UVU launches 5 new master's programs to meet community needs.

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: UB Voices by Utah Valley University

When Utah Valley University (UVU) opens its doors to students next fall, it will also be opening five new graduate degree programs. "It's an exciting time for all of us at UVU, the community and our students," says UVU President Matthew S. Holland.

The five new graduate degrees are Master of Computer Science, Master of Public Service, Master of Social Work, Master of Accountancy and Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Each program was chosen after undergoing a rigorous selection and development process to ensure it would fulfill a need within the Utah community.

"We examined each program very thoughtfully and measured them primarily against three things: student interest, faculty expertise and community demand," says President Holland. "Were excited about the impact these programs will have on Utah--primarily on our businesses who will be able to fill positions and graduates who will get great jobs."

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, UVU has a long tradition of adapting to meet business, community and student needs, and these five master's degree programs continue that tradition. UVU started as a small vocational school, developed into a technical college, and later transformed into a community and state college. Today, it is a robust teaching university focused on engaged learning.

"Rather than setting ourselves up by saying, 'Here's what we're going to do and the community can follow,' we've tried to say, 'What does the community need us to be?' and then we've gone and done it," says Holland. "These new programs have done just that--answered a community

need."

Enriching Students and Filling a Workforce Void

When President Holland took over UVU's top leadership post in 2009, the institution had only one master's degree program. "I knew there was an opportunity to create more graduate programs that would benefit students and the community," he says. "But we also wanted to get it right, so we took our time."

The university established an Office of Graduate Studies and Graduate Council, as well as created and revised policies and procedures governing approval of additional programs. After it selected its newest master's degree programs, the university vetted its faculty to ensure they were prepared to teach each course, as well as thoroughly developed each program to ensure it would enrich students...