AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents today approved three new graduate-level degree programs for UT El Paso and authorized planning for a fourth at the institution.
The three approved programs still must gain approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before they can be implemented.
The approved programs are:
- An M.S. and Ph.D. in computational science. The interdisciplinary programs would involve instruction from several departments within the colleges of science and engineering and would be designed to produce graduates skilled in computational modeling of scientific and engineering phenomena, modern numerical and computational methods and programming in high-level computer languages.
- A Master of Public Health (MPH). The degree would focus on Hispanic and border health issues in that region. Graduates would be trained to serve as public health professionals who can develop, implement and evaluate programs and policies as well as address issues concerning the spread of infectious diseases and other health threats that may migrate across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Regents also authorized UT El Paso to develop preliminary plans for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The proposed degree builds upon the knowledge and skills of advanced practice nursing. It would be designed to develop complex diagnostic and treatment skills, and to promote health, disease prevention and health education. After the degree plan is developed, it would require approval from the Board of Regents.
Serving the educational and health care needs of Texans for more than 125 years, the UT System is one of the nation's largest higher education systems with 15 campuses – including nine academic and six health institutions – and an annual operating budget of $10 billion (FY 2007). Student enrollment exceeded 190,000 in the 2006 academic year. The UT System confers one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates three-fourths of Texas health care professionals. With more than 76,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in Texas.
Note: For more information about each of the degree programs, see the Academic Affairs background material accompanying the Board of Regents' meeting agenda (URL provided below).
