Incoming students cast their vote for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in record numbers as an influx of 234 new faces marks a third straight year of increased total enrollment.
Total undergraduate, graduate and seminary enrollment was 1,605, compared to 1,589 last fall, according to figures released by David A. Detrow, university registrar. EMU had a fall enrollment of 1,578 in 2009.
“Our large first-year enrollment indicates more and more prospective students and their parents feel excited about the unique education EMU offers,” said Luke Hartman, vice president for enrollment.
Growth in Counseling, IEP, Seminary
The MA in counseling program experienced the largest jump among graduate programs from last fall. Total enrollment ballooned by 16 percent to 69 students.
The growth in the MA in Counseling program has allowed us to brainstorm new and creative options—including the Institute for Experiential Therapies—for providing training to non matriculated students interested in growth coursework,” said Annmarie Early, PhD, director of the program. “Our students come to us at all phases of life and their commitment to self-progression and professional development is an inspiration.”
The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares international students for further academic study, has 28 full- and 26 part-time students this fall. The students hail from 17 countries.
“IEP students participate in extracurricular activities and the ‘conversation partner’ program,” said Kathleen Roth, director of IEP. “Their unique cultural perspectives make all of us more aware of the world we live in.”
Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies at EMU, also experienced an increase in enrollment from last fall.
“Across our main campus, EMU at Lancaster and online we are close to record enrollment at 157 students,” said Michael King, vice president and seminary dean. “We’re delighted to have them among us, bringing new energy, vision and gifts to enrich our community and the ministries to which they’re called.”
The M.A. in education program had 146 students enrolled, counting both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster, Pa., campuses. The program had 152 last fall. The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) has a total of 59 students enrolled in the graduate program in conflict transformation, down one from last fall.
The MBA program has 28 students compared to 32 a year ago.
Strong academic class
Stephanie C. Shafer, director of undergraduate admissions, said that EMU’s first-year class represents 16 states, with Virginia heading the list with 51 percent of the class. Pennsylvania follows with 20 percent. This is on par with last year.
“The SAT average score for new students is 1,064 points, holding steady with last year, and the average GPA is 3.52,” said Shafer, adding that “we have 25 students in our honors program.”
Traditional undergraduate enrollment – first-year through seniors – totals 889 students, compared to 881 last fall.