The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents approved new degree programs in political science, electrical engineering and industrial technology for Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) during its regularly scheduled Feb. 29-March 1 meeting held on the MSU Texas campus.

“Each program builds upon existing degree plans within the university’s academic portfolio and support workforce demands, especially from our Sheppard Air Force Base partners and the regional workforce,” said Marcy Brown Marsden, provost and vice president for academic affairs at MSU Texas.

The Bachelor of Science in Political Science, an extension of the Bachelor of Arts program, is designed to enhance support and success of students interested in data literacy and political strategy.

Building upon the existing accredited degree in mechanical engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering will serve a regional demand for electrical engineers and the energy industry.

The Master of Science in Industrial Technology will be an extension of existing industrial technology programs in the university’s engineering and applied arts and sciences degrees. The master’s degree is designed in support of local manufacturing industries and will be a key academic program for personnel at Sheppard Air Force Base.

“These programs provide additional access for students and are expected to benefit our enrollment growth goals from recruitment to retention to graduation,” said Brown Marsden.

Board approval of these degree programs authorizes the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at MSU Texas to submit the required information to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for acknowledgement of the new degrees.

Pending approval from those entities, MSU Texas expects to begin offering the degrees this fall.