UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's College of Health and Human Development has recently established an admissions agreement with Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, ensuring expedited application review and an automatic interview for qualifying students in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development who are applying to Widener’s graduate programs in physician assistant studies, occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Additionally, the agreement establishes five designated seats in each of the three Widener graduate programs for Penn State students who earn undergraduate degrees in biobehavioral health or kinesiology.

The agreement was spearheaded by Melissa Bopp, professor of kinesiology and professor-in-charge of the Department of Kinesiology undergraduate program. She said that the admissions agreement, and the three graduate programs with which it is established, will help make going to graduate school a more attainable goal for Penn State students from diverse backgrounds who have career aspirations in these areas.

“We know that navigating the process of applying to and attending graduate programs is very stressful, and many students feel unprepared or are unaware of the steps to get there,” Bopp said. “Having opportunities like this admissions agreement with Widener helps clear things up a bit and makes for a more streamlined pathway for many students.”

In addition to the standard requirements for application outlined by Widener, students must have taken certain classes while at Penn State and earned above a certain grade in those classes to be eligible for expedited review and the reserved seats. Students must also have achieved a GPA of at least 3.3 by the end of the fall semester prior to matriculation to Widener and never have fallen below a 3.0 GPA while at Penn State.

Students interested in further details about the admissions agreement should contact the academic adviser in their department to learn more.

According to Jane Oeffner, the director of strategic clinical partnerships at Widener University, the agreement also strengthens the relationship between the two universities and the services they each provide to students.

“The agreement promotes ongoing sharing of information between Widener and Penn State through information sessions and onsite visits, to ensure that Penn State students make informed decisions in choosing to continue their education at Widener," Oeffner said. "We hope to enhance this partnership with accelerated programs that could be offered to high-performing Penn State students, which will allow them entry to the workforce a year earlier.”

According to Marc Dingman, teaching professor of biobehavioral health, professor-in-charge of the Department of Biobehavioral Health undergraduate program, and the admissions agreement liaison for the department, many students who major in biobehavioral health at Penn State are motivated to go on to graduate school to become physician’s assistants.

“Physician assistant programs are highly competitive,” said Dingman. “Our students’ success is something we prioritize — we want them to not just graduate, but find successful placements in the career or advanced academic program of their choice. This agreement with Widener University helps us support that goal. Having designated spots for Penn State students at Widener means there are that many more students that we can be sure to get to their next destination and reach their goals.”

About Widener University

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek. Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks. Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens. Visit the university website at widener.edu.