Record graduate enrollment spurs name change

Mon, June 22, 2009 |

An expanded range of graduate programs – particularly areas of study that appeal to international students, meet critical needs of the 21st century and serve students seeking professional and career advancement – has propelled Valparaiso University's graduate student enrollment to its highest level since the establishment of a graduate division in 1964.

In recognition of that growth and the central role that graduate programs will play in the future development of Valpo's academic programming, the Graduate Division has been renamed the Valparaiso University Graduate School.

Dr. David Rowland, dean of the Graduate School and Continuing Education, said the name change is a reflection of the importance of Valpo's graduate programs.

"The Graduate School more accurately describes the large, self-standing and diverse program of studies that we offer to students," said Dr. Rowland, who has directed the University's graduate and continuing education programs over the past decade. "We are extremely proud of our graduate students and their valuable contributions to Valpo."

Valpo's graduate student enrollment surpassed 500 for the first time during the 2008-2009 academic year, with a record 504 students enrolled during the spring semester. Graduate student enrollment at Valpo has doubled in the past five years, and increased approximately 27 percent in just the past year.

"Our enrollment growth reflects the increasing reputation of Valpo's graduate programs," Dr. Rowland said. "Students understand that we combine outstanding academics with a positive campus experience outside the classroom."

Valpo currently offers more than 40 graduate study options, with the highest enrollment in its programs in international commerce and policy, nursing, education, sports administration, liberal studies and business administration.

Over the past decade, Dr. Rowland said the University has strategically expanded its opportunities for advanced studies to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The international commerce and policy program, for example, was launched in 2003 and is one of only two such programs in the United States.

"We designed the program especially for students wanting to develop proficiency and understanding in areas related to international relations, business and policy," Dr. Rowland said. "Alumni from the ICP program have gone on to careers in a wide range of areas, including law, politics, government, non-governmental organizations and business. The program meets an important need for people who are well prepared to work and lead in a global world, and we have pursued that same strategy of addressing society's most important demands in creating other graduate programs at Valpo."

During the past academic year, Valpo has launched three new graduate programs – a doctor of nursing practice, a master of science in information technology and management, and a master of science in digital media.

The doctor of nursing program, which surpassed its goal by enrolling 17 students in its first year, was created to help advanced practice nurses who must obtain a higher level of training necessary for certification.

"The changing demands of this nation's complex health care environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise," said Dr. Janet Brown, dean of the College of Nursing. "Research has established a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes, and Valpo's graduate nursing program is very well respected."

More than 20 percent of Valpo's graduate enrollment is composed of international students, which Dr. Rowland attributed to a commitment to international education and developing relationships with universities in other countries. Valpo is the first faith-based institution in the country to host a Confucius Institute – a non-profit institute established and funded by the Chinese government to promote cultural, educational and business exchanges between the China and the northern Indiana – and won the Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization in 2008.

"The partnerships that the University has established with India, China, parts of Africa and the Middle East have become increasingly fruitful," Dr. Rowland said. "We are quite actively attracting students from all parts of the world, and our graduate programs and the entire campus benefit from the international perspectives that they bring."

More information about Valpo's Graduate School is available online, via e-mail to graduate.school@valpo.edu or by calling (800) 821-7685.