MRU launches two new programs

Despite the challenges of the 2013 budget cuts, MRU has launched two new Bachelor Programs: Bachelor of Child Studies and a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.

 

The announcement to faculty and students at MRU was made on Feb. 12 at the Recreation Concourse with MLA Jason Luan and MRU’s Vice-President Academic Kathryn Shailer.

 

“I want to commend you for developing these programs and I learned that you did this without asking the government for new money,” said Luan. “I must say that as MLA and as your fan, I am going to sell that story to my colleagues and say that Mount Royal University made a great example of how to manage their budget. So thank you for that.”

MLA Jason Luan, Zoe Kirk (5) and Chad London celebrate as Zoe showcases her drawing of what it means to be healthy in honour of the new programs. Photo: Kaity Brown”]

The funding for the new programs is coming from reallocation of internal resources — seven existing programs will become part of these two bachelors.

 

The Bachelor of Child Studies is the first of its kind in Western Canada and will offer two majors: Child and Youth Care Counsellor and Early Learning and Child Care.

 

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education is distinct from other programs of its kind in that it offers four concentrated majors: Athletic Therapy, Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, Physical Literacy and Sport and Recreation Management.

 

Now students will be able to continue the diplomas and applied degrees that they started, as opposed to transferring to another university to complete their studies.

 

“I’m pleased to see Mount Royal University planning for the future by expanding the options for students throughout Campus Alberta with the addition of these two degree programs. Expanding choices and options gives youth the ability to achieve the level of education they want and learn the skills that will help them succeed in a growing and prosperous Alberta,” said Premier Alison Redford in a press release.

 

The Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education approved the programs and both will begin admittance immediately in Sept. 2014.