YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The number of students earning degrees from YSU in the 2016 - 2017 academic year is the second highest since the university was founded more than 100 years ago.

 More than 2,300 students earned their degrees according to YSU. 

Dr. Michael Butcher Associate Professor of Biological Sciences said, "YSU has a highly competitive STEM program, and I think it's due to our diversity in programs, chemistry, biological sciences, physics, all the disciplines of engineering, mechanical engineering being a leader in that area. We have mathematics, information technologies.  There is a diversity of coursework students can engage in. Another big reason STEM gets a lot of majors is because of the health care professions, medical school, physical therapy, physicians assistant school, veterinary school, and medical related professions.  

Manuel Heriot, a role model for his children, graduated with a degree in Information Technology. Heriot said, "I got married and had children. I wanted my kids to see me do this now, so when they grow up maybe they won't wait and will go to college right after high school. I can do so many things with this degree. I am so overwhelmed right now. I'm just happy to have a degree finally."

Anna Cowan earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering. Cowan said, "It is a lot of hard work. I think the biggest think for anyone is to have dedication and keep pushing even when you have doubts, no matter how hard a program can get, keep working to obtain your goals."

YSU attributes the increase in the number of graduates to it's increased efforts over the last three years to help students achieve in and out of the classrooms. Dr. Butcher believes mentoring students helps them reach their goals and achieve their dreams. We also have an extremely solid record of placing students into jobs, Ph..D. programs, and or professional school programs like medical or otherwise when they graduate here. That's a major draw for our students because they know that's a path to success, and their degree will be used for it's intended purposes."
 
YSU states it has reduced the number of credits it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. It had introduced the Penguin Jump Start program that allows entering students to take classes at a reduced rate the summer before their freshman year., and it encourages students to take more hours each semester. YSU says it's increased graduation numbers are in keeping with the state's recently established Ohio Attainment Goal, which states by 2025, that 65 percent of working age adults in Ohio will have a degree, certificate, or other credential of value.