Mississippi’s public universities hope to offer 10 new degree programs.

The schools requested permission to pursue their plans at the Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning Academic Affairs committee meeting Wednesday. The programs are subject to approval during Thursday’s full IHL board meeting.

  • Alcorn State University plans to offer a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a Master of Arts in History.
  • Mississippi State University plans to offer a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Operations and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies.
  • The University of Mississippi plans to offer a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master of Science in Hospitality Management, a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication, a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics, and a Master of Taxation and Data Analytics.

All eight public universities plan to offer Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees for the Complete 2 Compete, Adult Completion Degree Program. This request will comply with the initiative to help former students return to the classroom to complete their college degrees, which was announced by Gov. Phil Bryant last November. Parts of the academic policy for the initiative will be voted upon during Thursday’s board meeting.

The IHL trustees’ meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday in the IHL board room, located in the Universities Center, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson. Members of the public may attend the meeting, but a closed executive session may be held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Ashley F.G. Norwood

ashley@mississippitoday.org

Ashley F. G. Norwood, a native of Jackson, earned a bachelor's degree in English from Jackson State University and a master’s degree from the Meek School of Journalism at the University of Mississippi. Norwood, who specializes in multimedia journalism, has been recognized nationally for her documentary film the fly in the buttermilk, which covers the history, perceptions and principles of black Greek-lettered organizations at the University of Mississippi.