Ten new academic degrees were proposed to be reviewed by the program prioritization academic task force.

The program prioritization process made the option available for academic programs to propose new programs. The academic task force then read these narratives and determined if they supported their implementation into NIU curriculum. 

Programs supported by academic task force

The M.S. / Ph.D. in data science was recognized as a program that seems viable.. The task force was concerned with the heavy reliance on international students for the success of the program.

The B.S. in statistics was supported because of student demand, but the program was found to need more faculty to maintain current operations.

The bachelor’s in health information management was seen as a significant revenue generator for the university. The task force was concerned with the program attempting to receive funding from the NIU Foundation.

The doctorate of nursing practice was strongly supported by the task force because of the high quality of the faculty and the high regard in which the nursing program is held. 

The academic task force recommends these programs if resources are available.

Programs not supported by academic task force

The bachelor’s in sports management was not recommended because of the low job growth, the small faculty and the 20 other universities in Illinois that offer this degree.

The M.A. in development studies was not supported because of the lack of faculty.

The Ph.D. in public affairs was not supported because the narrative did not include number of faculty needed and the reliance on grant money.

The Ph.D in computer science was not supported because of lack of faculty and heavy reliance on international students.

The interdisciplinary M.A. in linguistics was not supported because of insufficient data regarding external or internal demand for program and the lack of viability for interdisciplinary programs.

The minor in deaf studies was not supported because of lack of faculty and resources.