Trustees OK dual degree program

Auburn University students who qualify academically will be able to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in four years, starting next semester.
The AU board of trustees unanimously approved the accelerated dual degree program during its meeting Friday at the Shelby Center for Engineering Technology.
Starting in January, students with between 45 and 96 credit hours and a 3.4 or higher grade point average, can be eligible for the new program, said Provost Mary Ellen Mazey.
University officials anticipate that the program will appeal to students in the Honors College by providing them with a way to earn two degrees in less time than it would normally take to earn both. It should also appeal to those students not in the honors program who plan to work in fields where an advanced degree is needed, such as psychology, Mazey said.
“We want any of them that want to do it,” she said.
Mazey anticipates that the new program will help AU in its ongoing efforts to recruit more highly-qualified students.
“It’s an attractive option for highly-motivated students,” said AU President Jay Gogue. “They can use their academic talents to more quickly earn an advanced degree through a rigorous course of study.”
The concept is expected to save participating students both time and money.
“We’ve heard from prospective students and high school teachers and guidance counselors,” said board president Sarah Newton. “Many students want to augment their educational experience by working toward two degrees.”
The board also unanimously approved the following items Friday:
- To rename the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport as the Auburn University Regional Airport with the Robert G. Pitts Field.
- The budget, funding plan, site and schematic design for a new poultry and animal nutrition center.
- The purchase of about nine acres of land on Bell Road, adjacent to Auburn Montgomery, to develop an entrance to the campus from the west side directly from Bell.
- The addition of about 7,000-square feet of academic space to the Telfair Peet Theatre.
- To increase the student activities fee at AUM from $10 to $170 over the next three terms.
- To institute a professional fee at AU and AUM Schools of Nursing of $200 per credit hour.
- To offer a PhD degree in polymer and fiber engineering.
- Awarding a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction posthumously to Trenton Carlos McLeod, who died June 14.