SLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock University Trustees voted Friday to recommend four new graduate degree programs to the state board of governors for approval.

The trustees at their quarterly meeting voted to approve a master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages, a master of science in health informatics, a master of science in athletic training and a master of music therapy.

The English to speakers of other languages program is in demand because of the globalization of the English language and the regional increase in non-native English-speaking people.

The health informatics program will prepare students for positions associated with collection, handling and processing of health care information.

SRU offers a bachelor's degree in athletic training, but plans to transition that program to a master's degree, which has been recommended by national athletic training groups.

Music therapy, a rapidly expanding field, helps people with “emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities and cognitive skills,” the resolution said.