LHU accepting applications for two new masters degree programs
Online programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Sport Science
July 9, 2012
On June 28, the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education awarded final approval for Lock Haven University to offer two new online masters degree programs. Both programs will begin this fall, 2012.
The online, web-based delivery enables working adults the flexibility to progress through these programs on a full-time or part-time basis, at a reasonable pace, without interrupting their career. Lock Haven University’s distance instructional methods are designed to maintain a personal, one-to-one mentoring and supervision relationship with degree candidates and make it possible to create active and engaged learning communities.
Master of Science: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science: Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will be provided 100% online and will educate students to become license-eligible for the counseling profession in many states throughout the United States.
This program fulfills a critical need throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. “Clinical Mental Health Counselors are in high demand and we are happy that Lock Haven University will prepare students to meet this very important need for the citizens of Pennsylvania and the U.S,” said LHU President Michael Fiorentino Jr.
Licensed professional counselors and licensed mental health counselors can receive third-party payment through health insurance agencies, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration. This allows counselors opportunities to work in a variety of settings such as mental health agencies, private practice, veterans outreach sites, and hospitals.
Program Director Dr. Deborah Erickson stated, “The blend of technology and personal contact throughout the program will enhance the learning environment and facilitate a counseling education to meet the needs of all the students in the program.”
Master of Science: Sport Science
The Master of Science: Sport Science program provides advanced preparation for those who love sport and wish to pursue sport-related careers. Students in the Master of Science Sport Science program can choose either the track in Sport Administration or the track in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
The Sport Administration track responds to the rapidly growing need for those trained to manage all aspects of sport organizations and facilities. Graduates of the Sport Administration track are prepared for careers ranging from marketing, sales and sponsorship, to event planning and facility management in professional, amateur, educational, and community sport settings.
The Sport and Exercise Psychology track, the only one of its kind in the PASSHE system, applies psychological principles to the study and enhancement of sport and physical activity performance. Students examine how psychological factors influence sport performance and physical activity participation and how sport and physical activity involvement affect psychological well-being. Graduates of this track are prepared to help athletes and others achieve optimal performance.
President Fiorentino sees the approval of this program as a strong extension of the undergraduate offerings. “Lock Haven University has had an outstanding reputation in preparing undergraduates in Sport Science, Health and Physical Education, and Recreation Management,” he said. “The graduate program in Sport Science allows our students and those from across the United States to continue their education in a program that offers quality, convenience, and affordability.”
“This program will prepare graduates for immediate employment,” says Program Director Dr. Patricia Lally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics research projects national employment growth by as much as 25% and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry projects growth in Central Pa. at 22% for jobs serviced by this program.
Both the Master of Science: Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the Master of Science: Sport Science program are now accepting applications for fall 2012.
For additional information, contact Jerry Falco, assistant director for graduate admissions, at 570-484-3869 or gradadmissions@lhup.edu. The graduate admissions website is www.lhup.edu/graduatestudies.
Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.
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