University to consider a cut in four-year combined bachelor's and master's degree programs
by Harry Shipps
Senior Writer
News | 1/19/10
Posted online at 2:13 AM EST on 1/19/10
In accordance with the recommendation of the Curriculum and Academic Restructuring Steering committee, the University is currently considering phasing out four-year departmental combined bachelor's and master's degree programs, according to Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe.
Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Gregory Freeze has submitted a proposal which is now under discussion by the departments that offer a four-year combined bachelor's and master's degree program for undergraduate students.
The departments currently offering such combined programs are Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, History, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics and Politics.
The idea of eliminating such programs was first introduced by the CARS committee, which wrote in its final report, "The existence of these options precludes the development of five-year combined bachelor's and master's programs, which might offer students an attractive and strong option for achieving the MA degree, while also providing revenue possibilities for [the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences]. We recommend that the 4-year BA/MA option be phased out."
Jaffe said that there were two main motivations behind the University's consideration of the BA/MA programs.
"I think there was a feeling that, in many cases, the graduate work that is done in the BA/MA programs is really not graduate-quality work. ... There was also a feeling that advising the master's work is a drain on faculty resources." In its original report, the CARS committee wrote, "The Committee believes that such programs are generally not appropriate, with the work done to earn the MA closer to an undergraduate honors degree than a true graduate degree."
"We hope to have a resolution by the end of this year," said Jaffe. Jaffe said that the next step in the process is a formal discussion of the proposal at a meeting of the Graduate School Council and that any decision made there would then be sent on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Gregory Freeze has submitted a proposal which is now under discussion by the departments that offer a four-year combined bachelor's and master's degree program for undergraduate students.
The departments currently offering such combined programs are Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, History, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics and Politics.
The idea of eliminating such programs was first introduced by the CARS committee, which wrote in its final report, "The existence of these options precludes the development of five-year combined bachelor's and master's programs, which might offer students an attractive and strong option for achieving the MA degree, while also providing revenue possibilities for [the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences]. We recommend that the 4-year BA/MA option be phased out."
Jaffe said that there were two main motivations behind the University's consideration of the BA/MA programs.
"I think there was a feeling that, in many cases, the graduate work that is done in the BA/MA programs is really not graduate-quality work. ... There was also a feeling that advising the master's work is a drain on faculty resources." In its original report, the CARS committee wrote, "The Committee believes that such programs are generally not appropriate, with the work done to earn the MA closer to an undergraduate honors degree than a true graduate degree."
"We hope to have a resolution by the end of this year," said Jaffe. Jaffe said that the next step in the process is a formal discussion of the proposal at a meeting of the Graduate School Council and that any decision made there would then be sent on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
DegreeFinders
posted 1/19/10 @ 12:26 PM EST
I think it would be nice to leave the two combined. For the older adult learner anyway, it would be a huge incentive to get the graduate degree as opposed to looking at four years and then another two years of separate programs with another round of admissions applications. (Continued…)
Miles
posted 1/21/10 @ 1:53 PM EST
Instead of cutting programs that allow students to pursue an accelerated course of study (after all, what is the college experience but a satisfaction of a desire for a thirst for knowledge?), how about cutting down on some administrative salary? Seems to me the President doesn't need millions of dollars to live comfortably and solicit donations. (Continued…)
suolas
posted 4/06/10 @ 9:55 PM EST
A friend of mine directed me here and I wanted to comment and thank you for all your hard work.
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