Work in audiology could soon lead to a doctorate at Sac State, one of a dozen new academic degree programs recently proposed. (Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone)

Editor's note: This story was updated on April 4, 2018.

Sacramento State is continuing its efforts to meet California’s workforce needs, slating 12 proposed academic degree programs to be developed over the next two years, including the University’s third professional doctorate, in audiology.

In addition, Sac State plans to seek the elevation of three existing concentrations to full bachelor’s degree status and will add two new certificate programs.

 “The University is responding to the region’s demands with these innovative programs,” says Ching-Hua Wang, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “As California’s capital university, we are prepared and ready to take on these new ventures, new opportunities. It’s exciting to embark on new programmatic initiatives.”

The degree programs projected to be implemented within the next two years:

  • Doctorate in audiology
  • Master of Science in finance
  • Master of Science in applied behavior analysis
  • Master of Science in business analytics
  • Master of Arts in biotechnology
  • Master of Fine Arts in studio art
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art
  • Bachelor of Arts in design studies
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior architecture
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography
  • Bachelor of Science in health services

The two certificate programs to be introduced for the Fall 2018 semester are Peace Corps Preparation and Career Pathways in Teacher Preparation.

Finally, three concentrations in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences are eligible to seek elevation to full Bachelor of Science status: fashion merchandising, human development and family studies, and nutrition and food.

“The concentrations will seek elevation because of demand,” Wang says. “This signifies major progress for the University and is in line with President Robert S. Nelsen’s agenda for transformation, innovation, and change that puts the University in the driver’s seat of regional development.”

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees approved projection of four new degree programs (photography, biotechnology, applied behavior analysis, and business analytics) during its March 2018 meeting at the Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach. Those four programs join another eight reviewed by the trustees in 2017. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, also known as WASC, approved the two certificate programs earlier this year; certificates do not require CSU trustees’ approval. – Dixie Reid