458 students in the fall of 2010, 461 in fall 2011, and 460 in fall 2012.

Kucinski says the Master of Education in counseling and human development and the Master of Business Administration are among the most popular master’s level degrees.

Other popular programs include the Irvin School of Education’s Master of Education in gifted and talented education; the Master of Education in reading specialist; and the Master of Education in kinesiology, sport and recreation.

The Logsdon Seminary offers a Master of Arts in family ministry, which helps to develop knowledgeable and skilled family ministry leaders. “These leaders are equipped to promote individual family wellness in the church through an understanding of psychology, marriage and family studies, and Christian theology,” notes Kucinski.

HSU grad programs also include the Master of Science in family nurse practitioner and the Master of Science in environmental management, which enjoys success in placing graduates with the Texas Railroad Commission, Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Transportation, and various federal agencies.

“Plus, we recently began the MBA in sports management, which has also been very attractive to students, she says.

“One of the most popular graduate programs is our doctorate in physical therapy, which has one of the largest enrollments, and it is one of the most successful at helping students find employment after graduation. The HSU DPT program has a 100% placement rate for its graduates.

“HSU also offers a doctorate in ministry, which helps students who are engaged in the practice of ministry. The delivery method for the Doctor of Ministry program includes intensive weeks on campus at the beginning and end of each semester, with other course work online.

“In addition, HSU began the doctorate in leadership program that includes ‘hybrid’ or ‘low residency’ courses. Students in the doctorate of leadership program meet on campus for intensive weekend sessions several times a semester, and then do other work online.”

Graduate Degrees and Programs at Hardin-Simmons University

Master of Arts

English

Family Ministry

Family Psychology

Dual Degree in Family Ministry and Family Psychology

History

Religion

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration, Generalist

Master of Business Administration, Sports Management

Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship