Regents University Affairs Committee advances proposal for new degree

The Regents University Affairs Committee last week advanced a proposal for a new master’s degree at the CU Denver Business School.

The committee heard plans for the new master’s in sustainable business during an Oct. 17 meeting held remotely. The proposal is scheduled to be voted on by the full Board of Regents at its Nov. 7-8 meeting at UCCS.

Scott Dawson, dean of the Business School, and Robert Hobbins, program director, presented information on the 33-credit hour degree. As proposed, it would consist of stackable certificates, making it flexible and customizable. Students would be able to complete the degree entirely online, but some face-to-face instruction options would be available.

Plans call for an interdisciplinary approach, within the Business School as well as across other CU Denver schools and departments, including environmental science, geography, urban planning and public policy.

The degree addresses demand in the workforce – jobs for environmental professionals are projected to grow 8% by 2030 – while also contributing to one of the Business School’s stated societal impact areas, sustainable planet.

Also at last week’s meeting, Michael Lightner, vice president for academic affairs, led informational sessions on accreditation and state authorization, and on certificates and microcredentials. Leadership from the four campuses described their offerings. Lightner also briefed the committee on new federal Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment regulations, slated to take effect next July.

The next Regents University Affairs Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2024.