Park University has added new options in degree paths and minors this year.

The new paths include a certificate in Thanatology; a degree in Pre-Engineering; a minor in Statistics; and a Military History degree program.

If you enjoy lending a helping hand and comforting families in time of need, a certificate in Thanatology maybe something that you would want to consider. Thanatology is aimed at students who want to work caring for families and individuals confronting death, dying and bereavement.

The program is 12 hours and pairs well with degrees such as social work, nursing, sociology and others. The coursework is only offered face-to-face at the Parkville campus.

If you have an interest in a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, pre-engineering may be for you.

“Pre-engineering is a new three-plus-two program with the University of Missouri-Kansas City,” said Emily Sallee, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Students do their first three years at Park University and then they transfer to UMKC to complete their engineering degree.”

At the end of the five years, students in this program will not just have one degree but two, according to Sallee. One degree will be from Park University in either mathematics or chemistry and an engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

If you are good at math, then a minor in statistics may suit your career field.

“It is a wonderful complement to majors or minors in business and the sciences for students interested in careers involving data analytic or predictive modeling,” said Sallee.

Degrees in Mathematics require 40 hours and a GPA of 2.0.

Park University introduced a Military History degree program this fall. Students in the program will study military events and focus on military history from theoretical, historical, economic and scientific perspectives.

“Park University has endeavored to serve its military students, both active military and veterans, by providing degree programs that fit their goals and needs regardless of the students’ location,” stated Debra Sheffer, professor of history, in a press release. “The military history degree is significant because it offers students a degree many have requested in the past, one that enhances their career path. It is unique from similar degree programs at other institutions, because it maintains Park’s liberal arts foundation and sustains the University’s ongoing partnership with its military students.”