STEPHENVILLE (February 12, 2018) — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents last week authorized Tarleton State University to seek final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to create three new bachelor’s of applied science degree programs and an undergraduate in public administration.
The new programs, if approved by the THECB, would begin in fall 2018 and push Tarleton’s total number of degree offerings over 100.
“This is a major step forward,” said Dr. Karen Murray, Tarleton provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “These new degree opportunities support the university’s longstanding commitment to academic advancement, to improve employment options for students and to meet the growing workforce needs in North Texas and beyond.”
The new undergraduate degrees in engineering technology—manufacturing engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and construction science and management—will make it easier for students with an associate of applied science degree from a community college to complete a B.A.S. by allowing the transfer of workforce credits into Tarleton’s existing programs.
“With no equivalent programs currently within 100 miles of Stephenville, these new engineering technology majors will help meet a critical shortage in Texas,” Murray said.
The Texas Workforce Commission anticipates a 15 percent increase in employment opportunities for manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology experts and a 19 percent increase for construction management occupations—maybe more depending on state growth.
Only seven state-supported universities in Texas now offer a bachelor’s degree in public administration, and there are ample opportunities for students who pursue a career path in local, state and federal government organizations. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates an increase of almost 8,000 general and operations manager positions in Texas by 2024.
The bachelor’s in public administration will be part of Tarleton’s School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Strategic Studies—and offered next fall in Bryan, Texas, as part of the A&M System’s new RELLIS Academic Alliance—while the engineering technology degrees will be administered by the university’s School of Engineering.
For a list of degree programs available at Tarleton, visit www.tarleton.edu/degrees.
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