POINT PLEASANT — The Marshall Mid-Ohio Valley Center has added a new graduate program to its roster of educational offerings.

The partnership between Marshall University and Mason County schools has led to the addition of the graduate program for special education. This program will offer a master’s degree, licensure and certification in the program.

Because of the arrangement between the school systems, this new addition allows those interested to obtain a degree at a discounted rate. The normal rate for graduate college courses is about $800 per credit hour, but according to Dr. Doug Sturgeon, director of special education for the Mason County Board of Education, courses will be offered at $354 per credit hour.

The graduate program for special education requires 39 hours of course work, depending on whether students are considering pursuing amaster’s degree.

The program will allow those who graduate to obtain a special education multi-categorial degree, which focuses on mild to moderate disabilities, behavior disorders, mental retardation and learning disabilities.

Dr. Mike Sullivan, department chair of special education at Marshall University’s Graduate University, said this program can be tailored to each individual according to their need.

Those interested can either renew their special education license, earn their licensure or certification, or graduate with a master’s degree.

“The great thing about this new program is that people interested won’t have to commit to the full graduate program,” Sullivan said. “Depending on their needs, they can go the full 39 hours, or stop after they have achieved was is necessary.”

The classes at the MOVC will most likely be held on weekends. Sturgeon and Dr. William Capehart, superintendent of Mason County schools, will teach some of the courses in the program.

“A survey will be given to those who submit their application,” Sturgeon said. “From there, we will see when most people are available and set the schedule accordingly.”

Another plus to the program is that a certain amount of students are not required to have the class. That decision is made by the Mason County schools.

During the information session held Monday evening, Sullivan discussed the admission process with those who attended.

To apply for the program, several steps need to be taken in order to be accepted as a MU graduate student.

• Submit application, along with fee

• Obtain and send transcripts from any undergraduate programs/colleges

• Take either the GRE or the MAT

Sturgeon is excited about this program and what it means to those interested.

“This is a great opportunity for teachers to enhance their profession,” Sturgeon said. “By having this at a reduced cost, it enables those interested to obtain a masters degree that wouldn’t be available otherwise.”

If coming from a non-teacher background, the admissions office at MU requires students to take two additional courses as well as the Praxis I and II tests.

The entire program is targeted not only to the Mason County area, but Meigs and Gallia counties in Ohio as well.

The terms and sequence of the program will be announced sometime later in the spring by MU and the MOVC.

If interested, contact Sturgeon at the Mason County Board of Education Office at 304-675-4540.