In 2013, East Stroudsburg University\u2019s exercise science department launched an accelerated program, which allowed students to earn their bachelor\u2019s degrees in three years. In the spring of 2016, the department is graduating its first cohort from the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so proud of these students and all they have accomplished,\u201d Shala Davis, Ph.D., professor and chair of exercise science, said. \u201cWe tell our prospective accelerated students to take advantage of every opportunity to garner experience and gain a competitive edge in the professional market, and these students did that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isaac Barbolish enrolled in the accelerated program because she wanted to spend more time outside of school and in the field. She knew the program would be the perfect fit.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany events and opportunities were opened to us by the faculty that other students would not normally have access to that early in their college years, if at all,\u201d she said. \u201cI saw this as an opportunity that could benefit me and advance my career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like Barbolish, Ethan Lare wanted a program that allowed him to go to school for a shorter time and gain the same opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support from the cohort and the faculty in the program really motivated me every step of the way,\u201d he said. \u201cThe program is really meant to prepare you for graduate school or for your career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rob Hoffman, who is headed to graduate school next year at the University of Tampa, feels the program is what really helped him get accepted for admission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe accelerated program provides you with every skill you need to be prepared for graduate school,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I was not in this program, I don\u2019t think I would be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the program, students are expected to \u201chit the ground running on day one,\u201d according to Dr. Davis.<\/p>\n
The program allows students to attend professional conferences, network and work on their leadership skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe students in this program are truly exceptional,\u201d Dr. Davis said. \u201cWe want to do everything we can to help them succeed in their future.\u201d<\/p>\n