Developing and Managing Non-Traditional Academic Programs: A Case Study of Northeastern State University’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Management Program
Keywords:
higher education, traditional students, non-traditional students, traditional academic program, non-traditional academic program, environmental, health, safety managementAbstract
Traditional academic programs such as chemistry, engineering, and business administration have long been the backbone of higher education institutions. These programs are well-established, recognized by students and parents, and supported by a strong faculty and student body. However, as workforce needs evolve, traditional academic programs may need to be modified or new programs developed to suit to emerging industries and specialized professional demands. Northeastern State University (NSU), a regional teaching university in Oklahoma with campuses in Tahlequah and Broken Arrow (BA), recognizes the importance of adapting to these changes. NSU’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Management (EHSM) program is an example of a non-traditional academic program designed to cater to regional employment needs with a student body largely populated with working adults and experienced professionals. This article aims to share key learnings, tips, and challenges encountered while developing and managing the EHSM program. While the case study focuses on EHSM at NSU, the strategies discussed can be applied to other non-traditional programs at universities aiming to meet the demands of today’s dynamic workforce.
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