By Sarah Duran
News Reporter

Texas State University’s Sociology Department, along with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, has approved a new Master’s of Science degree for the 2014-2015 school year.

The 33-hour online degree focuses in dementia and aging patient care, the first of its kind in the country. The goal of the program is to engage professionals in patient care, enabling them to operate successful dementia communities.

“I’m really hoping that we turn out a great many caring professionals who take the message of dementia communities and changes in dementia care so that people with dementia have richer fuller lives than they may have now,” said Susan Day, sociology chair.

Eligible students will be able to choose from three course tracks in research studies, personal care and practitioner training.

“We really have an important story to tell in these courses and were very hopeful that there will be people who are interested,” Day said.

This degree program is already in full swing for the fall semester, however, students may apply for spring 2015 until October 15.