New Hiram, Youngstown college partnership creates fast track to master's in athletic training

In partnership with Youngstown State University, Hiram College will host a new program that allows students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in athletic training in just five years.

Under the program, students would earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in integrative exercise science at Hiram College before progressing toward a Master of Science degree in athletic training at Youngstown State University. The goal is to create a pathway in which students can complete both degrees in a total of five years.

Under the agreement, Hiram students can take their first year of athletic training courses at Youngstown State. These classes would satisfy the graduation and degree requirements from Hiram and also be applied toward the master's degree granted by YSU.

“The ability to work collaboratively with others is becoming an essential component of contemporary school reform,” said Michael Rebold, program director and associate professor of integrative exercise science at Hiram. "The opportunity we have created with YSU will allow us to actively support students in their learning and development, and the partnership will serve to strengthen, support, and even transform the student experience, resulting in improved program quality, better resources, and better alignment of goals and curriculum.”

Any Hiram student may apply for the accelerated program when they apply for admission to Hiram College, or any time while enrolled at the college, if course requirements have been met.

The number of students admitted into the accelerated program will be capped at five per academic year.

In order to be eligible, students must declare their major as integrative exercise science; be in good academic standing; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 by the midpoint of their sophomore year at Hiram; have a cumulative major GPA of at least 3.0 by the end of their junior year; and have completed all required major courses with a grade of “C” or better.

If a student is not enrolled in the accelerated program or does not meet the automatic admission criteria, they can still be considered for the traditional track, which will give them the opportunity to pursue the master's degree program after they graduate from Hiram.

“We are incredibly excited about establishing this relationship to offer an accelerated pathway for Hiram students to achieve both an integrative exercise science and a Master of Athletic Training degree in just five years,” said Matthew Campbell, program director for the Master of Athletic Training program at Youngstown State. “Being able to partner with a program and university that has such a rich history of excellence is something we are very enthusiastic about. We know that this partnership will elevate the opportunities for both Hiram and YSU students and will enhance the quality of our Master of Athletic Training program.”

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: New Hiram College partnership creates faster way to earn master's degree