Recently the University Board of Supervisors approved a proposal for a new master’s degree program in Hispanics Studies, which would open numerous doors for students interested in a variety of fields.
Emily Batinski, chair of the Foreign Languages department, said the proposal has been in the works for approximately two years. She said the Spanish section is extremely excited to see the project come to life, but the approval process is not yet complete.
The last step is final approval from the Board of Regents this semester, Batinski said.
The Board of Regents is a state agency which is responsible for coordinating all public higher education in Louisiana. The panel of numerous professionals will review the project and offer recommendations to improve the program.
Batinski explained that the university currently has a Master of Arts program in Spanish, but the Hispanic Studies program will offer something different to students. The Master of Arts in Spanish focuses primarily on literature and linguistics, while the Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies pulls from a variety of other fields.
Foreign Language professor Joseph Ricapito said the program will offer great advantages to all participants.
Ricapito anticipates great interest in the program and does not fear that the Master of Arts in Spanish will become any less desirable. Both degrees are valuable, said Ricapito.
Ricapito said the curriculum will include a variety of subjects such as geography, anthropology, political science, history and sociology. This varied curriculum will ensure students a broad base of knowledge, which will be very beneficial and will give students that extra edge needed in today’s competitive job market, Ricapito said.
Batinski and Ricapito both said that the new program will attract students from various undergraduate fields of study, such as history, Spanish, mass communication and political science.
Batinski said the establishment of this program will not require faculty recruitment, which is often an obstacle when a department creates a new program.
Ricapito said the University is well covered in this area, and no additional faculty will be needed. After final approval, faculty members from various departments will join the team and add to the diversity of the program.
“This program brings students where they previously could not go,” Ricapito said. “The program encompasses more interests which will allow for students to become well-rounded and provide for a stronger degree.”
Batinski and Ricapito said they are both enthusiastic about the program and believe the degree program is a valuable addition to the department.
Ricapito said this degree will provide an extremely strong background for establishing a solid career. The program is ideal for students interested in careers involving foreign affairs and services, business and government.
Pending approval from the Board of Regents, Batinski said the master’s program in Hispanic Studies hopefully will be accepting applicants in Fall 2004.