Plymouth State University is transforming its overall academic structure to better prepare students to succeed in the global economy and strengthen PSU’s ties with NH’s business community. Beginning in the fall of 2017 students with choose a academic cluster, not just a traditional degree program.
Currently the University has 24 undergraduate academic departments organized under three colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business Administration and Education, Health and Human Services) and a graduate studies program for master’s and doctoral students. The new structure will be organized into seven interdisciplinary academic clusters. It will feature open labs and collaborative partnerships with community and industry to provide students with integrated learning, research, and service opportunities.
Unlike the traditional structure, this new model is focused on innovation and entrepreneurship and will create opportunities for Plymouth State University students, faculty and community partners to work together on real-world challenges and projects.
“The landscape of public higher education is changing, and in addition to traditional degrees, employers seek graduates who can collaborate to solve problems, develop products, think innovatively and lead their organizations,” said Donald Birx., president, Plymouth State University. “Over the next few years, Plymouth State will evolve as an integrative university where students have significant opportunities to work with regional industry partners, and gain exposure to multiple disciplines.”
The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees voted to unanimously to support the strategic vision and infuse $10.6 million of USNH internal borrowing funds to facilitate this project.
Beginning in September 2017, all degree programs at Plymouth State University will be organized within the following academic clusters:
- Arts & Technology
- Education, Democracy & Social Change
- Exploration & Discovery
- Health & Human Enrichment
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Justice & Security
- Tourism, Environment & Sustainable Development
Beginning with the fall 2017 class, all incoming first-year students will take a seminar series that will give them a broad understanding of the opportunities within each cluster. As students progress through their degree programs, they will take classes and work with faculty members and peers across multiple clusters.
A significant feature of this new model is the concept of open labs. Open labs will place students and faculty in teams with community and business leaders on projects to create innovations and new discoveries. Plymouth State has a strong tradition of partnerships that will be enhanced by the new vision and open labs.
Students will graduate from Plymouth State University with traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees, but once this model is implemented, students will also be able to earn certificates in various specialty areas within each cluster.