With Graduate Degrees in Hand, the Class of 2026 Sets Out to Make a Difference

941 graduate scholars celebrated their achievement at Adelphi's 130th Commencement

They range in age from 20 to 71 years old, came to Adelphi for graduate study from 20 states and 34 countries beyond our borders, and earned master's and doctoral degrees in 63 different programs. They are the 941 members of Adelphi's graduate Class of 2026.

With 90 different graduate degree and certificate programs, Adelphi is committed to growing its number of offerings to meet the demands of today's rapidly changing economy. This summer, the University is opening the doors of its new Manhattan Center in New York City with a range of flexible programs for working adults.

The Four Most Popular Graduate Programs

The Master of Social Work program offered by Adelphi's School of Social Work often graduates the largest group of master's degree recipients. This year was no different, as 183 students received their diplomas at the graduate Commencement ceremony on May 21.

The 67 graduates of the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), a five-year combined bachelor's and master's degree program that saves students a year of time and tuition, made up the second-largest group. The program, from the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences, offers tracks in childhood, adolescent, and TESOL education.

The Robert B. Willumstad School of Business graduated the third- and fourth-largest groups of graduates. Sixty-two students earned their MBA this year, while 50 received their MS in Business Analytics.

Adelphi's Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology-the first university-based professional school of psychology-graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 23 in all. Sixteen students received their PhD in clinical psychology, and seven earned their PsyDs in school psychology.

A Global Group of Graduates

Students from 34 countries outside the United States came to Adelphi for their graduate education. The largest group, by far, is from India, with 117 graduates. The 11 students from Vietnam were the second largest group, followed by the 10 graduates from China. The 191 international students in the Class of 2026 also included scholars from as far away as Guyana, Cameroon, Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Stateside, the bulk of graduates are from New York and nearby New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Overall, the class included students from 20 states.

Strong U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Graduate Programs

The quality and reputation of Adelphi graduate programs were among the main draws for this year's graduates. Adelphi programs are annually ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Seven Adelphi programs are included in this year's list:

• Best Nursing School: Master's
• Best Nursing School: Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Best Public Health School
• Best Psychology School
• Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs
• Best School for Social Work
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Program
• Best Part-Time MBA Program

"These latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report are a testament to the exceptional caliber of our faculty, the dedication of our students and the profound impact our alumni are making in healthcare and clinical settings," said Susan Dinan, PhD, Adelphi's interim provost. "The dramatic rise in our health program rankings, which are driven by peer assessment, demonstrates that our commitment to academic innovation and clinical excellence is recognized by our academic peers across the country."

Adelphi Grad Programs Arrive in Manhattan

As early as next year, Adelphi will begin graduating students who earn their graduate degrees in New York City at the University's new Manhattan Center. A state-of-the-art, three-floor learning space located in the heart of Midtown at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, the center will offer an initial group of eight graduate programs in in-demand career areas. Students will be able to choose from master's degree programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning, education, general psychology/human resource concentration, business administration (Flex MBA), social work, and creative writing, as well as doctoral programs in learning sciences and global higher education leadership. Students can also earn graduate certificates in business analytics and human resource management at the Manhattan Center; the academic credits earned are transferable to our master's degree programs.

All programs will feature flexible schedules and evening classes to accommodate working adults. The University also introduced a special $10,000 Manhattan Advantage Award to provide financial support for students in the inaugural cohort to ensure they have the resources to pursue graduate studies that will help them become leaders of the modern workforce.

The expansion to Manhattan, the launch of new master's degree and doctoral programs, and the accomplishments and vitality of the graduate Class of 2026 together reflect Adelphi's strategic commitment to graduate education and to the University's growing strength in advanced studies.