FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

Atlantis grant creates transatlantic dual degree program in psychology

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s College of Liberal Arts has received a $1.27 million European Union-United States Atlantis grant to lead a consortium with the University of Debrecen in Hungary and the Warsaw School of Social Psychology in Poland to create a transatlantic dual degree program in psychology.

Dr. Joe Wyatt and Dr. Marty Amerikaner, professors in Marshall’s department of psychology, Dr. Christina Murphy, dean of MU’s College of Liberal Arts, and Dr. Clark Egnor, executive director, Center for International Programs, worked together on the grant proposal.

The Atlantis grant funds collaborative efforts to develop programs of study leading to joint or dual undergraduate degrees. Under the Atlantis grant, Marshall University students will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from both Marshall and one of the European partner institutions.

The grant, the first of its kind for Marshall University and the state of West Virginia, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Education and Culture (DGEAC). 

“This grant award is a major milestone for Marshall University and a significant step toward accomplishing our strategic vision of internationalizing the university,” President Stephen Kopp said.

According to Dr. Sarah Denman, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, the opportunity to receive a dual degree from Marshall and a European institution is an exciting prospect for MU’s students.  “This dual degree will enhance the marketability of our graduates in a global economy as well as enrich their understanding of psychology as a discipline.”

Murphy said Marshall is “proud to receive a grant of this stature that highlights the significant accomplishments of the College of Liberal Arts and the department of psychology as innovators in international education.” 

Wyatt, who will serve as the academic advisor and coordinator for the project, emphasized the importance of the grant to the psychology department, its faculty, students and graduates.  “This opportunity will make our psychology degree even more attractive to students who understand that a dual degree, credentialed in two countries, will expand their professional opportunities after graduation.”

According to Egnor, the Atlantis grant promotes international collaboration between universities.  “This project, through the exchanges of students, will create long-lasting ties between Marshall University and institutions in the European Union.”

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