Science, mathematics and technology programs are expected to expand at Tusculum College with the addition of new degree programs and the investment in new facilities.
With the re-introduction of chemistry as a major in 2013, the addition of a master’s degree in nursing and a new planned Bachelor of Science in health care administration degree program, growth is expected to continue in these areas, according to LeAnn Hughes, vice president of enrollment management and marketing and director of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Earlier this month, a Bachelor of Science in computer science, a Bachelor of Science in information technology and a Master of Accountancy were preliminarily approved by Tusculum’s Board of Trustees pending development of the curriculum. Also approved was the development of a minor in web design.
The new programs will be initiated between now and 2019.
“Tusculum has a reputation for producing science graduates that have gone on to great success within their respective fields. Bringing back the chemistry major as an additional opportunity was the beginning of a process to expand these offerings,” said Hughes. “Now, with the completion of the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Mathematics just around the corner, we expect enrollment in these programs to expand.”
Following the addition of the chemistry major, Tusculum College invested significantly by purchasing equipment and other useful tools including high performance liquid chromatography, infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrometer, gas chromatography and a visible spectrometer. These new instruments, partially funded by gifts from alumni, assist the program to equip chemistry majors for a career in industry or graduate studies and further enhance already robust undergraduate research opportunities.
The Meen Center for Science and Math, expected to be completed in January 2017, will be a four-story structure of approximately 100,000 square feet. Interiors include wings for biology, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, computer science and environmental science. There will also be lab space and research areas for both faculty and students.
The ground floor features the environmental science wing with large general classroom spaces and classrooms equipped for distance learning programs. A large lecture hall will be included on the ground floor. Space is also allocated to house the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing and the Master of Science degree in nursing.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Melissa Ripley, director of operations for admissions at 1-800-729-0256 or email mripley@tusculum.edu.
Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math