State System Approves New Master of Health Science for Lock Haven University
LOCK HAVEN – The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has approved a new graduate degree program in health science to be offered by Lock Haven University.
Lock Haven University will offer a Master of Health Science degree that will include concentrations in health promotion/education and healthcare management. It will prepare graduates for leadership and management positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centers and nonprofit health and human services settings. The program will be delivered online and via interactive videoconferencing.
“The new program represents Lock Haven University’s continued academic leadership, creating exciting new programs that directly align with the economic interests and need of students and our professional community,” said Dean of the College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, Dr. Scott Carnicom. “This new program also compliments the many other fine undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences.”
A university release said the Master of Health Science (MHS) will facilitate the attainment of advanced knowledge and skill, improve the student’s ability to educate and manage in health related institutions, and contribute to research. Graduates of the MHS program will ultimately be prepared to make measurable and meaningful contributions to the health of individuals, communities, and organizations through gaining the knowledge of health education and promotion theory/delivery, research and leadership.
The school said the MHS is a natural extension of the undergraduate program in the Health Science department, and meets the needs of working adults through the use of distance delivery, therefore meeting an important need in the Commonwealth as well. This degree also enables individuals who are certified, licensed, or registered to complete an advanced program in order to pursue a career in leadership roles in healthcare professions, and to implement health education and promotion in a variety of settings.
The overarching goal of the proposed MHS program is to prepare students to function independently and successfully as specialized healthcare professionals and health educators in a variety of settings. Graduates of the proposed program will be prepared to pursue or advance a professional practice career in health education, healthcare delivery, high level administration, and research.
