Oct 10, 2014 04:15 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Keystone College will begin offering master's degrees for the first time in the school's history following state and federal authorization.

The United States Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education has allowed the college to initially launch master's level programs in accounting and educational leadership, effective 2014-15 spring academic year.

"We are elated to achieve final and official approval to begin offering master's degrees in accounting and educational leadership," said Keystone College President Dr. David L. Coppola in a statement. "This is truly a monumental step in our history and signals our continued progress as we expand the benefits of a Keystone education to more students in more ways."

Earlier this year, Keystone already received permission to offer the new degrees from its accrediting body - the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. However, the college still requires an official "go-ahead" from the federal and state education departments.

The accounting degree will be offered online and the educational leadership degree will be offered in a hybrid format, featuring both online and classroom instruction. Keystone currently offers bachelor's degree programs in both accounting and education. The new master's degree programs will benefit Keystone students aspiring to complete their graduate education.

"Our new master's programs will offer students opportunities to expand their professional horizons by obtaining a top-quality, graduate level education," said Keystone College Provost and Dean Dr. Thea Harrington. "We welcome inquiries by those who have already obtained their bachelor's degrees and may be working professionally as well as from current students who would like to continue their education on a graduate level."

Anyone seeking information on either graduate programs may contact the Keystone College Office of Admissions, 1-877-4-College.

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