HARRISBURG — Slippery Rock University has a new academic degree program.

The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Thursday approved the degree.

The board said the bachelor of science degree in industrial and systems engineering will build upon SRU’s recently approved engineering degree in petroleum and natural gas.

Industrial and systems engineering focuses primarily how to improve processes and systems in an organization, particularly those that boost quality and productivity.

SRU’s program has been designed to help funnel graduates into industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, banking, consulting, construction, energy, forestry, insurance, medical services and transportation.