In the early 1960s, Southeastern saw a dramatic rise in enrollment, driven partly by the influx of baby boomers entering college. Between 1960 and 1966, the student population nearly tripled, growing from about 1,700 to more than 6,100 students.
To further support its growing academic community, Southeastern introduced its first master’s degree programs during this period. These graduate offerings, first education and then shortly followed by English, history, business, music, biology, chemistry, and mathematics, elevated the university’s academic standing and attracted more diverse students and faculty. The expansion reinforced Southeastern’s role as a major educational institution in the region, preparing it for continued growth and success in the coming decades.
