Framingham State University has gained approval from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to launch new Bachelor of Arts programs in Global Studies and American Sign Language (ASL) as well as a new Professional Science Master’s program in Biotechnology.

The ASL/English Interpreting program is available this fall and will help address a shortage of ASL Interpreters, particularly in the areas of health and legal services.

“We are the first public college in the Commonwealth to offer a 4-year degree in ASL Interpreting,” says FSU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Zimmerman. “We worked very closely with the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing to create this program.”

The University has signed an articulation agreement to house the program at Northern Essex Community College, which offers a 2-year associates degree in ASL Interpreting.

FSU also launched a new BA in Global Studies this fall that falls in line with the University’s strategic goal of preparing students to become global citizens. The program requirements include the completion of a study abroad experience and reaching the intermediate level in a foreign language. For prospective double majors, it pairs well with several other programs, including Food and Nutrition, Fashion Design and Retailing, and any Business major.

The Professional Science Master’s Program in Biotechnology will launch in fall 2015 as work begins wrapping up on the University’s new science addition to Hemenway Hall. The program was designed in response to a needs assessment from the business community and has been developed in consultation with a business advisory board.

“Most of the courses will be co-taught by people in industry,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Vaden-Goad. “The business community really sees a need for this program, so we are excited about its potential.”

Additionally, beginning this fall Business programs previously completed as concentrations are now awarded as majors; these include majors in Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing. For more information about the University’s programs of study, please contact Admissions at 508-626-4500 or admissions@framingham.edu.