Lindenwood University has added three new degree programs at its Belleville campus.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education has approved Lindenwood's application to offer a bachelor of science degree in information technology, a master of science degree in administration and a master of arts degree in gerontology.

"The new degrees will offer additional areas of expertise from which our students will definitely benefit," said Cindy Manjounes, associate dean of academics at Lindenwood University-Belleville. "The MSA with emphasis in management or marketing affords the graduate student the possibility for a degree akin to an MBA but with an emphasis area and less of a focus on finance.

Manjounes said the gerontology degree was something in demand for this area as well as across the country.

"Due to our aging society, students with an education in gerontology are also in demand in a number of different fields as the MA degree gives one an in-depth knowledge of how to work with older adults," Manjounes said.

Lindenwood Vice President Jerry Bladdick said the added programs are courses of study that current and prospective students have told school leaders they would like to see become available.

"There is a tremendous demand for these types of programs," Bladdick said. "And we are working to bring the type of programs that students would like to see to the metro-east."

Each of the new degrees will be offered through Lindenwood-Belleville's night school program, Lindenwood College for Individualized Education, which meets for four hours a night, one night a week.

In 2012 Lindenwood-Belleville added several new programs to its offerings including bachelors of arts degree studies in mass communication, interactive media and web design, public relations/corporate communications and physical education.

Contact reporter Scott Wuerz at swuerz@bnd.com or call 239-2626.