Pennsylvania State University has announced that the Shenango Campus has been authorized to offer the bachelor of arts in letters, arts and sciences with the liberal studies option. It is the sixth campus within PSU to offer this baccalaureate degree program.

"It's wonderful that Shenango will be broadening its portfolio with the baccalaureate in liberal arts degree. It should make the campus more interesting for Penn State's students," said Dean Diane Disney of the Commonwealth College.

Letters, arts and sciences is a multi-disciplinary major that gives students the opportunity to design their own program within certain prescribed boundaries. With the assistance of an adviser, students develop a unique academic program that thematically links courses from different disciplines.

The letters, arts and sciences program encourages an innovative approach to course selection and program design within five broad options: humanities; social and behavioral sciences; science and mathematics; science, technology and society; and liberal studies. Students desiring a pre-professional major that will prepare them for admission to medical schools may, for example, also consider majoring in letters, arts and sciences. Because of the availability of a science/mathematics option, the letters, arts and sciences program is well suited for liberal arts students interested in health professions such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, podiatry, or optometry as career goals.

Career and job opportunities for graduates will depend on their areas of focus. Some possible careers might include designer, art historian, technical writer, public relations person, social services worker, historian, editor, journalist, counselor, sociologist, economist, and jobs in the field of agriculture. Graduates will have the communication and thinking skills valued by potential employers, and be good candidates for entry into graduate schools, medical schools, law schools, and other professional schools.

The need to offer a fourth baccalaureate program at the campus was prompted by local interest and demand according to the campus's 2002-2005 Penn State Shenango Strategic Plan.

"We are very excited about the approval of this new four-year degree program at our campus," Dr. Thomas Rookey, campus executive officer at the Shenango campus, said.

"Our faculty will now have the exciting challenge of research and advanced level coursework. We are moving ahead to make the necessary changes and additions our community wants and needs."

In addition to meeting the needs of the current students at the Shenango campus, this new degree will support those students who want a four-year degree but have been uncertain about what major to select.

It is also well suited to those students whose college career was interrupted; those whose ability to travel to an institution with their specific desired major is restricted by personal, family, or job responsibilities; and those who want or need a baccalaureate degree for personal or professional development.

Penn State Shenango currently offers three other baccalaureate programs -- the bachelor of science in business, bachelor of science in human development and family studies, and bachelor of science in nursing (for registered nurses).

It also offers seven associate degrees, including business administration; human development and family studies; information, sciences and technology; letters, arts and sciences; mechanical engineering technology; physical therapist assistant; and science.

A master of education in teaching and curriculum in conjunction with Penn State Harrisburg is also offered at the campus, as well as various certificate and non-certificate degree programs through its Continuing Education department.

Information on the new degree option will be available at 6 p.m. June 3 at Penn State Shenango, Sharon. Information: (724) 983-2803.