IHL approves 'first of its kind' degree programs for Mississippi universities

During Thursday's regular meeting, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning approved six new degree programs within Mississippi universities. All but one of the new programs are the first of their kind in the state.

The programs passed with unanimous approval. Associate Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs Casey Prestwood presented the new programs to the IHL board Thursday morning.

The new programs do not yet have a starting date.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University will add four new degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Design and the Built Environment, Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science in PK-12 Student Support and Educational Specialist in Professional School Counseling.

All of these degree paths are the first of their kind in Mississippi, Prestwood said.

The Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Design and the Built Environment will be a 120-hour degree program housed under the College of Architecture, Art and Design. The program combines classes from multiple disciplines including architecture, art, interior design and building construction science.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis will be a 120-hour degree programmed under the College of Education. The program comes after the success of the applied behavior analysis minor added two years ago, which has already yielded 27 graduates.

"The demand for professionals in this field of behavioral analysis has experienced one of the highest increases across all fields of employment over the last decade," Prestwood said.

The Master of Science in PK-12 Student Support was designed to meet the growing demand for licensed school counselors in elementary, middle and high schools.

"School counselors are in demand now more than ever due to mental health needs and a shortage of counselors," Prestwood said. "Mississippi has experienced a dramatic decline in the number of applicants seeking the school counseling license."

Finally, the Educational Specialist in Professional School Counseling is a program under the College of Education was also designed to meet the growing demand for professional school counselors. The Educational Specialist degree is 30 hours and applicants must have a master's degree in PK-12 Student Support.

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University of Mississippi Medical Center

The University of Mississippi Medical Center will add a Master of Science in Health Professions Education.

This degree program was created after UMMC conducted a faculty survey and determined less than 25% of respondents reported having formal training in teaching or learning theories. The 30-hour degree program will cater to clinical professionals and help develop skills in teaching, curriculum development and theories of learning.

"The Master of Science in Health Professions Education graduates will be better qualified than traditional graduates whose education and training typically does not include formal education in teaching and learning," Prestwood said. "There are no other similar degree programs in the state of Mississippi."

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Delta State University

A sixth degree program was approved during Thursday's IHL meeting. Delta State University will add a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.

While the program is not the first of its kind as with the previously mentioned programs, it is among the trailblazers. The only other similar program exists in Mississippi College.

This 120-hour degree program was designed, in part, to address the growing teacher shortage throughout the nation, Prestwood said.

"This program provides a more streamlined route for students to enter the teaching profession and also eliminates the need for multiple program coordinators," Prestwood said.

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: IHL approves 'first of its kind' degree programs for Mississippi universities