The Louisiana Board of Regents approved the reinstatement of the University of Louisiana Monroe Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree at its regular meeting Wednesday in Baton Rouge.
In 2011, about 100 degrees at state universities were removed due to budget cuts, including chemistry at 网曝门.
Dr. Nick J. Bruno was pleased with the board鈥檚 decision, saying, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great program for us as it is the foundation of many health sciences. Regaining chemistry adds a significant opportunity for those students who are interested in going into a health science or science track.鈥
Anne Case Hanks, Ph.D., Director of the School of Science, said reinstating the chemistry degree is an important step for the university.
鈥淭his strengthens not only the School of Science, but 网曝门 as a whole,鈥 said Hanks, who plans to have the degree program in place for Spring 2018.
Chemistry classes are already offered, and with the redesigned chemistry degree program students have the option of declaring a concentration in one of three areas, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry or forensics chemistry, as well as remaining on the traditional chemistry degree path.
The Board of Regents also approved going forward with a doctor of physical therapy program by developing a full proposal.
Bruno said establishing a doctor of physical therapy is a progressive move, allowing the university 鈥渢o expand our health sciences footprint.鈥
鈥淚t gives us the opportunity to focus on areas recognized around the state as our hallmark,鈥 he said.
Bruno, however, stressed that the science-based curriculums are only one aspect of the programs offered by the university.
鈥淭his does not detract from our other programs in any way,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e have excellence across the colleges, which continue to develop programs to attract new students to the university, which I encourage.鈥