Today@Sam Article

TSUS Board of Regents Approve Academic Program Changes, Campus Renovations and Financial Items

Aug. 8, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

During its quarterly meeting on Aug. 7-8, the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents considered items from each member institution, including Sam Houston State University. The board took action on several key initiatives, some of which are listed below.   

Academic Program Changes 

  • Reorganization of the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (move to Academic Affairs) 
  • Creation of the Department of Graduate Medical Education within the College of Osteopathic Medicine 
  • Approval to offer the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Business degree through a prison education program (TDCJ Wynne Unit via hybrid instruction) 
  • Approval of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (102 SCH) to address growing demand for healthcare professionals by placing its students in partnerships with local clinics and clinical sites  

Academic Program Deletions 

  • Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership 
  • Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Practice  
  • Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems 

Semester Credit Hour (SCH) Changes 
The changes in semester credit hour requirements ensure alignment with discipline, state and national standards, as well as making the offerings more competitive with those in the region and across nation. 

  • Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice, 15 to 12 SCHs effective Fall 2025 
  • Master of Arts in Communication Studies, 36 to 30 SCHs effective Fall 2025 
  • Master of Arts in Mathematics, 36 to 30 SCHs effective Spring 2026 
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine,192 to 184 SCHs effective Fall 2026 

Campus Renovations 

  • Approved design development documents for planned renovations of Sam Houston State University - The Woodlands Center to expand School of Nursing capacity 

Finance Items 

  • Approved $516 million Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Operating Budget, which includes funds for ongoing planning  
  • Approved update to the tuition and fee structure of SHSU Polytechnic College (SamPoly) to reflect the 89th Legislature’s House Bill 3204, which made SamPoly eligible for state funding 

All academic affairs program changes are to be implemented upon final approval by the TSUS Board of Regents, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as applicable. 

View full TSUS Board Meeting documents.

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