UI graduate faculty to consider two program closures

IOWA CITY -- University of Iowa Graduate College faculty on Friday will consider a proposal to close two master's degree programs.

The UI Graduate Faculty will meet at 3:30 p.m. Friday to consider closure of the master of arts in international studies and the two-year master of science in operative dentistry. If the recommendations are approved by that faculty group, they would go on to UI Provost Barry Butler and the state Board of Regents for approval.

The operative dentistry department is requesting closure of the two-year master of science degree program, to be replaced by the three-year master's degree in oral science, with continuance of the separate certificate in operative dentistry, Graduate College Dean John Keller said. Operative dentistry is one of few departments in the College of Dentistry to still have its own master's degree in its discipline; most other departments offer the master's degree in oral science and a certificate in their respective disciplines, Keller said, so this change is more in line with that structure.

If the change is approved, the master of science degree in operative dentistry would no longer be offered as of July 1, 2013 to entering students.

The recommendation to close the master of arts degree in international studies, effective fall 2013, is based on low enrollment numbers in that program, Keller said. There are five currently enrolled students, and they will be allowed to finish their degrees. Students with interests in this type of tailor-made program would be better served through the existing graduate college interdisciplinary studies program, officials said.