Higher Education Today: CSU provides affordability, access, value

Dr. Cadance Lowell, chair of the Central State University Department of Agricultural Sciences, works with a student in a laboratory. (Central State University photo)

Dr. Cadance Lowell, chair of the Central State University Department of Agricultural Sciences, works with a student in a laboratory. (Central State University photo)

Central State University has added a number of new academic program options at its Wilberforce and Dayton locations that allows students to complete a degree affordably at a convenient location.

This fall, Central State University introduced two new bachelor degree programs –agricultural education and exercise science – which augment and enhance the university’s STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum. The two bachelor of science degrees bring the total number of baccalaureate degrees offered at Central State University’s two locations to 40. The agricultural education degree is an outgrowth of the university providing more programs aligned with its land-grant mission.

“These two degrees will prepare our graduates for jobs in growing fields, where trained professionals are needed,” said Dr. Pedro L. Martinez, CSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “By adding degrees that address industry needs, we continue to prepare Central State students to contribute to Ohio’s workforce and to the economic development of the state.”

Jon Henry, director of Central State University’s new School of Agricultural Education and Food Science, said, “We’re excited about the opportunities the agricultural education degree will give students in both the School of Agricultural Education and Food Science and the College of Education. Agricultural education students who enroll in the program will obtain their agriscience teaching license without having to take extra courses.”

The major was developed in response to the growing demand for agricultural teachers in the state. Considering there are more than 300 agricultural education programs in Ohio high schools, and a need to expand 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs to more than 600 schools, the current supply of credentialed candidates is insufficient.

Located in Greene County, Central State University is an easy commute from surrounding counties such as Clark, Champaign, Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Warren, Clinton, Highland, Fayette and Madison. Students commuting from these counties can earn a four-year degree and become a licensed professional for less than $25,000 in total tuition.

“The agricultural education major offers an excellent foundation for other careers in the high-demand field, including agricultural extension, agribusiness and general agricultural industries, Henry said. “Ag industry employers want graduates with the communication and professional skills needed to help train employees, educate their customers and sell their products.”

The exercise science program, housed in CSU’s College of Science and Engineering, offers concentrations in four areas: sports performance, clinical exercise physiology, organizational health and wellness, or integrative exercise physiology. Graduates in these areas will be trained to certification standards consistent with organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American Association of Cardio Vascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Medical Fitness Association.

The exercise science program aligns with the university’s family and consumer science program in the Cooperative Extension Service. Example career paths include public or private education, professional sports training or performance coaching, clinical rehabilitation, corporate fitness and exercise physiology.

As an 1890 land-grant institution, Central State University is establishing partnerships across Ohio to assist in the development of social economic sustainable communities.

For a complete listing of academic programs and majors, contact Dr. Michael Gaines, director, CSU-Dayton, at 937-376-6031 or mgaines@CentralState.edu.


CSU-Dayton offers academic training close to home

At CSU-Dayton, students can earn a degree or receive needed workforce development training. The following educational options are available:

• Bachelor’s degree programs – start and complete a bachelor’s degree at CSU-Dayton.

• Bachelor’s completion pathway – apply credits toward a four-year degree.

• 3+1 Programs – complete up to three years of classes at CSU-Dayton and then complete the final year at the Wilberforce campus.

• Workforce development training – CSU-Dayton has established partnerships to offer workforce development training.

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