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June 27, 2008

ULM proposes two new and innovative academic programs

Two new academic programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe gained initial approval from the UL System Board of Supervisors in Baton Rouge.

The BOS approved two letters of intent: one for the online Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design, the only program of its kind in Louisiana, and one for the Bachelor of Arts degree program in physics.

The Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design is designed for multi-media developers, instructional technologists, instructional designers and trainers interested in learning the latest multimedia and web-based development tools for computer and web-based instruction. Candidates will produce multimedia online content that improves teaching and learning. Graduates will assist faculty in designing and preparing web-based materials for distance education programs.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in physics will complement existing science degree options. The degree will prepare students for advanced study in physics, professional medical fields and engineering. Collaborative +2 degrees will be pursued with universities offering degrees in engineering, bio-medical engineering, or medical physics. ULM previously offered a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, but it was terminated in 2001 as a cost-saving measure for the university. Currently, no public universities in Louisiana offer a Bachelor of Arts in Physics; only two Louisiana private universities (Centenary and Xavier) offer the degree.

College Arts & Sciences Dr. Jeff Cass said, "The BA in Physics will provide another major opportunity for students interested in the sciences, including those who might enter research fields and health professions, in which physics plays an extremely vital role. Those who finally receive graduate degrees in medical physics, for example, can make upwards of $165,000 per year. The BA in Physics will be an important part of the program inventory in the College of Arts and Sciences."

Additional new programs:

On March 28, the BOS approved ULM's letter of intent for a Master of Science in Nursing Administration, an online degree, and a letter of intent for a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Sonography.

On April 25, the BOS approved ULM's letter of intent for the program The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (M.F.A.), a proposed online graduate program, the first of its kind in Louisiana.

ULM will continue to work with the BOS and the Board of Regents in developing these degrees.

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