Wednesday, July 21, 1999
2 new majors approved at NKU
Environmental, computer programs forming
BY AMY CAPPIELLO
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — When students at Northern Kentucky University head back to the classroom this fall, they will have more degree options available.
The state's Council on Postsecondary Education approved two new degree programs Monday at NKU: a bachelor of science in environmental science and a master of science in computer science.
Rogers Redding, NKU's interim executive vice president and provost, said he was pleased the programs, which were submitted to the council by university officials more than a year ago, had finally been approved.
“I think these are very important programs for us because they identify two areas of study important to businesses and governments in the region,” he said.
While both programs are eligible to begin this fall, officials said the new master's would likely not be up and running until January. Department members must not only develop new courses, but an additional faculty position that was recently created must also be filled.
Kevin Kirby, director of the computer sciences program, said roughly 18 people were expected to enroll the first year. Officials hope that number will swell to 40 a year within five years.
“I think one of the big attractions of the program is that it is designed for people already in the work force who want to go back and get a master's in computer science,” said Dan Curtin, chairman of the Mathematics/Computer Science Department.
The new bachelor's program, targeted at incoming freshmen, should be available to students this fall because the courses for it already exist.
Based on findings from a student survey done four years ago, Jerry Warner, chairman of the Biological Sciences Department, which is overseeing the new major, anticipates 15-20 students will sign up for the new degree this year.
“Of course, it may far exceed those predictions because we're not even looking at chemistry majors and former chemistry majors who want to join the program,” he said.
The process to approve new majors at NKU is long and complicated.
First, the new curriculum must be approved by the department and the college in which the department resides. Then the university's Curriculum Committee must accept the proposal, moving it onto the Faculty Senate. Once the Senate approves the program, the university administration must accept it before it heads to the Board of Regents. If the board gives the proposal the green light, it is then forwarded onto the Council on Postsecondary Education for final approval.
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