Thomas University introduces the ‘new TU’
Post Published On:In keeping with the changing times and in an effort to meet the needs of both students and employers, Thomas University recently introduced several new initiatives that are part of an effort the university calls the “New TU.” These include organizing the academic offerings into three distinct schools, adding several new majors, and introducing a restructured fee schedule beginning Fall 2021.
Thomas University implemented a three-school system in order to focus on the needs of students specific to each school. The School of Arts and Sciences consists of mostly traditional age, on-campus students who attend in-person classes. The School of Professional Studies offers working adults the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree completely online. The Graduate School is made up of students pursuing graduate degrees. Each of these groups has specific needs that are best addressed in this new structure.
Over the past several years, TU has been in the process of phasing out academic programs with low or no enrollment and replacing them with newer degree programs.
“We listened to what our students and employers are requesting,” said Dr. John Meis, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We also considered the skills most in-demand right now. By combining those, we came up with several new academic programs.”
The new degree programs include the on-campus bachelor’s degrees in Exercise & Sport Science and Literature & Media as well as an online bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security Management. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling will also add a specialization in School Counseling in addition to its specialization in Alcohol and Addictions.
Other academic programs are being developed and awaiting final accreditation approval. Those include online bachelor’s degrees in Supply Chain Management and Computer Systems Management, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
TU has also implemented non-credit certification preparation courses in education, information technology, project management, Lean Six Sigma and contracting.
The University has also worked diligently at automating and streamlining internal processes that increased efficiency. All these factors allow TU to introduce a reduced undergraduate tuition rate and restructured fee schedule that will take effect Fall 2021.
Unlike many other colleges and universities who’ve experienced declines in enrollment, TU has maintained consistent enrollment numbers throughout the COVID pandemic. With the new undergraduate tuition rate, TU officials hope to make a bachelor’s degree more accessible.
“We know that having a college degree helps people attain their career goals,” said Dr. Andy Sheppard, TU President. “Now we’re making high quality educational opportunities easily accessible.”
For more information about the New TU, visit Thomasu.edu.
