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New Tri-Campus Degree Programs Approved
Students at the University's Tri-Campus may now earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or human development and family studies, or a master's degree in nursing, without leaving central or northwestern Connecticut.
The state Department of Higher Education approved the three programs on Sept. 15.
The new programs double the number of full degree programs offered at the campuses in Hartford, Torrington, and Waterbury. Previously, students could earn four-year degrees in urban and community studies, general studies, or business and technology.
"The approval of the family studies and psychology bachelor's degree programs represents a big step toward the realization of the Tri-Campus' mission of offering a set of academic programs that address urban issues from a social sciences perspective," said Fred Maryanski, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "Both programs are tailored to the Tri-Campus environment and will permit our students and graduates to make contributions to the well-being of the citizens of the region."
Faculty and staff will begin recruiting students immediately.
"Besides students who are already on our campuses, faculty from both undergraduate programs will encourage transfers from the area's community colleges," said Edna McBreen, associate vice provost and director of the Tri-Campus. "I think there are a lot of people who live and study close to one of the campuses who will be interested in these programs."
McBreen is also working to bring a four-year undergraduate program in American studies to the Tri-Campus.
The nursing program has been planned in conjunction with St. Mary's and Waterbury hospitals, Naugatuck Valley Community College, and Western Connecticut State University. Many of the courses will be taught online.
"The stars were all lined up" for the nursing program, she said. The program was championed by the hospitals, she adds, which have expressed a desire for their nurses to continue their education.
Driven in part by the increased number of four-year offerings at UConn's regional campuses, interest in the satellite locations - the Tri-Campus, Stamford, and Avery Point - has been increasing annually. This year, the regional campuses posted a 14.5 percent increase in freshman enrollment, compared to last year, and a 27.7 percent increase in transfer students.
