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Has COVID-19 affected enrollment in graduate and professional studies?

James Tanda, director for graduate students in criminal investigation, said that while higher education in general has been affected, the Waynesburg programs have been competitive with other institutions.

“None of our programs have been hit particularly hard,” Tanda said. “Even though all of undergraduate and graduate programs across higher education have suffered somewhat as a result of the COVID pandemic, our programs continue to remain consistent at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.”

Gordon McClung, chair and professor of Business Administration at Waynesburg University, has also not seen a major drop in enrollment for the masters in business and administration program which he oversees. McClung said that Waynesburg’s MBA is the largest graduate program.

“We have not seen a significant change in enrollment,” McClung said. “I cannot speak to changes in other graduate programs.”

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, Tanda said the Waynesburg programs are still improving.

“All of our graduate programs are successful and exciting programs,” Tanda said. “Historically, the MBA, nursing and counseling programs have had the highest enrollment numbers.”

Tanda also mentioned a new program that has helped students learn during a pandemic.

“We are also part of a degree completion program now that includes majors such as criminal justice and business candidates to complete their undergraduate degrees online where they previously may not have been able to,” Tanda said.

With the new online option, Waynesburg programs have seen more interest from those who wish to learn virtually.

“Since our development of online course design architects, our graduate program has seen an increased interest in our programs,” Tanda said. “This is a positive sign as more and more students and professionals are comfortable learning remotely.”