Kean University Launches New Master's Degree Programs

From Kean University:

Kean University will launch three new graduate programs in the upcoming academic year: a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in Kean’s new School of Physician Assistant Studies and the Master of Architecture in the Michael Graves College.

“These three programs reflect our ongoing commitment to offer students in New Jersey and the surrounding region quality academic programs with strong job prospects,” said Jeffrey Toney, Ph.D., Kean provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Each of these programs will be led by faculty with real-world experience who can deliver a world-class education.”

Kean’s new, 36-credit Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program is currently accepting applications and will launch in the fall 2016 semester. It is the only public program in New Jersey and one of a few nationwide to offer a highly functional degree designed for those interested in pursuing doctoral training in psychology or law or master’s-level forensic jobs in court, clinics, research departments, law enforcement, corrections and psychiatric settings.

The field of forensic psychology has grown significantly over the past three decades, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 14 to 20 percent job growth through 2022, outpacing most other occupations.

“At Kean, we equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to be productive and successful in the workplace,” said Richard P. Conti, Ph.D., assistant professor in Kean’s School of Psychology. “Our M.A. in Forensic Psychology will prepare students for a field in which jobs are available and they can contribute positively to society.”

For more information, visit the Kean University website, contact Dr. Conti at rconti@kean.edu or (908) 737-5883, or call the Department of Psychology at (908) 737-5870.

The physician assistant profession is considered one of the top growth careers in the nation, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 38 percent increase in job opportunities between 2012 and 2022. Kean has applied for provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) for the 98-credit, two-year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and intends to launch in May 2017 with brand new classrooms, labs and equipment in Kean’s new North Avenue Academic Building.

“Kean’s program is only the fourth physician assistant program at a New Jersey institution, so we are well-positioned to meet the demand in this growing field,” said Medea Y. Valdez, PA-C, DHEd, executive director of Kean’s School of Physician Assistant Studies. “Our graduates will have an appreciation for family and patient-centered primary care and will be able to facilitate the continuity of care for patients across all settings to help address the healthcare gaps in the state.”

Medical practices seeking to partner with Kean in providing clinical rotation opportunities should contact Mayra Ramirez, PA-C, DHSc, director of clinical education, at maramire@kean.edu or (908) 737-5914.

More information about Kean's Physician Assistant Studies program is available online.

The Master of Architecture program in Kean’s School of Public Architecture will launch in 2019. It is a 55-credit, two-year program, which prepares students who don’t have a professional architecture degree to sit for licensing exams at the state and national levels. The program builds on Kean’s bachelor’s degree in architecture, continuing the emphasis on humanist values as they impact contemporary design.

Architecture is a growing profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects a seven percent increase in jobs between 2014 and 2024.

“Kean’s Master of Architecture program prepares students for the increasing globalization of architectural design,” said David Mohney, FAIA, dean of Kean’s Michael Graves College, which houses the School of Public Architecture. “Graduates will have the expanded professional design skills required from today’s architects and builders. The master’s program will engage directly with the built environment with the intention of raising standards among the public for quality designs, buildings and places.”
Further information is available through the Kean University website.
Photo courtesy of Kean University