Administrators explore new majors for MVNU

University officials are exploring a variety of new programs to add to the MVNU curriculum.

Several new majors and a minor are being considered, and some could begin as early as next fall, if approved.

President Dr. Henry Spaulding has said the addition of new programs is crucial to University recruiting efforts and a healthy budget.

University administrators particularly are “looking to STEM-oriented majors,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Barney Cochran. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields are among the most likely to provide jobs for graduates, he said.

New academic programs must tie into job opportunities in Ohio, Cochran said.

Farthest along is a proposed new nursing major which would prepare students to work in speech therapy and related fields. Research indicates a shortage of speech therapists and audiologists in the state.

“The field of nursing and health sciences is a high-growth area,” Cochran said.

Programs being considered also include service-oriented fields which fits the profile of students coming to MVNU.

“We are moving the way students want to go,” Cochran said.

Meanwhile, a new music business minor is underway, too.

Much of the coursework for this minor would be taken during one semester at Trevecca Nazarene University, said MVNU music department chair Dr. John Packard.

Packard said the courses for this minor have been approved and will be added to the academic catalog for next year.

In addition to the new major and minor, two new GPS programs are being developed.

One involves computer software development while the other focuses on public safety and will be closely related to criminal justice.

“We are in the process of rolling these programs out and believe they will be successful,” Cochran said.