Kokomo — Indiana University Kokomo students will have 11 new degree options this fall, if the Indiana Commission for Higher Education gives its approval.
Chancellor Michael Harris said the Indiana University Board of Trustees Friday approved the new degree programs. The degrees include three new programs in chemical biology, biochemistry and health sciences. In addition, eight programs currently offered as bachelor of arts degrees now will have a bachelor of science option. Those include biological and physical sciences, chemistry, biology, psychology, mathematics, sociology, new media and communication.
Marie Radel, IU Kokomo’s interim director of communications and marketing, said in a bachelor of science program, students take fewer credit hours in general education. A bachelor of arts student takes 65 credit hours of 120 in general education, so “a larger part of your education is in traditional liberal studies. You can focus more on analytical and cognitive skills, communication and citizenship.”
A bachelor of science student takes 41 credits of 120 in general education, and uses the difference in hours to focus more on the subject matter, with internships and other classes.
Radel said neither option is better than the other in general, but it depends on the student’s goals after graduation.
She said some graduate and professional programs require a bachelor of science degree rather than bachelor of arts, so this gives the students additional options.
Radel said academic advisors will talk to students about their goals and steer them into the most appropriate program for those goals.
She said the university might need to hire a faculty member in biochemistry, but otherwise has all the faculty and equipment needed for the new programs.
Radel said the programs are ready to start as soon as the Commission for Higher Education approves them. No date has been set for that approval, but the commission is meeting at IU Kokomo May 12 and 13.
“The Trustees and IU President Michael McRobbie see the full potential of the Kokomo campus and its commitment to providing relevant and meaningful programs,” he said. “IU Kokomo will continue expanding its offerings in order to be relevant and respond to the needs of the region. Through academic excellence, we will contribute to the economic well-being of the region and improve quality of life.”