Enrollment in graduate programs reached 604 this fall, the largest number since 2017 when it stood at 630.

Bettsy McKlaine, executive director of enrollment management for degree completion and graduate programs, returned to her alma mater in the spring of 2019, bringing an “App to Cap” (application to graduation cap) approach to post-baccalaureate studies.

Under her leadership, graduate enrollment has rebounded from a post-COVID decline to 473, growing to 586 in 2024 and 604 in 2025.

The most popular graduate program is Education with 230 students (including the MS degree, endorsements, certifications, and non-matriculants). Other attractive programs are the Doctor of Physical Therapy (97) and master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (54), Forensic Psychology (46), and Nursing (43).

According to McKlaine, more certificate options are in development. The academic deans are collecting information about employers’ needs so that the enrollment team can present valuable and pragmatic choices to prospective students.

“Reaching the 600 mark,” says McKlaine, “was a team effort, the result of many offices working in collaboration: graduate program directors and faculty, our community/corporate partners, marketing, operations, the registrar and business offices, the Learning Commons, our undergrad advisors and coaches, and the Center for Career and Professional Development.”