High Point University

HIGH POINT — After receiving thousands of applications and a high volume of strong candidates for new graduate health care programs, High Point University President Nido Qubein has assembled a team to accelerate the consideration and research phase for additional health-related programs. 

High Point University is considering programs that align with the successful launch of the Congdon School of Health Sciences, which offers a doctoral physical therapy degree, a physician assistant master’s degree and an athletic training master’s degree, and the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy.

Both academic schools moved to a new facility when Congdon Hall opened this fall. Collectively, they received more than 4,000 applications, with each accepting a small number of students each year — 60 for physical therapy, 74 for pharmacy and 35 for physician assistant studies.

Programs being fast-tracked for consideration include optometry, nursing and occupational therapy.

Several engineering programs are also being considered based on the growing interest in computer science, interactive gaming, and the university’s Innovator in Residence Program, which brings Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to campus regularly to mentor students. 

“HPU is blessed with a steady stream of support and advocacy from parents, alumni and friends who continue to fund relevant and purposeful academic initiatives,” says Qubein. “Our health sciences and pharmacy programs have exceeded our strategic and visionary goals, allowing us to accelerate new program development sooner than expected. We are grateful to be in this position and take our responsibility to build meaningful academic programs that enhance our world.”

The university expects to complete new program timelines by August.

Already under construction is a $60 million undergraduate sciences facility that will accommodate growth in majors including biology, chemistry and physics and complement the growth in health care graduate programs. A dean will be hired for the expanding undergraduate sciences programs.

The building will also house a state-of-the-art planetarium and an adjoining conservatory.