June 28, 2012

PASSHE Board of Governors approves five degree programs

Contact: Kevin Hensil, khensil@passhe.edu

•Associate of Applied Science in applied technology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

•Associate of Applied Science in natural gas production and services at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

•Bachelor of Science in safety management at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

•Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

•Master of Science in sport science at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Edinboro University’s program in applied technology will provide students with both technical and business training, which will enable graduates to advance their careers in a variety of technical fields. The program will provide individuals with technical certification or training from other accredited institutions the opportunity to complete a relevant associate degree.

Multiple tracks from which students can choose in accordance with their career goals will include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology; industrial engineering technology; environmental engineering technology; and civil engineering technology. The new degree program was designed to address a critical need in a region that is heavily reliant on a competitive manufacturing base. This program will prepare students for occupations such as engineering technicians, industry team leaders, quality coordinators, new product development coordinators and sales specialists, among others.

Both of Mansfield University’s new programs were developed in close collaboration with industry as part of its newly established Marcellus Institute and will be offered beginning this fall.

The new degree in natural gas production and services is designed to prepare graduates for various career paths in the natural gas industry. The five concentrations within the program—permitting and inspection specialist, mud logging/geology specialist, environmental specialist, geographic information systems specialist and safety management specialist—have been identified by industry employers as well as major corporations in the Northern Tier of the Commonwealth as meeting a critical need. The program is closely aligned with the emerging and growing careers in the drilling industry as outlined by the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association.

Mansfield University’s program in safety management is designed to prepare graduates for the expanding Marcellus Shale industry and associated energy businesses that have an immediate need for safety professionals. It also will prepare graduates for a range of occupational health and safety positions in other industries, both regionally and globally.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has indicated a strong demand for safety workers, as has the Pennsylvania Statewide Marcellus Workforce Needs Assessment.

Lock Haven University’s graduate degree program in clinical mental health counseling is designed to address the need for mental health counselors to work in rural areas and to work with military veterans, especially those who may be suffering with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

The program will utilize both online and interactive (ITV) delivery methods to all easy access by potential students who may already be working full time. The need for mental health counselors in these two areas of expertise is expected to increase rapidly throughout the next decade.

Lock Haven University’s program in sport science will prepare students to work in the areas of sport administration or sport exercise psychology. The sport administration track is designed to prepare graduates to pursue careers in the sport industry including marketing, administration, public relations, financial management and coaching. The sport psychology track will prepare graduates to become certified consultants who will work with coaches, athletes, officials and parents about sport and exercise psychology and performance enhancement techniques. They may also work as academic advisors to student-athletes, fitness consultants or lifestyle coaches.

The flexible online delivery method of the program will meet the needs of graduate students, many of whom work full time.

For more information about any of the new degree programs, please contact the appropriate university.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with nearly 120,000 students. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. About 500,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.