Charles Sturt University will increase employment opportunities for graduates in science, mathematics and information technology with three new double degree courses to be offered next year.

According to Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Bob Meyenn, CSU is responding to emerging shortages of science, maths and information technology teachers in all Australian states and overseas through these four year courses.

"The double degrees also are designed to give graduates greater flexibility for employment, as they can gain qualifications for careers in science, maths or information technology as well as teaching," Professor Meyenn said.

"This is one of Australia's most innovative teacher education programs, which is fully supported by education departments throughout Australia."

The courses were developed in close liaison with the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) to ensure graduates meet the Department's stringent requirements for teaching qualifications.

DET's Director of Personnel Trish Kelly has welcomed innovative teacher education programs such as the CSU courses. "The courses will provide much needed, high quality graduates for NSW government schools, particularly in rural NSW and western Sydney," Ms Kelly said.

Applications are now being taken through the University Admission Centre for the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) and Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Information Technology degrees, which will commence in February 2001.

For further details on these courses, contact Prospective Student Advisers Sue Skate in Albury-Wodonga on (02) 6051 9962, Tony Borg (Bathurst) on (02) 6338 4120 or Sandra Legg (Wagga Wagga) on (02) 6933 2381.