Health & Human Performance

Courses

ATHT 103: Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries

Credits 4
An introduction to the athletic training profession; inflammation process; anatomy review; rehabilitation; recognition and prevention of common athletic injuries; taping; rehabilitation and evaluation skills in a laboratory portion; including fifty (50) clock hours of athletic training room observation; cleaning duties; and ACI assignments. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 104: Introduction to Clinical Experiences in AT

Credits 1
An introduction to practical experience courses with supervision provided by a Certified Athletic Trainer in an athletic training environment at Alfred University. A minimum of 50 clock hours is required.

ATHT 105: Perspectives in the Health Professions

Credits 3
This course provides a general overview of career opportunities in the allied health care professions and other health/wellness related fields. Emphasis is placed on the medical terminology used in the health care professions with reference to the systems of the body and application in the fields of health and human performance. In addition; this course introduces the resources available at Alfred University necessary for academic; personal; and professional accomplishment in the fields.

ATHT 110: Medical Sciences

Credits 2
This course provides a general overview of career opportunities in athletic training and other health/wellness related fields. Emphasis is placed on the domains of athletic training and application of them with regard to health and wellness in active populations.

ATHT 111: Emergency Medicine in Athletic Training

Credits 3
Basic level life support techniques including CPR; rescue breathing; and care of choking victim in conjunction with first aid techniques such as using a sling; splinting controlling bleeding and ambulation. Satisfies requirements for American Red Cross Professional Rescuer Certification.

ATHT 119: Training in First Aid/CPR-AED

Credits 1
Basic level life support techniques including CPR; rescue breathing; and care of choking victim in conjunction with first aid techniques such as using a sling; splinting and bleeding control. This course satisfies requirements for American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Each student must meet requirements to receive certification from the American Red Cross in order to successfully complete this course.

ATHT 190: Basics of Strength Training and Conditioning

Credits 2
This course introduces the basics of strength training and conditioning; focusing on performance testing; exercise selection and technique; program design; and adaptations to training. Students will learn safe and effective methods for developing strength; power; and endurance; with practical applications for various populations. Emphasis is placed on proper form; equipment use; and progressive training strategies.

ATHT 201: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I

Credits 1
Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer in an athletic training environment at Alfred University. A minimum of 50 clock hours is required. Emphasis on clinical proficiencies of basic first aid; wound care; preventative taping and wrapping; record keeping; and ACI assignment during sports season. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 202: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training II

Credits 1
Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer in an athletic training environment at Alfred University. A minimum of 100 clock hours is required. Emphasis on clinical proficiencies pertaining to etiology; pathology; treatment and management of athletic injuries and illnesses and ACI assignments during sports season. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 210: Advanced Athletic Training

Credits 3
The study of specific concerns related to the field of athletic training in order to develop a thorough understanding of the etiology; pathology; treatment and management of athletic injuries and illnesses.

ATHT 215: Personal Health and Wellness

Credits 2
This course provides students with knowledge of current health problems including physical fitness; nutrition; and major diseases; and encourages application of this knowledge for healthful living.

ATHT 232: Introduction to Sports Management

Credits 3
This course introduces the student to the sport management profession. Students are provided a comprehensive look at basic organizational structure found in the sport industry. Emphasis is placed on leadership; planning and policy development; program evaluation; legal and financial issues and other attributes required of a sport manager. Students also become acquainted with career opportunities in the sport management field.

ATHT 242: Sports Society and Ethics

Credits 3
In this course we investigate the social significance of sport and use the sociological perspective for understanding the nature of sport. We examine current and historical events; rules; laws and governing organizations. Topics include values; principles; racial and gender equity; coaching; commercialization; enhancing stimulants and ergogenic aids; eligibility; violence; sportsmanship and Code of Ethics in sports.

ATHT 265: Integrative Therapeutic Applications I

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the applications of therapeutic modalities integrated with appropriately applied therapeutic exercise techniques in professional practice for the prevention; care; and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This course includes a one-hour per week laboratory component.

ATHT 276: Integrative Therapeutic Applications II

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with an advanced study of the applications of therapeutic modalities integrated with appropriately applied therapeutic exercise techniques in professional practice for the prevention; care; and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This course includes a one-hour per week laboratory component.

ATHT 301: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training III

Credits 2
Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer and/or physician at an on- or off-campus site. Students will be expected to gain experience at a secondary school setting that exposes them to youth athletics. Emphasis on advanced assessment; management; and rehabilitation for injuries to the lower and upper extremity to further develop clinical reasoning and decision making in regard to student-athletes/patients across the lifespan (specifically pediatric patients). A minimum of 125 clinical hours is required. Transportation to area affiliate clinical sites may be required. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 302: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training IV

Credits 2
Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer and/or physician at an on- or off-campus site. Students will be expected to gain experience at an emergency room that exposes them to urgent and emergent conditions. Emphasis is on developing autonomy with emergency care procedures as well as observing immediate care for the non-orthopedic/non-sport population. A minimum of 125 clock hours is required. Transportation to area affiliate clinical sites may be required. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 310: Orthopedic Procedures

Credits 2
This course is designed to expose students to clinical examination; imaging; surgical interventions; as well as various other orthopedic procedures that are commonly seen in the allied health profession.

ATHT 320: Psychosocial Strategies in Athletic Training

Credits 2
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the psychology of (and strategies to help overcome issues within) sport; injury; and rehabilitation. Topics covered include emotion; motivation; mental skills training and use; psychological antecedents of injury; psychology of injury and rehabilitation; professional involvement; psychosocial-physiologic conditions; substance abuse and diversity.

ATHT 334: Physical Evaluation of the Lower Extremity

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with an intensive; thorough study of orthopedic evaluation techniques used within the clinical and on-field environments to assess athletic related injuries to the lower extremity sustained by physically active individuals. Normal joint kinematics and subsequent pathomechanics will also be discussed. This course includes a one-hour per week laboratory component.

ATHT 341: Evaluation of the Head Neck and Spine

Credits 2
This course is designed to provide students with an intensive; thorough study of orthopedic evaluation techniques used within the clinical and on-field environments to assess athletic related injuries to the head; neck; or spine sustained by physically active individuals. Normal joint kinematics and subsequent pathomechanics are also be discussed. This course includes a one-hour per week laboratory component.

ATHT 348: Physical Evaluation of the Upper Extremity

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with an intensive; thorough study of orthopedic evaluation techniques used within the clinical and on-field environments to assess athletic related injuries to the upper extremity sustained by physically active individuals. Normal joint kinematics and subsequent pathomechanics will also be discussed. This course includes a one-hour per week laboratory component.

ATHT 390: Junior Seminar

Credits 1
This course is designed to prepare the junior level athletic training student for the BOC examination and clinical internship experience. The course focuses on reviewing the various NATA consensus and position statements; emergency planning; therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation; as well as general injury pathology. Students are required to take the Junior Comprehensive Examination as a requirement of this course. Students must have junior-level standing in the Athletic Training Program.

ATHT 392: Biomechanics

Credits 3
The study of the basic biomechanical principles that govern human movement. An emphasis will be placed on the study of the structure and function of the skeletal; muscular; and neurological systems. Additional focus will be placed on the impact that mechanical components have on human movement; including an analysis of the motions and forces necessary for success in sport and exercise. Restrictions: Must be in the ATHT or HFMT major or instructor permission.

ATHT 393: Physiology of Exercise

Credits 3
The study of physiological changes in the body with exercise; sports; and dance activities. Emphasis on neuromuscular; cardiovascular; and respiratory systems; and their adaptations to training.

ATHT 401: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training V

Credits 2
Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer and/or physician at an on-campus site. Students will be expected to gain experience with patient populations that expose them to orthopedic and non-orthopedic conditions. Emphasis on enhancing and refining student's clinical skills specific to prevention and wellness; urgent and emergent care; assessment and diagnosis; and therapeutic interventions to further the development of student autonomy. A minimum of 150 clinical hours is required. A lab fee may be assessed.

ATHT 402: Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VI

Credits 2
This is a practice-intensive clinical education experience that gives students the opportunity to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the roles and responsibilities of an athletic trainer. In addition; students will be expected to gain experience at a primary care office that exposes a student to a variety of non-sport patient populations with a variety of conditions other than orthopedics. Emphasis is on developing the autonomy necessary to make informed decisions as it relates to the diagnostic and referral protocols for general medical conditions specific to the pediatric; adult; and elderly patient. A minimum of 150 clinical hours is required.Transportation to area affiliate clinical sites may be required. A lab fee may be assessed.Prerequisites:

ATHT 403: Medical Aspects of Athletic Training

Credits 1
This is a course for senior athletic training students. It is designed to expose the athletic training student to the necessary recognition; evaluation and treatment skills needed to assess a variety of medical conditions affecting athletes and physically active individuals. Emphasis will be on developing clinical proficiencies of advanced assessment related to pathologies and disorders affecting the endocrine; exocrine; respiratory and autonomic nervous systems.

ATHT 420: Pharmacology in Athletic Training

Credits 2
This course is designed as an introduction to pharmacology. Pharmacodynamics; pharmacokinetics; drug interactions and reactions will be discussed. Extra attention will be given to drugs commonly used in sports medicine. This course is offered primarily for athletic training majors.

ATHT 450: Independent Study

Credits 1 4
Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.

ATHT 459: Research Methods in Athletic Training I

Credits 2
In this course students establish or advance their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language; ethics and approaches. The language of research is introduced; along with ethical principles and challenges; and the elements of the process within quantitative; qualitative; and mixed methods approaches. Students use these theoretical underpinnings to begin to critically review literature relevant to athletic training; which allows students to formulate their own research proposal to the Human Subjects Review Committee.

ATHT 485: Clinical Internship in Athletic Training

Credits 4

Provides seniors with an opportunity for off-campus affiliated clinical experience related to the field of athletic training and sports medicine. Emphasis on the clinical proficiencies pertaining to administrative responsibilities. Practical experience supervised by a Certified Athletic Trainer. A minimum of 200 clock hours is required. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in ATHT 495.

ATHT 490: Senior Seminar in Athletic Training

Credits 1
Capstone educational course focusing on preparing the athletic training student for the BOC exam; graduate school/job applications; and career development issues. Review of athletic training domains; exam simulations; mock interviews; and practical application of skills will be emphasized.

ATHT 495: Current Topics in Athletic Training

Credits 2
This course is designed to serve as a culmination of the athletic training curriculum. This capstone course addresses current prevention; assessment; and rehabilitation of the most common conditions found in an athletic training work environment. Pharmacological and professional development topics will also be addressed. Additional material will be presented pertaining to the contemporary issues affecting the current state of the athletic training profession.

COAC 291: Philosophy Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education

Credits 3
This course covers basic philosophy and principles as integral parts of physical education and general education; State; local and national regulations and policies related to athletics; legal considerations; function and organization of leagues and athletic associations in New York State; personal standards for the responsibilities of the coach as an educational leader; public relations; general safety procedures; general principles of school budgets; records; purchasing; and use of facilities.

COAC 301: Health Sciences Applied to Coaching

Credits 3
This course is a series of interactive exercises and activities designed to help students gain information about health sciences and coaching; organize it; and apply it to their particular programs. The course helps to define selected principles of biology; anatomy; physiology; and kinesiology related to coaching.

COAC 475: Theories and Techniques of Coaching Sports

Credits 2
This course begins with a discussion of the basic concepts common to all sports. Topics include a history of interscholastic athletics in New York State and the objectives; rules; regulations and polices of athletics. An internship that includes practical experience as a coach in a specific sport and/or periods of observing other coaches is required.

HFMT 215: Personal Health and Wellness

Credits 2
This course provides students with knowledge of current health problems including physical fitness; nutrition; and major diseases; and encourages application of this knowledge for healthful living.

HFMT 305: Field Experience in Health Fitness Management

Credits 1
This course serves to allow students to apply theory discussed in the classroom in a practical setting similar to that in which they have interest in working. Students spend time observing and/or assisting professionals in a professional setting as assigned by the instructor.

HFMT 410: Exercise Prescription

Credits 4
In this course we take a hands-on approach that applies basic exercise testing principles of cardiovascular fitness; muscular strength and endurance; flexibility; nutrition; and body composition to specific populations. Different screening and testing devices; along with psychological health/mentality pertaining to exercise; are investigated.

HFMT 420: Special Populations and Health Appraisal

Credits 2
This course is designed to provide students with the understanding of exercise and conditioning as they relate to special populations. Content includes: identifying factors of special populations; risk factors associated with special populations; guidelines for exercise test administration; and the principles of exercise prescription for special populations ranging from cancer patients to pregnancy.

HFMT 485: Internship

Credits 2

This course is designed to allow students to apply theory; concepts; and competencies discussed in the classroom to real situations in a professional setting. A variety of sites; depending on the career goal of the student; may be chosen. Prerequisite: Senior standing; HFMT 305.

HFMT 490: Senior Seminar

Credits 1
This course provides education focusing on preparing the Health Fitness Professional; including health fitness management students; for potential certification exams (NSCA; ACSM; NASM; etc.); graduate school/job applications; and career development issues. A variety of learning techniques; such as exam simulations; mock interviews; and practical application of skills; are emphasized as the student transitions from student to professional. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

HFMT 495: Health Promotion Program Design

Credits 2
The focus of this course is the promotion of healthcare; healthy living; and health-related programs to various populations. Depending upon the population being served; healthcare and/or health lifestyle needs may differ and require specific programming. Topics of discussion include current national and regional health lifestyle trends and what type of programming may best serve specific populations. This course looks into the design of programs that best fill these needs. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

SPHS 101: Introduction to Sports and Health Sciences

Credits 3
This course will provide the student with an introduction to the field of sports and health sciences. Topics include career opportunities; ethics and standards of care; medical language and communication skills; mechanisms of injury; prevention strategies; recognition and common treatment methods of injury; fitness and conditioning assessments; fundamentals of rehabilitation; sport-specific populations; and special populations.

SPHS 102: Medical Terminology

Credits 2
This course will provide the fundamental knowledge of medical terms needed to prepare for a career as a health care professional. Students can expect to learn word origin and structure; prefixes; suffixes; word roots; abbreviations; symbols; surgical procedures; medical specialties; diseases and treatments; and diagnostic procedures associated with each system in the human body.

SPHS 103: Foundations of Sport Injury and Illness

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with foundational medical and scientific knowledge associated with sport injury and illness; including an introduction to clinical anatomy; the characteristics of musculoskeletal trauma; the processes of tissue healing; and the signs and symptoms associated with the most common injuries and illnesses seen in the athletic and physically active populations. This course is also intended to provide students with basic concepts that encompass prevention; risk-management; recognition and evaluation; acute care; treatment; and referral of sport injury and illness.

SPHS 111: Emergency Care in Health and Human Performance

Credits 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the application of basic life support techniques necessary for the recognition and management of traumatic and catastrophic injuries or conditions. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with the concepts and skills associated with immediate and emergency care; including CPR; rescue breathing; and care of choking victim in conjunction with first aid techniques such as using a sling; splinting; and bleeding control. This course satisfies requirements for American Red Cross Professional Rescuer Certification. Each student must meet requirements to receive certification from the American Red Cross in order to successfully complete this course.

SPHS 119: Responding to Emergencies

Credits 2
This course combines instruction with practical hands-on training to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide basic life support in emergency situations. Participants will learn to recognize and respond to various medical emergencies; including cardiac arrest; respiratory distress; and common traumatic injuries; with a focus on administering First Aid; CPR; and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). *(Spring)

SPHS 211: Orthopedic Assessment I

Credits 4

This course is designed to provide students with an intensive; thorough study of orthopedic evaluation techniques used within the clinical and on-field environments to assess sports related injuries to the lower extremity sustained by physically active individuals. Normal joint kinematics and subsequent pathomechanics will also be discussed. Prerequisite: SPHS 103 or permission of instructor.

SPHS 212: Orthopedic Assessment II

Credits 4
This course is designed to provide students with an intensive; thorough study of orthopedic evaluation techniques used within the clinical and on-field environments to assess sports related injuries to the upper extremity including the head; neck; and spine that are sustained by physically active individuals. Normal joint kinematics and subsequent pathomechanics will also be discussed.

SPHS 222: Nutrition for Health and Human Performance

Credits 2
This course presents the scientific basis for sports nutrition emphasizing basic nutritional concepts; energy expenditure during resistance and endurance exercise; the diet during training; the timing and composition of the pre- and post-competition meals; the use of nutrients; supplements; and ergogenic/ergolytic aids; and the special nutritional needs of various athletic groups. The course provides practical information for the competitive athlete and people of all ages wishing to incorporate nutrition into an active; healthy; lifestyle.

SPHS 231: EMT Basic I

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with the resources and education for the level of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. This course also includes the skills necessary for the individual to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an ambulance or otherspecialized service. This course satisfies requirements for American Red Cross Professional Rescuer Certification. Each student must meet requirements to receive certification from the American Red Cross in order to successfully complete this course. This course meets half of the criteria standards for entry to state and national EMT-basic certification examinations. This course includes a lab to provide students with opportunities for active learning to improve retention and enhance the connection between theoretical concepts and practical application in the study of emergency medicine.

SPHS 232: EMT Basic II

Credits 3
This course is designed to provide students with the resources and education for the level of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. This course also includes the skills necessary for the individual to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an ambulance or otherspecialized service. This course meets the 2nd half of the criteria standards for entry to state and national certification examinations. Successful completion of this course will enable students to register for the New York State and National Registry certification exams to become an EMT-Basic. This course includes a lab to provide students with opportunities for active learning to improve retention and enhance the connection between theoretical concepts and practical application in the study of emergency medicine.

SPHS 301: Clinical Experience in Sports Health and Sciences I

Credits 1
This is an observational clinical education experience supervised by a certified athletic trainer at a campus affiliated site that gives students the opportunity to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare professional working within a Division-III collegiate athletic training department or secondary school athletic department.

SPHS 303: Prevention and Care Strategies for Sport Injury and Illness

Credits 2
This course introduces students to prevention and care strategies associated with sport injury and illness; including specific didactic information in applied anatomy; exercise physiology; nutrition; biomechanics; and fitness and wellness; as well as practical skills for administering a preparticipation examination; fitting protective equipment; and applying prophylactic devices. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills in injury prevention and wellness promotion needed to optimize the overall health and quality of life for patients involved in sport and physical activity.

SPHS 310: Orthopedic Procedures

Credits 2
The course's core objective is to educate sports medicine majors in orthopedic evaluation and diagnostic knowledge and skills with specialized training in the orthopedic clinical setting. The course will build on the concepts; foundations and principles of physical examination and rehabilitation and expand to extra attention will be given to procedures including but not limited to: joint / soft tissue injections; upper and lower extremity casting and splinting; wound closure; diagnostic radiograph interpretation; and exposure to orthopedic surgical techniques.

SPHS 320: Psychosocial Strategies Sports

Credits 2
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the psychology of sport; injury; and rehabilitation. Topics covered include emotion; motivation; mental skills training; psychological antecedents of injury; psychology of injury and rehabilitation; career transition and termination; disabilities; rehabilitation/exercise adherence; eating disorders; alcohol and drug/substance abuse; gender and cultural diversity; and research methods related to the psychology of sport; injury; and rehabilitation.

SPHS 350: Therapeutic Interventions

Credits 4
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the integrated application of therapeutic exercise; motor function training; physical agents; and manual therapy techniques to minimize future risk; improve recovery and return to activity outcomes; and enhance performance for patients engaged in physical activity. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with the concepts and skills of rehabilitation needed to develop; optimize; and administer effective evidence-based plans of care for patients. While specific pathologic rehabilitations will be discussed; the intention is for students to be able to manipulate the basic variables and concepts to create patient-oriented rehabilitation protocols of their own design.

SPHS 392: Biomechanics

Credits 3
The study of the basic biomechanical principles that govern human movement. An emphasis will be placed on the study of the structure and function of the skeletal; muscular; and neurological systems. Additional focus will be placed on the impact that mechanical components have on human movement; including an analysis of the motions and forces necessary for success in sport and exercise.

SPHS 393: Physiology of Exercise

Credits 3
Integrating the concept of learning over time; this course is designed to review and provide a more detailed explanation of the physiologic processes that the body undergoes during physical stress and exercise. Focus will be given to testing concepts and administration; nutrition and diet in exercise; and the body’s physiologic and physical response to exercise and recovery.

SPHS 394: Principles of Strength Training and Reconditioning

Credits 2
This course explores the foundational principles of strength training and reconditioning. Emphasis is placed on the exercise sciences (i.e.; anatomy; exercise physiology; biomechanics; motor learning; and nutrition); as well as key topics such as performance testing; exercise selection and technique; program design; and adaptations to training. Through instruction and practical application; students will learn to design; implement; and modify strength and conditioning programs that optimize athletic performance and promote recovery following injury.

SPHS 395: Strength Training and Reconditioning Techniques

Credits 2
This course is intended to cover the practical skills and fundamental exercise techniques associated with strength training and conditioning. Emphasis is placed on ensuring safe and productive technique of evidence-based exercises that target muscular strength; endurance; power; speed; agility; stability and balance; and hypertrophy.

SPHS 401: Clinical Experience in Sports Health and Sciences II

Credits 1 2
This is a practice-intensive clinical education experience supervised by a strength and conditioning coach; athletic trainer; physical therapist; occupational therapist; physician assistant; physician; or other allied healthcare professional at a campus affiliated site that gives students the opportunity to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the roles and responsibilities of a professional working in the health care setting; and with the patient populations; that align with their professional interests. Transportation to area affiliate clinical sites may be required.

SPHS 402: Clinical Experience in Sports Health and Sciences III

Credits 2 3
This course is designed to allow students to apply the theories; concepts; and competencies discussed in the classroom to carefully selected and supervised practical situations or simulated experiences. This advanced clinical experience may be supervised by a strength and conditioning coach; athletic trainer; physical therapist; occupational therapist; physician assistant; physician; or other allied healthcare professional at an on- or off-campus affiliated site. Transportation to area affiliate clinical sites may be required.

SPHS 410: Medical and Pharmacological Aspects in Sports Medicine

Credits 3
This course is designed to expose students to the necessary recognition; treatment; and referral strategies for general medical conditions affecting athletes and physically active individuals. Topics include recognition of signs/symptoms; pathology; assessment and management strategies; the application of pharmacological agents; advanced knowledge of medical terminology; differential diagnosis; diagnostic testing; and common medical procedures associated with various medical conditions.

SPHS 432: Organization and Administration of Athletics

Credits 2
An in-depth study of organizational; administrative; and management theories and practices for entry- level professionals in healthcare; fitness; and athletic administration. Topics include: organizational planning; financial resource management; human resource management; facility design and management; risk management; insurance systems; as well as legal and ethical considerations.

SPHS 459: Research Methods in Sports Health and Sciences

Credits 2
This course is designed to introduce students to the importance and process of conducting research in the field of Sports and Health Sciences. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills for solving clinical problems using evidence-based medicine.

SPHS 470: Capstone in Sports and Health Sciences

Credits 1
This is a course that culminates the knowledge and skills a student has gained in the multidisciplinary areas of the sports and health sciences major and focuses on the final preparations for a career in healthcare or to continue their education towards an advanced degree.