A Missouri-based school will begin offering a dual college degree program that combines journalism and public health next semester.

Students who choose to enroll in the program will have the opportunity to earn a master's degree in both fields. The associate director of the school's health communication research center said that the new offering is the result of an increased demand from journalism students who are seeking more specialized education in health-related subjects.

Scholars who are interested in the dual degree must be accepted into both programs. Of the 61 hours of coursework that is required to earn both degrees, a total of 20 hours will come from each individual program. The remaining 21 will be shared between the two fields.

School officials said that the interdisciplinary curriculum will provide students with a deeper understanding of the ways in which journalism and public health overlap.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), journalists should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. Individuals who have a wealth of knowledge in a specific field may increase their employment opportunities amidst a competitive field of applicants.

Working professionals who wish to further their education in these fields may consider enrolling in online college courses.