Published August 30, 2017
The Louisiana Board of Regents approved the reinstatement of the University of Louisiana
Monroe Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree at its regular meeting Wednesday in
Baton Rouge.
The Louisiana Board of Regents approved the reinstatement of the University of Louisiana
Monroe Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree at its regular meeting Wednesday in
Baton Rouge.
In 2011, about 100 degrees at state universities were removed due to budget cuts,
including chemistry at ULM.
Dr. Nick J. Bruno was pleased with the board’s decision, saying, “It’s a great program
for us as it is the foundation of many health sciences. Regaining chemistry adds a
significant opportunity for those students who are interested in going into a health
science or science track.”
Anne Case Hanks, Ph.D., Director of the School of Science, said reinstating the chemistry
degree is an important step for the university.
“This strengthens not only the School of Science, but ULM as a whole,” said Hanks,
who plans to have the degree program in place for Spring 2018.
Chemistry classes are already offered, and with the redesigned chemistry degree program
students have the option of declaring a concentration in one of three areas, medicinal
chemistry, biochemistry or forensics chemistry, as well as remaining on the traditional
chemistry degree path.
The Board of Regents also approved going forward with a doctor of physical therapy
program by developing a full proposal.
Bruno said establishing a doctor of physical therapy is a progressive move, allowing
the university “to expand our health sciences footprint.”
“It gives us the opportunity to focus on areas recognized around the state as our
hallmark,” he said.
Bruno, however, stressed that the science-based curriculums are only one aspect of
the programs offered by the university.
“This does not detract from our other programs in any way,” he said. “We have excellence
across the colleges, which continue to develop programs to attract new students to
the university, which I encourage.”
