Butler Introduces Hinkle Academy

Butler University has announced a new grad school program in wellness and sports. The Hinkle Academy is a joint online venture of Butler’s Department of Athletics, College of Education, and Health and Recreation Complex. The program will start in the fall.

The program will offer 12 credits of graduate coursework over 11 months. Butler says the classes will lead to a 12-hour certificate that can be used toward a Master’s in Effective Teaching and Leadership at Butler or a graduate degree elsewhere.

"In my world of rec sports, the competition is such that if you don’t have a master’s, you’re really behind the eight-ball. It’s an incredibly competitive marketplace for jobs," Director of Recreation Scott Peden said. 

Coursework will include marketing, special events, program planning and facilities management. 

"Regardless of what specific branch you go into in wellness, you’re going to have to know budgeting and finance and sponsorships and legal aspects and a boatload of specific topics. Those are good foundational competencies to have, regardless," Peden said.

He says having classes online is "perfect" for people who are in the workforce and can’t take the time to return to school for two years.

"There are a lot of students who are graduating from undergraduate coursework and looking to see what’s next. This is a unique niche," Peden said.