Wright State University's Board of Trustees determined a new organization of the colleges and majors. Several majors, including Art and Theatre Studies, will be condensed into one program beginning Fall 2028.
On Sept. 17, the Board of Trustees (BOT) met for its Public Session meeting from noon until 5:30 p.m. The BOT will meet Dec. 11 again to finalize the reorganization. The BOT determined that the goals of the reorganization are to "align academic programs with industry trends and emerging workforce needs" and "forge enduring collaborative relationships with partners and communities in defense, engineering and technology and healthcare" alongside preschool-twelfth grade education.
Nonetheless, in regard to academic program changes, the following were proposed and approved.
A new Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration, a BS in Mathematical Sciences and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology.
There will be a new graduate certificate in Defense Contracting, Finance and Acquisition.
There are 14 programs becoming inactive or being adjusted into a different program. Design/Technology Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB), Materials Science and Engineering Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (BSMSE) and Sociology BA will be inactive.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology will be available as a new program: Anthropology & Geography BS. The BAs in Art, Motion Pictures, Music and Theatre Studies will be available as a new program: Arts Management & Entrepreneurship BA.
Within the reorganization of college, there will be the following:
- Institute of Medicine and Health
- Boonshoft School of Medicine
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Nursing
- College of Education & Leadership
- College of Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Raj Soin College of Business
- College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Creative & Performing
- Center for Civics, Culture & Workforce Development
WSU Academic Reorganization ; Courtesy of Wright State University Board of Trustees
With the shift in programs to cover more local workforce options, it seems as though the Arts are being condensed. Bachelors in Art, Music, Motion Pictures and Theatre Studies are becoming one: Arts Management & Entrepreneurship.
Students do not seem pleased, as undecided sophomore Nyx Worley reacts.
"I don’t really love the idea of condensing classes that wouldn’t really necessarily have anything to do with art management into one program," Worley said.
Worley brings up an insightful point that begs the question: How are these programs the same? By Dec. 11, the BOT will outline exactly why they have been condensed.
