Health sciences: HPU takes giant step forward.

• Position: High Point University

The next major dose of growth for High Point University is coming in a form that will make the university's academic offerings even stronger and more prestigious - the new School of Health Sciences.

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The new school will have more than 500 students pursuing proposed new doctoral and master's degree programs in a state of the art facility.

Dr. Daniel Erb, who comes to HPU after a successful career at Duke University, has been named dean of the school, and the initial degree programs have been determined - proposed doctorate in physical therapy, and proposed master's degrees in physician assistance studies, exercise science and athletic training. A School of Pharmacy, offering a doctoral degree in pharmacy (PharmD), will also be established.

The new school and facility will bolster an already burgeoning science program that is outgrowing its home. It provides, on one hand, the cutting-edge research and prestige associated with a robust graduate school and, on the other hand, more space for science classrooms and labs.

The process begins this fall when HPU submits a prospectus for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant doctoral degrees. The university's first doctoral degree will be in education, paving the way for separate submissions for the doctor of physical therapy, next, and then the doctor of pharmacy. Erb expects all SACS accreditations to be completed by 2013 at the latest.

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Biology #1 Major

Biology has emerged as the largest major in the College of Arts and Sciences in recent years, and chemistry has become increasingly popular. Majors in biochemistry and physics were added in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

"More and more of our students are interested in careers in sciences and health professions," says Dr. Dennis Carroll, provost and vice president of academic affairs. "With very successful schools in business, art and design, education and communication, the university decided a School of Health Sciences was the obvious and necessary next step in expanding our academic program."

Rising Demand for Health Care

Carroll and Erb say the new school will help meet increasing demand for health care stemming from an...