– Special $10,000 Scholarship Announced For Initial Master’s Cohort –
– 12-Credit Advanced Certificate to Be Offered at 50% Tuition Discount –
St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to announce the expansion of its in-demand STEM academic offerings with the launch of new graduate programs in Exercise Science in Fall 2025. These programs build upon the College’s successful undergraduate Exercise Science program and are designed to prepare students to assess, evaluate, and develop exercise programs tailored to individual health needs and performance goals.
“The launch of our new graduate programs in Exercise Science reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “As we launch our first-ever STEM Master’s programs, we are equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing challenges in health and wellness. These programs embody our mission to prepare students for impactful careers, while advancing the greater good.”
The new offerings include a 33-credit Master of Science degree and a 12-credit Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science. Both are part of the College’s “ADVANCE: Graduate and Certificate Programs for Lifelong Learners” initiative, which provides affordable educational paths to support lifelong learning and professional development. Courses will be offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of in-person evening and online classes.
“As the healthcare landscape continues to prioritize preventive and holistic approaches, the demand for exercise scientists with advanced degrees is expected to rise steadily,” said Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Dean of the School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College. “Our programs will provide students with the expertise needed to excel in this field.”
The Master’s degree program will equip future students with a versatile skill set, enabling them to pursue diverse careers such as Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Wellness Coordinator, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Sports Scientist. Graduates can apply their expertise in designing tailored exercise programs, managing wellness initiatives, enhancing athletic performance, and conducting research to optimize health and fitness outcomes.
As part of the new program rollout, students who apply to the MS in Exercise Science program by March 15, 2025, will be eligible for a special $10,000 financial award toward their degree. Through the admissions process, applicants will also be considered for scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid opportunities. The 12-credit Advanced Certificate will be offered at a 50% tuition discount. This financial support demonstrates the College’s commitment to affordability as students advance their education and prepare for impactful careers in a growing STEM field.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the MS in Exercise Science webpage and complete our interest form. They are also invited to attend the College’s upcoming panel discussion “Exercise Science & Health Innovation: Transforming Modern Wellness” on February 5. For more information, please contact Dana Caponong, M.A., Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at dcaponon@stac.edu or 845-398-4220.
Since its inception on Earth Day 2021, the College’s School of STEM has introduced new programs, launched the STEM Exploration Program series for high school students, established the College’s STEM Advisory Board, and created innovative learning opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience through the Exercise Is Medicine On Campus initiative, which fosters education and awareness around exercise and physical activity to promote healthy habits within the campus community. The new SKAE Astronomy Center is slated to open Fall 2025, offering research and experiential learning with a state-of-the-art telescope.
About St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 76 acres in Rockland County, NY, providing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from over 100 majors, minors, and specializations across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, and by Colleges of Distinction in its New York edition for Business, Education, and Career Development. The College is also recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.