What new academic programs did the trustees recently approve to be launched in fall 2016 and 2017?

August 23, 2016

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New academic programs

Q: What new programs are being launched in fall 2016 and 2017?

A: As announced in May by the Office of the Provost, the following new degree, specialization and certificate are coming online either this fall or fall 2017. [Note: these programs join the new Master of Science in Business Analytics in Albers that, as previously announced, will also be launched this fall, as well as the new Elementary Education (K-8) Specialization within the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies.]

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - College of Science and Engineering: A 45-credit graduate program, launching in fall 2017, the MSME is designed to provide engineers with technical and professional skills to advance their careers in the mechanical engineering profession, through eight courses that span the breadth of mechanical engineering disciplines and four courses in project management, microeconomics, leadership and ethical, legal and regulatory environments. The MSME program was developed by the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Board, and will leverage the existing expertise within the department. The program, which blends technical and management components, will be attractive to many practicing engineers in the Puget Sound region and beyond who are looking to move into technical management positions and need advanced training to achieve their career goals. The program will also be an attractive option for current Seattle U mechanical engineering undergraduate students interested in extending their undergraduate studies at by one year to obtain two degrees, BSME and MSME.

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Teaching with Specialization in Elementary Education (K-8) - Matteo Ricci College and College of Education: Launching in fall 2016, this specialization will allow undergraduate students to apply for certification to teach kindergarten through eighth grade in the state of Washington and earn an endorsement in English language learning (ELL) within a four year program. The specialization combines curricula from two existing programs: the current Matteo Ricci College BA in Humanities for Teaching (BAHT), and College of Education courses developed earlier this year as part of a new program for a similar undergraduate teaching degree within the College of Arts and Sciences. This specialization builds on the distinguished experiential components of the existing BAHT program and adds the highly marketable elements of the ELL endorsement and proficiencies in math and science.

Certificate in Public Administration - College of Arts and Sciences: Also launching in fall 2016, this four course, 12-credit program is open to students with a bachelor's degree. Courses are already taught in the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program, and include: Foundations of Public Administration, the Policy Process, Budget and Financial Management and Human Resource Management. The certificate provides a new credential for working professionals primarily employed in the public and non-profit sectors. It also provides for ease of access as all the courses will be offered through the hybrid format: about half of class time will occur in the classroom, and the remainder online. Applicants the certificate program will go through an admissions process similar to the process in place for the MPA, and will have the option of continuing on with the MPA degree after completion of the certificate.