Kent State University and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine are planning to merge as one, thanks to a decision from the university's Board of Trustees.

KSU Spokeswoman Emily Vincent says the collaboration will offer students an opportunity to explore a new area of study.

"We're looking to create new career options for our students to align with this well-established college of podiatric medicine," she says.

"There are only 8 or 9 of these types of programs in the country."

The new program will offer students various dual-degree options such as Masters of Public Health and other sciences.

Some of the amenities of the program will include anatomy and histology/microbiology labs, as well as on-site, clinical training facilities.

Vincent says the partnership is a win-win for the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and KSU respectively.

"They are very well-respected and are looking to align themselves with a larger university system, a research university that can take them to the next level."

The university is hoping to have the programs fully merged by this summer.