John Carroll University today announced the debut of a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology.
These new programs add to the institution’s impactful history of equipping students with the necessary skills to enter emerging fields. Both programs received full approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the institutional accreditor for John Carroll University, in May 2023. They will enroll cohorts beginning in the fall of 2023.
“We’re pleased to add two graduate level programs to our academic portfolio that serve important needs in our communities,” said Rebecca Drenovsky, Dean of Graduate Studies at John Carroll University. “Students studying either program can expect to enter a rapidly growing field and engage with a curriculum that builds ethical practitioners who accompany clients and their families through meaningful life transitions."
Last year, John Carroll University’s Graduate School expanded its academic portfolio to include a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Communication Strategy and a Master of Arts in Sports Leadership. Both programs empower students to lead with an impact through online instruction and flexible evening classes designed for working professionals. The inaugural cohorts completed their first academic year this spring.
The growth of the Graduate School follows recent news at John Carroll University including the debut of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the grand opening of two Nursing labs, the launch of a Women’s Wrestling program, and a renewed institutional commitment to building Inspired Futures for students through significant investments in academic programs, campus life, and modern infrastructure.
About the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 39 credit-hour degree program which utilizes a flexible hybrid model. The program is designed to prepare students to apply for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA) with its focus on fieldwork experiences under the supervision of community partners and university faculty. According to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, demand for Behavior Analysts has increased by more than 5,500% since 2010 and the number of job opportunities has grown 97% since 2020 in Ohio alone.
“The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program represents an opportunity to earn a marketable degree in a rapidly growing field, while also fulfilling a critical community need for more practitioners,” said Dr. Maria Helton, Program Director. “This program guarantees students the high-quality and reliable opportunities in the field needed to be licensed after graduation and to better serve clients and their families."
Applied Behavior Analysts pursue careers in autism intervention and study as well as behavior modification across various industries including business, education, healthcare, and human resources. According to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, behavior analysts utilize ethical, scientific principles to identify the laws of behavior and teach individuals in various settings through positive reinforcement the consequences of changes to existing behaviors.
Students seeking to learn more about the program or to apply may now visit https://www.jcu.edu/masters-in-applied-behavior-analysis.
About the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
The M.S. in Exercise Physiology is a two-year, 33 credit-hour, in-person degree program focused on the future of exercise physiology. The program emphasizes cutting-edge research, clinical experiences within various healthcare and sports performance settings, and a customizable curriculum. With two learning pathways in clinical exercise physiology and human performance, students obtain professional certification from either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) by the end of the program.
“We’re thrilled to launch one of the only exercise physiology programs in Northeast Ohio with an emphasis on clinical experiences and pathways to certification,” said Dr. Jackie Zera, Program Director, and Associate Professor. “JCU’s MS in Exercise Physiology program does not approach graduate study as a one size fits all, but rather approaches each student's individual program of study to help set them apart from their peers and further their career in a growing market.”
Exercise Physiologists pursue careers in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, tactical athlete coaching, and other healthcare and human performance professions. According to The Cleveland Clinic, exercise physiologists analyze a patient's fitness, helping them improve and maintain a certain level of health including management of chronic diseases. Exercise physiologists also assist individuals in optimizing their exercise performance levels. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in exercise physiology will grow 9% by 2030.
Students seeking to learn more about the program or to apply may now visit http://jcu.edu/masters-in-exercise-physiology.
ABOUT JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL
John Carroll is a private, Jesuit Catholic university that welcomes students of all backgrounds. Founded in 1886, JCU has been listed in U.S News & World Report magazine’s top 10 rankings of Midwest regional universities for more than 30 consecutive years and consistently receives high rankings for master’s programs. https://www.jcu.edu/academics/graduateschool