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Michigan Tech Board Approves Six New Degree Programs
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Feb. 25, 2005--Michigan Tech’s Board of Control approved six new degree programs Friday, Feb. 25, including the first degrees ever to be offered by the university’s Department of Fine Arts.
The four programs focus on behind-the-scenes entertainment production and dovetail with the university’s strengths in engineering and technology, according to fine arts department chair Milton Olsson. “These programs are unique in the nation because of the intense way they integrate the arts and technology,” he said. “Based on these programs’ strength and professional opportunities, we expect to attract a number of students who otherwise might not come to Michigan Tech.”
The four programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Theatre and Entertainment Technology and in Audio Production and Technology; and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Entertainment Technology and in Sound Design.
The two other programs, BS degrees in Cheminformatics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, address growing specialties within the field.
“Cheminformatics is a marriage between chemistry and computer science,” says Sarah Green, chair of MTU’s Department of Chemistry. “There’s an increasing need within a number of industries for computer models that predict the properties of materials before they are made.”
In addition to strong fundamentals, students studying pharmaceutical chemistry will receive additional instruction on drug design and how pharmaceuticals affect the body.
“We’ve certainly received inquiries from perspective students, particularly those interested in computer science, the health professions and the pharmaceutical industry,” Green said. The degrees could also attract students interested in becoming physicians and pharmacists.
If approved by the State Board of Academic Officers, the programs will come before the Board of Control for another vote. If they receive final approval, the programs will be instituted this fall.
The board approved major improvements to three 1960s-era elevators in the 13-floor R. L. Smith Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building at a cost of $435,000. The expense will be covered by funds remaining in a bond issue used for improvements to university residence halls.
The board approved the new University Senate constitution, which was passed by the senate constituency in January. The senate is an elected group of faculty and staff that advises the administration and the Board of Control on a variety of issues.
The former senate constitution had excluded union members, so faculty were effectively removed from senate membership after they unionized last fall. Under the new constitution, senate constituents may also belong to unions. |
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