COLORADO SPRINGS — The University of Colorado’s Board of Regents approved two new degrees — a master’s of studies in law and a bachelor of science in technology, arts and media — which the Boulder campus expects to offer starting next fall.
The regents voted unanimously to approve the two degrees, while opting to wait on final approval for a third new degree, a master’s of the environment.
CU’s law school will offer the master’s of studies in law, a one-year program for professionals who need some formal legal education but don’t want or need to earn a juris doctorate degree.
“In many jobs, it’s now important to use law in your day-to-day work, but not necessarily practice law,” said Paul Ohm, the law school’s associate dean for academic affairs. “To have some formal legal education, but not necessarily a license.”
He said patent agents, compliance officers, human resources professionals and other positions require some legal knowledge. He compared the trend to the shift toward nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the medical realm.
Students in the new master’s program will sit alongside traditional law students in classes, which mostly eliminates the need for new curriculum and hiring additional faculty members. The law school will create two new courses, “Introduction to American law” and “Legal writing for non-JD students.”
The program is expected to generate more than $500,000 in revenue by its fifth year. The campus has budgeted $100,000 in annual expenses for the program.
The bachelor of science in technology, arts and media is an extension of a popular minor and certificate program with the same focus.
The degree, which will live in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, is expected to help promote gender diversity in that school. Of the 800 students enrolled in the technology, arts and media minor and certificate program, 60 percent are women.
Campus leaders project the degree will create nearly $2 million in revenue by its fifth year. They’ve budgeted roughly $600,000 for annual expenses.
Sarah Kuta: 303-473-1106, kutas@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/sarahkuta
