Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to expand the authority of state universities in Minnesota to offer applied doctoral degrees. This expansion is intended to enhance educational opportunities and meet workforce needs in various emerging fields.

Main Provisions

• Expansion of Degree Offerings: The bill proposes allowing state universities to offer applied doctoral degrees not only in traditional areas like education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, and nursing but also in newer fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
• Workforce Alignment: These new degree authorizations are aligned with workforce needs, targeting emerging areas where there is a demand for advanced expertise.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The existing law permitted state universities to offer undergraduate and graduate programs up to the master's degree level along with specialist certificates. This bill amends that by allowing applied doctoral degrees in specified areas.
• The determination of additional areas for doctoral programs will be made by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, facilitating responsiveness to evolving industry demands.

Relevant Terms

higher education, applied doctoral degrees, state universities, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, workforce needs, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Board of Trustees.