Westfield State University Launches Three New Graduate Programs
WESTFIELD — Westfield State University is introducing three new graduate programs, which have been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for their strong alignment with community needs and student-centered design focused on access, flexibility, and success.
According to Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs William Salka, “our new graduate programs reflect Westfield State University’s commitment to meeting workforce needs across Western Massachusetts. The programs are designed to be flexible for students and provide employers with the advanced preparation they are looking for.”
A 30-credit, fully online master of business administration (MBA) program features three stackable 12-credit certificates in Business leadership, business analytics, and global sustainability for business. This flexible structure broadens access for adult learners, supports career mobility, and aligns with regional employer demand. Through experiential learning, industry-focused projects, and a strategic capstone experience, students will develop practical skills in areas like emotional intelligence, strategic planning, business analytics, and sustainable business practices. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are not only well-versed in theory, but fully prepared to apply their knowledge to complex business challenges. The MBA program may also be completed through a 4+1 pathway with a Westfield State undergraduate degree.
A 54-credit, fully on-ground master of science in athletic training (MSAT) program will enable students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years and become eligible for athletic training certification upon completion. The program’s sequential, skills-forward curriculum has been recognized for its clarity and rigor. The program is is designed to equip students with the clinical skills, scientific knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to excel as entry-level athletic trainers. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Examination, the gold standard credential for athletic training professionals.
A 48-credit, fully online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program fills a vital community and workforce need by preparing advanced-practice clinicians in psychiatric mental health. Designed to support working nurses seeking career advancement, it will help address significant behavioral health provider shortages across the region. This graduate-level nursing degree equips registered nurses with the advanced clinical expertise and holistic skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric and mental health conditions across all age groups. The PMHNP curriculum blends advanced nursing theory with specialized training in psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and mental health policy. Students complete a combination of coursework and supervised clinical practicum experiences, building the competencies needed to provide evidence-based, compassionate care in diverse settings.
Information about these and other graduate programs at Westfield State University can be found at www.westfield.ma.edu/academics/graduate-degrees. All programs are currently accepting applications and expect to welcome their first cohorts in the fall of 2026.