Graduate Program Articulations

The Exercise Science Department maintains several articulation agreements with graduate programs at other universities. While the details of each agreement vary, they all provide a guaranteed admission pathway into that graduate program if students meet specified requirements. These requirements typically entail maintaining a sufficiently high GPA (e.g., 3.00 or higher) and completing prerequisite coursework at a sufficient grade level (e.g., C or better), though other items are commonly required, such as providing references and completing an interview.

The major benefit of articulation agreements is taking the stress out of applying to graduate programs. Knowing what is needed for guaranteed admission provides clear, focused goals to work towards while completing a bachelor’s degree. The other major benefit is relationship building. Students may reach out to graduate program directors at any time to introduce themselves and ask questions. This early engagement is often looked upon favorably by program directors as it reflects interest and commitment to the profession.

There are two types of agreements: Standard 4+2 and Accelerated 3+2. Standard 4+2 Pathways require students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (which typically takes 4 years); students will apply to the chosen graduate program during their Senior year of college. Any Exercise Science student in the Allied Health Pre-Professional and Human Performance & Fitness Concentrations may take advantage of the Standard 4+2 pathways, though they are not limited to them – students may apply to any graduate program they wish, just without a guaranteed admission pathway, as most students do. Check out our Alumni page for examples of where previous students have gone.

Accelerated 3+2 Pathways are only for Exercise Science students in the Pre-Athletic Training Concentration. This concentration is accelerated and has been mapped out so that students finish their Exercise Science coursework at Ship in only 3 years instead of 4 years. Students should have a graduate program picked out their Sophomore year of college and will apply to that graduate program during their Junior year. For more details, please see the program page.

We maintain articulation agreements in the following areas:

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Standard 4+2 Pathway

• Wilson College
  • Note: This program is taught mostly online with face-to-face laboratory experiences and is accelerated, as doctoral programs typically take 3 years.

Master of Science in Athletic Training – Accelerated 3+2 Pathways

• Commonwealth University (Lock Haven Campus)
• Jefferson University
• Messiah University

Master of Science in Athletic Training – Standard 4+2 Pathways

• Commonwealth University (Lock Haven Campus)
• Jefferson University
• Lebanon Valley College
• Messiah University

For more information about any of the above articulation agreements, please contact the Exercise Science Department Chairperson.