We will strategically grow to serve the needs of the Eastern Shore, the State of Maryland and the nation while holding fast to our identity as a student focused institution that doesn’t just say it cares about its people; it shows it with every decision.
Introducing the New Graduate School at SU
In 1962, Salisbury University introduced its first graduate program, the Master of Education. Over the years, SU has expanded its graduate offerings to 15 master’s and two doctoral programs. To support this growth, SU established the Graduate School, a new entity aimed at enhancing graduate education, boosting enrollment and strengthening the University’s reputation.
The creation of the Graduate School provides new opportunities and a sense of pride for graduate students. The new school oversees all of SU’s graduate programs and is housed alongside the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (OURCA). This arrangement creates synergy and support for both faculty research and student education, fostering a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies.
SU’s graduate programs have received national recognition, with high rankings from U.S. News & World Report for the online M.B.A. and graduate nursing programs. Other master’s programs at SU include applied biology, conflict analysis and dispute resolution, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, English, GIS management, health and human performance, history, mathematics education, reading specialist, social work, and teaching – and a new program in public communication begins fall 2024. Doctoral programs include the Doctor of Nursing Practice and an online Ed.D. in literacy studies.
Additionally, SU offers post-baccalaureate and postmaster certificates in various fields, as well as a postdoctorate certificate for family nurse practitioners. The Graduate School joins SU’s existing six schools and colleges, including the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Henson School of Science and Technology, Perdue School of Business, Seidel School of Education, College of Health and Human Services, and Clarke Honors College.
New Degree Programs Designed to Meet the Growing Needs of Tomorrow
Salisbury University received approvals for three new academic programs, enhancing our diverse educational offerings. Starting in fall 2024, SU introduces a Bachelor of Science in engineering physics and a Master of Arts in public communication. Additionally, in fall 2025, SU will launch an innovative Bachelor of Arts in music therapy.
The Bachelor of Science in engineering physics major is designed to prepare students for careers in technology and engineering by providing a solid foundation in both physics and engineering principles. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes advanced topics such as materials science, quantum mechanics and electrical engineering, integrating hands-on learning experiences and research opportunities. This program aims to produce graduates equipped to tackle practical engineering problems and drive technological advancements.
The Master of Arts in public communication focuses on developing professionals skilled in crafting and disseminating effective communication strategies across various sectors. Students can specialize in four distinct tracks: athletic communication, corporate communication, health communication and public affairs/public communication. The curriculum emphasizes strategic communication, media relations and digital communication technologies, preparing graduates for roles in public relations, marketing, media and other communication-intensive fields.
The Bachelor of Arts in music therapy is the first undergraduate program of its kind at a public school in Maryland and the Delmarva region. Part of SU’s Jackson Music Program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), this new major aims to prepare students for careers as board-certified music therapists in clinical settings. The curriculum includes accompaniment, improvisation and performance proficiencies in piano, guitar and voice, along with courses in psychology and biology. Students also complete an internship at an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)-approved site, and graduates will be prepared to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) certification exam.
These new programs reflect SU’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge education that meets the demands of contemporary industries, equipping students with the skills necessary for success in dynamic and competitive career landscapes.
In addition to new majors, SU is also adding two new minors in the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business geared toward students who desire business-savvy supplements to their education. Students in the management minor will experience business management and leadership simulations and can work with organizations and real-world scenarios in the community to
practice what’s taught in the classroom. Students in the
social entrepreneurship minor will focus on producing positive impacts on the local community, society and world. The minor reflects a strong commitment to transform business education for positive social impact, which has become a new formula for business success.
U.S. Department of Education Funding for First-Year Student Success
Salisbury University received $216,000 from the U.S. Department of Education Postsecondary Student Success Grant, part of a larger University System of Maryland initiative. The grant supports the “Maryland’s ABCs for Student Success” program, which aims to boost first-year student retention and success. Key strategies include training peer mentors to assist students from diverse backgrounds and enhancing connections to campus resources.
The grant facilitates new staff hires and improves academic advising through new, proactive approaches. The ultimate goal is to make these initiatives self sustaining, ensuring long-term benefits for SU’s first-year students. This program reflects the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment that addresses the unique needs of its student body.
The 2023-24 academic year saw SU welcome one of the largest cohorts of first-generation students in campus history, making this grant and the offerings it provides SU students all the more important. While college represents many opportunities for first-generation and first-year students, it also can present several challenges. The goal of this program is to provide students with mentors who not only will encourage them, but also who will direct them to the many support centers SU offers, ensuring each student has the opportunity to thrive.
