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SF2888 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Authority to offer doctoral degrees at state universities expansion

Related bill: HF2561

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this legislative bill is to expand the authority of state universities in Minnesota to offer applied doctoral degrees in various fields. This change seeks to enhance educational opportunities and meet workforce needs.

Main Provisions

  • Expansion of Degree Offerings: The bill allows state universities in Minnesota to offer applied doctoral degrees not only in education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, and nursing but also in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging areas.
  • Board of Trustees' Role: The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' Board of Trustees is given the authority to determine additional areas for applied doctoral programs based on practice and workforce needs.
  • Distinctive Mission and Cooperation: It acknowledges the distinct missions of various postsecondary institutions while emphasizing the need for them to cooperate in delivering higher education.

Significant Changes

  • Inclusion of New Fields: The bill formally includes cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as fields in which state universities can offer applied doctoral degrees, reflecting emerging trends and market demands.
  • Flexibility for Expansion: Provides flexibility for future expansion into other fields as determined by the Board of Trustees, allowing response to changing educational and workforce needs.

Relevant Terms

  • Applied doctoral degrees
  • State universities
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Higher education
  • Workforce needs
  • Board of Trustees
  • Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHigher Education

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "State universities may now offer applied doctoral degrees in fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 135A.052, subdivision 1, expanding the authority for state universities to offer applied doctoral degrees.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "135A.052",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references management practices as required by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 43A.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns labor-management practices with state requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "43A",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references labor-management practices in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 179A.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns labor-management practices with state requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "179A",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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