Jersey City, NJ – Saint Peter’s College will implement five new academic programs with the start of the fall 2009 semester. The additions to the College’s academic portfolio include a formal School of Education, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in school counseling, a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a concentration in environmental science and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology or Chemistry with a concentration in forensic science.
The School of Education was established at Saint Peter’s in order to help meet growing education challenges in the state of New Jersey. Developed from existing education programs at Saint Peter’s, this new School joins the College’s three other academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences/School of Business Administration, the School of Nursing and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. The School of Education will enroll approximately 450 students in the fall of 2009.
The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in school counseling was developed by Saint Peter’s administration to ensure that graduate students had the opportunity to complete certification programs at Saint Peter’s in the five key areas of education: educational leadership, reading, teaching, special education and counseling. The program, which is designed for licensed teachers seeking an advanced program of instruction, prepares them to assist students with counseling needs. Most importantly, students in this program will gain the background and skills required to guide students in general education classes as well as specialized settings.
The Asian Studies major is an interdisciplinary program that is intended to nurture awareness and appreciation of Asian cultures in the global sphere, as well as to provide an enhanced understanding of the Asian agenda for students. This program also trains students for improved communication and interaction with Asian peoples and societies. Upon completing the program, students will be prepared for graduate study.
Building upon the strong foundation in the natural sciences at Saint Peter’s, the environmental science concentration takes an interdisciplinary approach on the topic, offering opportunities for practical experiences, with a solid grounding in science and mathematics. The concentration in forensic science will allow students to obtain a science-oriented degree that is supported by professional courses in criminal justice. The concentration in environmental science is an option for students as part of the biology major, and the forensic science concentration will be offered under both biology and chemistry majors.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.