NEW B.S./M.B.A. AND D.P.T. DEGREES GAIN APPROVAL

The fields of science and business will draw even closer this fall when Old Dominion begins offering five-year B.S/.M.B.A. programs in applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science and psychology.

Also, starting this summer and fall, the university will introduce its new doctor of physical therapy degree program.The program was approved March 20 by the State Council of Higher Education.

The new B.S./M.B.A. programs, in which prerequisites for the master of business administration degree are used as upper-level general education courses, make students more marketable for jobs at a faster rate, said Terri Mathews, assistant dean of the College of Sciences. The programs capitalize on the convergence of science and business, such as in genetic engineering or computer simulation.

Pharmaceutical sales, chemical and petroleum manufacturing, and corporate human resources are just some of the occupations in which people could benefit from the new degrees, Mathews said.

"The combination of an undergraduate science degree and terminal graduate business degree should be very attractive to many students," said Thomas Isenhour, dean of the College of Sciences.

Added Bruce Rubin, interim dean of business, "There is an ever-increasing need for students trained in the scientific and technical fields to understand the commercial ramifications of their technology. This is true for those who want to work within a larger corporate environment as well as those who aim toward smaller start-up situations. Many of the same skills are needed for both. The M.B.A. will provide the fundamental business skills."

The new programs have been approved by Acting Provost David Hager. Students enrolled in other programs can switch to the new B.S./M.B.A.

The doctoral program in physical therapy, which will replace the current master's program, reflects a national trend and will ensure that Old Dominion remains competitive in the field. The first graduates of the program would receive their degrees in spring 2005. The first year of full enrollment is anticipated for 2004-05.