Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	University of MD, College Park Proposal	Master of Science (M.S.)	Applied Economics	4/4/2019	Approved	4/26/2019
Applied Economics Program Description
The University of Maryland, College Park has offered an iteration of its Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Economics since 2012.  The intent of this proposal is to move the existing curriculum out from under the MPS umbrella and create a stand-alone Master of Science (MS) in Applied Economics. This change would allow the Applied Economics program to be properly designated as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program in the Federal Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP). Assigning the proper CIP number to the curriculum will help attract more highly skilled domestic and international students. For domestic students, a STEM designation will enhance their scholarship applications and opportunities for career improvement. For international students, the additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) that is permitted for STEM-designated programs will benefit their future job searches. The program will be housed in the Economics Department in the College of Behavior & Social Sciences and taught by department faculty who have extensive academic and industry experience.