RUSSELLVILLE — Arkansas Tech University is one step closer to offering new degree programs in its department of history and political science and its department of biological sciences following action by the board of trustees during its August meeting.
The board gave its blessing for the university to seek state approval for a new Bachelor of Arts degree in public history, a new Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a new Master of Science degree in health informatics.
The bachelor's degree in public history will be designed for students who wish to pursue a career in museums, libraries and other entities that focus on the archival of history.
Students seeking a bachelor's degree that will prepare them for law school, post-graduate study in political science or entry into public service will have an opportunity to pursue the new bachelor's degree in political science.
The new Master of Science in health informatics degree will create enhanced employment opportunities for individuals engaged in health-data analysis and the management of electronic health records.
Tech will forward letters of intent for the new degree programs to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for its consideration. If that body gives its approval, Arkansas Tech intends to launch the new degree programs in fall 2010.
In other business, the Tech Board of Trustees approved:
-issuance of $9.2 million in revenue bonds to fund completion of Centenary Hall, expansion of Corley Hall, expansion of McEver Hall and retirement of an existing loan used purchase Lake Point Conference Center;
-parking regulations for the Russellville and Ozark campuses for 2009-10;
-standard fees of $25 for 30-minute private lessons and $50 for 60-minute private lessons given on campus by faculty members from the Arkansas Tech Department of Music;
-an increase, effective with the spring 2010 semester, in the per credit hour rate charged for applied music classes from $ per credit hour to $40 per credit hour, which is the first increase in that fee since 1986.
River Valley Ozark, Pages 63 on 08/27/2009