Christine Horstman
January 8, 2026
Caldwell University and Seton Hall University Announce Collaborative Graduate Pathways
Caldwell, NJ – Caldwell University and Seton Hall University have partnered to create a series of academic pathways designed to support students pursuing advanced professional degrees in health and rehabilitation sciences. Through these model programs, eligible Caldwell undergraduates have the opportunity to transition into Seton Hall graduate programs in Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Physician Assistant Studies.
This partnership creates stepping stones for Caldwell University students to have access to in-demand programs that may otherwise prove elusive due to limited offerings state-wide or in the region. Caldwell University students benefit from a clearly defined route to advanced degrees at Seton Hall University, fostering academic continuity and professional readiness. By fulfilling prerequisite coursework and maintaining the required GPA, students gain a streamlined pathway toward graduate and clinical education in the health sciences.

B.S./B.A. (Caldwell University) + M.S. in Athletic Training (Seton Hall University)
Caldwell students interested in the M.S. in Athletic Training at Seton Hall may express their interest during their sophomore or junior year. Upon consultation with Caldwell’s academic advisement and meeting Seton Hall’s GPA and prerequisite requirements, students may be considered for admission.
Caldwell students apply formally to Seton Hall during the first semester of their senior year.
B.S./B.A. (Caldwell University) + M.S. in Occupational Therapy (Seton Hall University)
Caldwell students can express interest in SHU’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy program by their sophomore or junior year.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the graduate phase:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 3.2 (overall and in prerequisites).
- Complete all required courses with a grade of C or better.
- No withdrawals, incompletes, or pass/fail grades are permitted.
Students apply in the first semester of their senior year via OTCAS, and up to ten seats per admission cycle are reserved for Caldwell students. Additional candidates may be considered jointly by both universities.
B.S. (Caldwell University) + M.S. in Physician Assistant (Seton Hall University)
This model program offers priority consideration for Caldwell students applying to SHU’s M.S. in Physician Assistant program.
Priority Consideration
Priority consideration ensures interview invitations for eligible students who meet academic and prerequisite standards.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a minimum GPA of 3.2 (overall and in prerequisites).
- Earn a grade of C or better in science courses.
- Have no withdrawals, incompletes, or pass/fail grades in prerequisites.
Applications are submitted in the first semester of the senior year through the SHU Slate application (fee waivers available at [email protected]).
B.S./B.A. (Caldwell University) + Doctor of Physical Therapy (Seton Hall University)
This program allows Caldwell students to pursue SHU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 (overall and in prerequisites).
- Complete all required courses with a grade of C or better.
Applications are submitted in the first semester of senior year through PTCAS, with ten reserved seats per cycle for Caldwell students.

B.S./B.A. (Caldwell University) + M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (Seton Hall University)
This program provides a pathway for Caldwell students pursuing graduate study in speech, language, and communication sciences and go on to earn SHU’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a minimum GPA of 3.2.
- Earn a grade of B or better in prerequisite courses.
- Earn a grade of C or better in related requirements.
Students apply in the first semester of their senior year through CSDCAS. Up to ten seats are reserved annually for Caldwell students.
Advisement and Administration
Throughout all programs:
- Academic advisement remains a shared responsibility between Caldwell University and Seton Hall University.
- Both institutions provide guidance on degree and prerequisite completion, and exchange academic records as needed.
- Each university’s admissions office is responsible for notifying students of admissions decisions for both undergraduate and graduate phases.
These collaborative programs provide Caldwell University students with a clearly defined route to advanced degrees at Seton Hall University, fostering academic continuity and professional readiness. By fulfilling prerequisite coursework and maintaining the required GPA, students gain a streamlined pathway toward graduate and clinical education in the health sciences.
Interested students are encouraged to view the SHU Catalog/Website for the most updated criteria for admission.
Pictured, top back (l. to r.): Dr. Christopher Cuccia, SHU Associate Provost; Dr. William Velhagen, Dean of Caldwell School of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Courtney Smith, Dean of SHU School of Diplomacy & International Relations; Dr. Jeffrey Togman, Associate Dean for Curriculum & Assessment, SHU College of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Vikram Dayalu, Dean of SHU School of Health & Medical Sciences
Top, seated (l. to r.): Dr. Kathleen Boreale, Dean of Caldwell School of Nursing & Health Services; Dr. George Abaunza, Caldwell VPAA; Dr. Erik Lillquist, SHU Provost; Dr. Kristi Stinson, Dean SHU College of Nursing
