Major Programs of Graduate Study

Fourteen major programs of graduate preparation, most with a number of areas of concentration, are offered at Springfield College. Because graduate programs change on a regular basis, the college reserves the right to amend and/or revise this list of programs at any time.

This page includes information about these programs:

The Art Therapy/Counseling program is designed to educate art therapists through a course of study that combines theory, practice, and studio work leading to a professional registration and licensure. Vocational opportunities are growing in a wide variety of settings.

The MBA will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to comprehend the theories and practices of business, accounting, management, marketing, and economics as taught on the graduate level; apply these theories and practices to decision-making, problem-solving, and managing strategically in business and nonprofit organizations; analyze problems and challenges facing businesses and nonprofits in the 21st century; construct feasible and practical models and strategies to meet those problems and challenges; evaluate the effectiveness and success of those strategies; and of oneself and of business, and an understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit needed to address the ever-changing world of business and not-for-profit organizations.

Education programs are designed to meet the needs of part-time and full-time students interested in graduate programs that lead to licensure in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and special education. The department also accommodates students in Educational Studies (non-licensure), who want to focus their study in a particular area of education.

Exercise Science and Sport Studies has programs in Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Sport and Exercise Psychology, and Strength and Conditioning.  The department also oversees the Ph.D. in Physical Education for the Sport and Exercise Psychology in Exercise Physiology specializations.

Health Studies is designed primarily as a teacher preparation program for graduates who have earned undergraduate degrees in fields other than health education and who wish to complete the Massachusetts teacher licensure requirements in health/family and consumer sciences. Completion of this program will therefore allow graduate students to qualify for initial Massachusetts teacher licensure in Health/Family and Consumer Sciences (all levels).

Human Services is a master of science degree program offered through the School of Human Services. This program is designed for working adults with experience in the human service field. Classes are held primarily on weekends. The program incorporates knowledge gained through experience, course work, and a requirement to design and implement a specialized research project that addresses an identifiable organizational or community need. There are three concentrations: Organizational Management and Leadership, Community Counseling Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling. The School of Human Services has program sites in Boston, Massachusetts; Charleston, South Carolina; Los Angeles, California; Manchester, New Hampshire; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; St. Johnsbury, Vermont; San Diego, California; Springfield, Massachusetts; Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; and Wilmington, Delaware. More information is available in the School of Human Services Catalog.

Occupational Therapy is a Master of Science program designed for persons with various backgrounds and levels of education who wish to become or further their studies as occupational therapists. This program includes occupational therapy theory, skills and administration working with children and adults with a wide variety of health and functional disorders.

Physical Education and Health Education has programs in adapted physical education, advanced level coaching, athletic administration, health education teacher licensure program, physical education teacher initial licensure program, and physical education advanced pedagogy professional licensure program, as well as a doctoral program in Physical Education: Teaching and Administration.

This entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), prepares students to practice as physical therapists who provide safe and effective delivery of health care services.

Physician Assistant program is a five year entry-level program with students earning a bachelor of science degree and a master of science in physician assistant studies upon successful completion of the program. A graduate program for students with a bachelor’s degree is also available. This would allow the student to complete the professional phase of the program in 27 months and be awarded a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Psychology and Counseling offers general programs, as well as professional preparation in industrial/organizational psychology, student personnel in higher education, marriage and family therapy, athletic counseling, clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.  The program also offers a Psy.D. degree in Counseling Psychology.

Rehabilitation Counseling and Services prepares counselors and administrators who play a vital role in the vocational, educational, and personal adjustment of those who have physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Programs available are general casework and counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychiatric rehabilitation and counseling, developmental disabilities, and special services.

Social Work prepares social workers for professional practice through a single concentration in Advanced General Practice leading to a sixty semester hour Master of Social Work degree. Programs offered include a full-time Weekday Program, part-time Weekend Program and Advanced Standing Program for qualified graduates of CSWE accredited BSW programs. The School of Social Work offers a MSW/JD combined degree program with Western New England College School of Law.

Sport Management and Recreation offers programs in recreation management, therapeutic recreation management, child-life, and sport management.

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