The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved new academic programs and courses at their meeting on Aug. 16.

There are four new academic programs. These programs include a Master of Arts in Technical Communication in the Department of English, Master of Fine Arts and Social Practice in the Department of Art, Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security in the Department of Security, according to Sam Houston State University Associate Director of Communications Emily Binetti.

There are also two new certificate programs available at SHSU. A graduate certificate in Communication Studies in the Department of Communication Studies and an undergraduate certificate in Technical Communication in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences were approved, Binetti said.

TSUS approved 55 additional courses for the 2018-2019 academic school year, according to Binetti.

Regents approved changing the name of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication to the College of Arts and Media effective Fall 2019.

“The current title fails to capture all that we do in contemporary terms,” Dean of College of Fine Arts of Mass Communications Ron Shields said. “I have not received the official written notification of this change— it may take a few more days— or even a couple of weeks for the approval to make it through the entire system.”

The construction plans for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status-seeking accreditation) were also approved.

“I am pleased to reach this milestone with the Board of Regents having recently approved the design plans for our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status-seeking accreditation),” SHSU President Dana Hoyt said. “The building will be constructed on donated land located in Conroe, Texas and will include spaces in support of instruction, research, academic administration and student life.”