NEW PROGRAMS — Announcing West Liberty University’s newest master’s degree programs are, from left, Tammy McClain, program director for clinical psychology; Stephanie Meredith, program director for dental hygiene; Karen Kettler, interim dean; and WLU President Stephen Greiner. -- Contributed

WEST LIBERTY – West Liberty University has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission for two new programs, the master of science degree in dental hygiene and the master of arts degree in clinical psychology.

Student applications are being accepted for fall, and both programs are housed in the college of science.

“With this announcement of our two newest master’s degree programs, I am proud to say West Liberty University now has eight master’s degree programs up and running,” said Stephen Greiner, WLU president. “This is important to our state and our work force, and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for students who wish to advance their careers and earn their graduate degree on the hilltop.”

Karen Kettler, interim dean of the college of science, said, “We are pleased to offer more options for health care professionals seeking advanced degrees and we know that our professors and this rigorous curriculum will provide professionals with the education they seek.”

Dental hygiene prepares graduates for leadership roles in dental education and public health.

Sara Sweeney, director of graduate studies, said that “many dental hygienists with undergraduate degrees have expressed an interest in this new master’s program and will be glad to hear that WLU now offers it.”

The master of science in dental hygiene is a 30-credit hour, online program that allows working professionals to advance their career while holding a full-time job.

“We are excited for graduates to have the opportunity to advance their career possibilities by earning their MSDH degree,” said Stephanie Meredith, dental hygiene program director. “By having an online platform, students across the country can continue to work while pursuing their academic goals.”

The master of arts degree in clinical psychology prepares graduates to meet the licensure requirements set by the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychology.

The 54-credit hour program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework, six credit hours of practicum and 18 credit hours of professional internship. The coursework and the practicum are completed over four semesters; the internship course sequence will be completed in the third year to prepare students for license eligibility. Coursework will be offered in the evenings to allow working professionals an opportunity to participate.

“West Virginia meets the demand for mental health professionals by allowing individuals who possess a master of arts in psychology to serve as a board-approved supervised psychologist until they have met the supervisory requirements necessary for independent licensure,” said Tammy McClain, program director for the new master’s program.

Clinical psychologists work in community mental health clinics, health care facilities, schools, social service agencies, education and research.

The need is especially great in rural states, such as West Virginia, where 11 out of 55 counties have no psychologists.

For details, visit online at westliberty.edu/graduate-programs or call Sweeney at (304) 336-8545.