BGSU announces two new degree programs

At its June 21 meeting, the BGSU Board of Trustees approved two new degree programs, a master’s in athletic training and an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in advertising. These programs will prepare students for high-demand career paths, both in the region and internationally.

At its June 21 meeting, the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees approved two new degree programs, in athletic training and advertising. These programs will prepare students for high-demand career paths, both in the region and internationally.

Filling a need in northwest Ohio and the region for training specifically in the field of advertising, the trustees approved a new Bachelor of Arts in advertising, to be offered through the School of Media and Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. The degree program is designed to be interdisciplinary, emphasizing technology skills and new media, audience analytics, strategic communication, marketing and a grounding in both theory and practice.

The major was created in response to the increasing demand for professionals in this economic sector; the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Ohio above average in job demand for advertising. Students will choose a focus in either the creative/production or the management/research concentration. Courses will be offered both in multiple colleges, and all majors will be required to complete a 100-hour, on-campus internship in BGSU’s media organizations, such as WBGU-TV or Falcon Radio.

The second new degree program builds upon the University’s undergraduate degree in exercise science and especially its specialization in Sport Medicine. Students will now be able to earn a master’s degree in athletic training (MAT) and will be prepared to practice as professional athletic trainers. Offered in the School of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies in the College of Education and Human Development, the MAT curriculum will be clinically based and focused on developing the necessary skills and knowledge as defined by the athletic training accrediting body. BGSU undergraduates in the exercise science program may choose an accelerated course and move on to the new master’s program without having to take the GRE exam.

The BGSU degree will have a distinctive focus on global awareness and serving underrepresented communities. They will work to educate students about ethnic and racial disparities in health, and will require a formal education-abroad/study-afar experience.   

“This new program in athletic training not only will prepare students to work with a variety of populations, but also offers the opportunity for BGSU to partner with a number of external organizations to expand our students’ experiences significantly,” said Dr. John Fischer, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.