Introducing Graduate Early Admission Pathways!
Get a head start on a graduate degree while you’re an Otterbein student.
Otterbein University is making history as a co-founder of a groundbreaking, new national coalition of universities known as The Coalition for the Common Good.
This national collaboration means Otterbein students have broadened opportunities to achieve more of their dreams. Now, your education, your experiences, and your options are even bigger and bolder than when you smartly applied to Otterbein.
One of the most exciting new benefits available to you as an Otterbein student is our Graduate Early Admission Pathway (GEAP).
The Graduate Early Admission Pathways give you the chance to get started on an Antioch University graduate degree while you’re finishing your Otterbein University undergraduate degree by taking three graduate courses (9 credits) during your senior year. These 9 credits will count towards both your undergraduate and your graduate degree.
Otterbein students will apply to the GEAP program by November 15 of their junior year to take the three graduate courses beginning the fall semester of their senior year.
Read on to learn more about the programs already available and how this Otterbein benefit will shorten the time and expense to completing a graduate degree.
On this page:
GEAP Programs
Providing more students with access to the power of a graduate degree is an important part of Otterbein’s commitment to the Coalition for the Common Good. We know companies and communities alike will benefit from the knowledge and experience you’ll secure with an advanced degree. The following GEAP programs are currently available:
Coming soon! Two new GEAP programs: MBA for Engineers and Couple & Family Therapy!
Art Therapy
Degree: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration
Take the next step toward becoming a licensed mental health counselor with Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy concentration. This unique program prepares you for professional licensure while equipping you with specialized training in art therapy—blending clinical practice with the healing power of creative expression. Grounded in a social justice framework, you’ll engage with issues of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion as you develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support individuals through emotional, psychological, and developmental challenges. With comprehensive clinical coursework and experiential learning opportunities, you’ll be ready to empower clients through both verbal and visual communication. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into a compassionate, creative counseling career that supports healing and inspires change.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Degree: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Take the next step toward a meaningful counseling career with Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Designed to prepare you for professional licensure, this CACREP-accredited program offers the flexibility to choose a learning format that fits your life—whether you prefer fully online study with immersive residencies or weekend-based, low-residency classes in Keene, NH; Yellow Springs, OH; or Seattle, WA. Grounded in a social justice framework, you’ll gain the knowledge, clinical skills, and multicultural competencies needed to support individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges. Through a curriculum that integrates ethical practice, human development, and research-based approaches to mental health, you’ll be equipped to guide others toward healing and resilience. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the counseling skills that will empower your future—and the lives of those you serve.
Conservation Biology
Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology
Channel your passion for nature into a career that protects ecosystems, empowers communities, and advances environmental justice with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology concentration. This program is designed for those ready to take their foundational science knowledge into the field—literally and figuratively—as conservation professionals, educators, and advocates. You’ll gain essential skills in ecological research, GIS, natural resource management, and environmental communication, while building strong connections with local communities and professional networks. Whether you aim to conduct fieldwork, design conservation plans, manage land for biodiversity, or lead initiatives in nonprofit, governmental, or consulting sectors, this program gives you the tools to make a real difference. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the scientific insight and leadership skills that will help restore and protect the natural world.
Couple and Family Therapy
Degree: MA in Couple & Family Therapy
The Couple and Family Therapy Program helps students pursue a rewarding and meaningful career that enhances the lives and relationships of individuals, couples, and families. By focusing on a family systems perspectives and pairing the traditional classroom setting with comprehensive clinical training and onsite internships, you will be better prepared for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
The CFT Program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) since 2005, which is the highest level of accreditation in marriage and family therapy. Client populations for couple and family therapists include children, teens, and adults, as well as couples and families.
Environmental Education
Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, Environmental Education
Inspire change, deepen understanding, and connect communities to the natural world with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Environmental Studies, Environmental Education concentration. Designed for recent graduates ready to lead in classrooms, nature centers, museums, and beyond, this program prepares you to become an educator who brings science to life and empowers others to act for the planet. Rooted in environmental education theory and practice, you’ll gain interdisciplinary knowledge of ecological systems, sustainability, and how people learn—alongside hands-on experience in program design, conservation psychology, and community-based learning. Whether you’re raising climate change awareness, developing place-based curricula, or guiding public engagement through informal education, you’ll be equipped to lead with both heart and skill. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the teaching tools and environmental insight that will shape how future generations understand and care for the Earth.
Environmental Studies
Degree: MS in Environmental Studies
Become part of the next generation of environmental leaders working towards a more sustainable, healthy future. Our programs is flexible and can be tailored to meet your individual needs, learning style, and location. We emphasize student-centered, experiential learning as a key focus of our curriculum. You’ll find our faculty working alongside students in the field and in the classroom, building capacity for community resilience, co-designing conservation, digging soil pits, mapping forest composition, tracking wildlife, developing advocacy campaigns, and teaching.
Equine Non-Profit Management
Degree: MA in Nonprofit Management
The Equine profession encompasses a broad group of business professionals who manage nonprofits such as therapy programs, riding programs and state-run equine centers for example. This combined program offers an excellent base for entry into any of the equine nonprofit businesses.
Exercise and Health Science
Degree: MS in Allied Health, Exercise and Health Science
Position yourself for career advancement in the growing field of health and wellness with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Allied Health with a concentration in Exercise and Health Science. Designed for recent graduates and working professionals alike, this program equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills to promote healthy living across diverse populations. Through a flexible online format and hands-on learning experiences, you’ll explore exercise science, nutrition, and wellness programming with a strong emphasis on equity and social justice. Whether you’re a personal trainer, wellness coach, exercise physiologist, or high school coach, this degree prepares you to lead with confidence—and prepares you for certifications such as CSCS, CHES, or ACSM-EP. Grounded in the goals of Healthy People 2030, Antioch’s program helps you meet the real-world demands of an evolving healthcare landscape while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
Healthcare Administration
Degree: MS in Allied Health, Healthcare Administration
PStep into leadership and shape the future of healthcare with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Allied Health, Healthcare Administration concentration. Designed for professionals ready to turn passion into influence, this online program prepares you to lead with purpose, empathy, and strategic insight. Whether you’re beginning your journey in healthcare management or currently in a clinical role, you’ll gain the tools to navigate complex systems, manage teams, and drive meaningful change in your organization. Grounded in a social justice framework, the curriculum emphasizes people-centered leadership, healthcare policy, and operational effectiveness—ensuring you’re ready to make a difference in community health centers, managed care, or nonprofit settings. With a flexible learning format and a focus on real-world application, this degree empowers you to rise as a compassionate, capable leader in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Human Services Administration
Degree: Master of Human Services Administration
Take the next step in your educational journey to leadership in the human services field with a Master of Arts in Human Services Administration (MHSA). For recent graduates ready to advance their impact, this program builds on your foundation, equipping you with the administrative expertise and strategic leadership skills needed to create meaningful change. In small, collaborative classes, you’ll develop competencies in human resources, funding strategies, and managing diverse populations—preparing you for roles like executive director, grant writer, or program manager. With a curriculum blending management studies and human development, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to lead, innovate, and enhance service quality across social services, nonprofits, education, and healthcare. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the leadership skills that will shape your future.
Individualized Studies in Environmental Studies
Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, Self-Designed
Design a graduate experience that reflects your unique vision for environmental leadership with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in self-designed studies. Created for recent graduates whose interests span multiple disciplines, this program empowers you to build a personalized academic pathway grounded in environmental values and driven by your professional goals. Whether you’re blending ecology and psychology, sustainability and storytelling, or conservation and community engagement, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to craft a rigorous, goal-oriented curriculum tailored to your focus. From environmental media arts to sustainable recreation, your path is yours to define—rooted in purpose, enriched by interdisciplinary learning, and built to support meaningful, real-world impact. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into a customized graduate degree that aligns with the future you’re ready to create.
Individualized Studies in the Humanities
Degree: MA in Humanities
Design a graduate experience as unique as your interests with Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Humanities. This fully online, self-designed program puts you in charge—offering the freedom to shape your curriculum around the questions, themes, and disciplines that matter most to you. Whether you want to explore literature and philosophy, dive into cultural studies, or create an entirely new interdisciplinary focus, you’ll have the flexibility to chart your own academic path with the support of a dedicated faculty mentor. With options to transfer prior academic and professional experience, multiple start dates throughout the year, and a choice of course lengths and formats, this program adapts to your life and learning style. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into a personalized degree that aligns with your values, your voice, and your vision for what comes next.
Individualized Studies in the Social Sciences
Degree: MA in Social Sciences
Shape your graduate journey around the social questions that inspire you with Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Social Sciences. This fully online, self-designed program gives you the freedom to create a curriculum that reflects your intellectual passions and professional goals—whether you’re exploring public policy, psychology, social change, or an interdisciplinary issue that doesn’t fit neatly into a single field. Work closely with a faculty mentor to build a personalized academic plan that aligns with your interests, your values, and your career aspirations. With flexible course lengths, multiple start dates, and the option to transfer up to 15 credits—including recognition of relevant professional experience—this program is built to fit your life. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into a self-directed path that equips you to better understand—and influence—the complex world we live in.
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Degree: Master of Business Administration
Take your business education to the next level with Antioch University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA)—recognized as one of the best online MBAs in sustainability for 2024. Designed for recent graduates ready to make an impact, this program equips you with the leadership, strategy, and management skills to build successful organizations that prioritize people, planet, and profit. Grounded in the triple bottom line approach, you’ll learn how to drive innovation, sustainability, and ethical decision-making in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Whether you’re aiming for a management role, launching a purpose-driven business, or planning for long-term career growth, Antioch’s MBA gives you the expertise and marketable skills to lead with confidence in today’s evolving business landscape. Choose from concentrations including: Leadership and Teams, Healthcare Leadership, Nonprofit Leadership, Sustainable Business, and a Self-Designed option.
MBA for Engineers
Degree: Master of Business Administration
According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), employers express growing confidence over the past several years that GME (Graduate Management Education) graduates outperform other employees, fast-track to upper-level positions, and earn higher salaries. Roughly two-thirds of employers believe full business degrees are more effective for employee success than micro-credentials. The average starting salary for MBA graduates is estimated at approximately $120,000, while the mean annual wage of all mechanical engineers nationwide is estimated to be $105,220 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023). The average total cost of an MBA is $60,410 (Education Data Initiative, November 2024), while the cost of an Otterbein GEAP with Antioch will be significantly less.
Non-Profit Management
Degree: MA in Nonprofit Management
Turn your passion for purpose into powerful leadership with Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management. Designed for recent graduates and working professionals who are ready to lead mission-driven organizations, this fully online program equips you with the strategic, financial, and people-centered skills needed to navigate the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. Rooted in a strong foundation of leadership, fundraising, and organizational development, the curriculum empowers you to create sustainable impact while advancing equity and social change. Structured in flexible 7-week courses, this program fits your busy life while preparing you for roles such as executive director, development officer, or program manager. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the leadership skills that will help you build a career with purpose and impact.
Reading Endorsement in Education
Degree: Reading Endorsement for Teachers
Are you thinking about adding the Ohio Reading Endorsement to your future teaching credentials? The Reading Endorsement in Education GEAP gives you a jump start on two of the four courses required to earn this powerful credential. If you’d like to enrich and broaden your teaching skills and expertise — the Reading Endorsement prepares teachers as highly qualified educators of reading for Ohio students across grades K-12.
Social Justice and Sustainability
Degree: MS in Environmental Studies, Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability
Turn your passion for justice and the environment into meaningful action with Antioch University’s Master of Science in Environmental Studies, Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability concentration. Designed for emerging leaders ready to influence change, this program empowers you to become an effective advocate for climate solutions, conservation, and social equity. Through a curriculum grounded in policy, activism, and community engagement, you’ll gain the tools to shape public discourse, build coalitions, and lead sustainability efforts across nonprofit, government, and grassroots sectors. Whether you envision yourself working on climate adaptation, clean energy policy, biodiversity protection, or environmental communications, Antioch helps you chart your path. Take what you’ve learned in your undergraduate experience and transform it into the advocacy skills that will drive a more just and sustainable future.
TESOL Endorsement in Education
Degree: TESOL Endorsement for Teachers
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Endorsement gives teachers the tools and experience to teach English with clarity and purpose. This endorsement develops a foundation of knowledge and skills to assess English Learner (EL) needs and design high-impact instruction for ELs in all grades and at all language levels. Students pursuing the TESOL in Education GEAP will have the opportunity to earn two of the required four courses for this endorsement. The endorsement integrates experience and knowledge gained in the first two courses in authentic and integrated field experiences. Students will also develop a repertoire of high-impact literacy practices. These practices are applied in a unique university/community based field partnership.
Applying for your GEAP is easy.
Otterbein Juniors can apply for Graduate Early Admission Pathway program consideration by completing the Antioch University application.
“There are two reasons I’m excited about this opportunity. I really like Antioch and what they stand for. The other — the benefits! I really appreciate that these courses are paid for. It’s nice to get a semester ahead. This is what I want to do. There’s no point in waffling—I can just get rolling.”
Isabel Elliot ’25
Psychology and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies double major
Enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling GEAP
GEAP Timeline
Year ONE
- Students can ask their academic advisor about GEAP pathway opportunities.
- Students attend a GEAP information session.
Year TWO
- Students can talk with their academic advisor about any coursework or other requirements to prepare for GEAP application due in Year THREE.
- Students interested in applying for a GEAP should attend one or multiple information sessions.
Year THREE
- GEAP applications are due by November 15.*
- *GEAP application requirements vary.
- Students should understand each program’s application process.
- Students learn of their acceptance into a GEAP and an Antioch graduate program.
*GEAP application requirements vary.
Year FOUR
- Students attend a GEAP orientation session.
- Students begin their GEAP courses.
- Most GEAP programs require one course during fall semester and two courses during spring semester.
- Some programs require a summer course start.
Students can continue their coursework with an additional Otterbein and Coalition discount.
About GEAP
How does Graduate Early Admission shorten my time and costs for a graduate degree?
If accepted into the graduate degree program of your choice, you will be able to take three graduate courses during your senior year at Otterbein.
Depending on the graduate program, and your undergraduate major, your courses also fulfill Otterbein undergraduate degree requirements:
- For related and/or specified majors, courses fulfill core major curriculum requirements.
- For non-related majors, courses can fulfill elective requirements.
Great news! Your Otterbein undergraduate tuition covers the cost of the graduate courses during your senior year. All merit and need-based aid can be applied to this opportunity. (Graduate coursework is always a higher rate per credit hour. This represents a significant savings for three courses worth of credit.)
Looking ahead! When you continue your program AFTER earning your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for a 15% discount per credit hour because of your Otterbein alumni status.
When can I apply?
As an Otterbein student, you can apply for Graduate Early Admission Pathway Programs during the Junior Year of your undergraduate study. Applications are due by November 15 to start select graduate coursework during the fall of your Senior Year.
What does the application process entail?
All students will be asked to complete an Antioch University application for the graduate degree program they are applying for. On the Antioch application, Otterbein students will be able to note their status as a GEAP applicant. Please note that each academic program has specific additional application requirements. GEAP applicants will also be required to submit an additional form, completed by their advisor, that confirms academic qualifications and readiness for graduate study. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.
Do I have to be a specific major as an undergraduate student to apply for the Graduate Early Admission Pathway Programs at Antioch?
The short answer is NO, GEAP programs are open to students of all majors. You do not have to have a certain major to be eligible to APPLY for any GEAP program.
Some GEAP programs may require certain pre-requisite courses to ensure you have some foundational knowledge for your studies. Requirements for the Art Therapy GEAP include an art portfolio and additional psychology coursework.
Additionally, your major will shape if the Graduate Early Admission Pathway courses are able to fulfill academic major core curriculum coursework or if they are able to be applied to your elective requirements.
Additional Accelerated Pathways
Athletic Training Accelerated Early Admission Program
Take your passion for health and performance to the next level with this 3+2 accelerated pathway. The 3+2 pathway will provide a route to Antioch University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree. Students will complete both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 5 years, compared to the traditional 6 years (which includes summer semesters). With a focus on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, you’ll graduate ready to address health disparities, promote equitable care, and lead in a growing, dynamic field. If you’re driven to support well-being through movement and medicine, this is where your journey begins. This pathway is designed for advanced students who can handle the challenge of rigorous coursework. Students should discuss the pathway most appropriate for their studies with their academic advisor.
Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program
Otterbein partners with Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine to attract highly talented high school students into an Early Assurance Program aimed at increasing the pipeline of primary care physicians practicing in Ohio.
The Heritage College is a national leader in training primary care physicians. The college is the top school in Ohio and 11th nationally in medical schools which graduate physicians who practice in under-served rural areas. The state’s only osteopathic medical school has sites in Athens, Dublin, and Cleveland, Ohio. Students participating in the Early Assurance Program can be considered for any of the Heritage College’s campuses.
Students accepted to the program have two curricular options: a 3+4 track or a 4+4 track.