Two Western Pennsylvania public universities are launching new programs in physical therapy, veterinary technology and educational leadership and administration as part of an effort to increase enrollment and serve workforce needs.

Officials at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education said California University of Pennsylvania will begin offering both associate and bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology this fall and is developing a new three-year doctor of physical therapy program.

Slippery Rock University meanwhile will begin offering a new online doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration this fall.

Last week, the State System Board of Governors approved a new policy that will give state system universities including California, Clarion, Edinboro, Indiana and Slippery Rock universities in Western Pennsylvania, latitude to set individual tuition rates in line with local needs.

State System Chancellor Daniel Greenstein pointed to the new programs at Slippery Rock and Cal U as part of an ongoing effort to redesign the 36-year-old university system to be more responsive to the economy

“These new programs are more examples of how our universities, as part of the System Redesign, are aligning their programs with workforce needs,” Greenstein said. “That alignment is key to helping to ensure student success, and to serving the needs of the Commonwealth.”

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