It has almost been a year since the Office of Graduate Studies began to offer master’s degree programs. Four graduate programs have been started so far with the promise of registration Nov. 5 for two new masters programs.
The Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Jeanne Daffron has been wearing two hats and is also the Interim Dean of Graduate Studies. According to Daffron, after obtaining university status and gaining legislative approval there were still many things that had to be done. Many programs were suggested, then evaluated. Each had to be accredited by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
“We want to do this slowly and deliberately.” said Daffron.
Besides the Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing, there are three more programs including a master’s in Chemistry, which everyone basically understands. The other programs need a bit of explanation. One of the existing programs is called Human Factors and Usability Testing. This is a study of humans and machines, and how they interact. The course involves engineering and psychology. The course of study includes ergonomics.
The other masters program that has been accredited is Information and Technology Management. This is sort of self-explanatory if you break it down. Basically, it is the management and organization of information or data. That data, and its manipulation, becomes a form of technology that can be used in many ways from manufacturing to marketing.
Currently, there are 41 students working on their graduate studies at Missouri Western State University. That is less than one percent of enrollment. The master’s degree program needs greater numbers. These numbers may increase at the four to five year timeline as students who have started here at Western continue their education to include a master’s degree. The numbers will also increase with the introduction of more programs.
There are still plans to take some graduate studies downtown.
“We are committed to developing the downtown campus,” Said Daffron.
The downtown campus is located in the Scottish Rite building at the corner of Sixth and Robidoux streets. It currently houses the Police Academy and some Community Art classes.