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IHL board approves Mississippi State University bachelor’s and master’s program requests including AI and construction management degrees
Summary
The IHL Board approved multiple program proposals from Mississippi State University, including bachelor of applied science degrees and new master’s programs in artificial intelligence and construction management.
The Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved a slate of new degree programs requested by Mississippi State University, including three 120‑credit bachelor of applied science (BAS) programs and two master of science programs.
Mississippi State’s proposals approved by the board included a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Technology, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Weather and Environmental Science, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship. The board also approved a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (31 hours) and a Master of Science in Construction Management (30 hours).
Why it matters
Board staff told trustees the BAS in Construction Technology is designed to articulate from applied science associate degrees in construction‑related fields and to prepare graduates for construction management roles. The Weather and Environmental Science BAS was developed with input from Keesler Air Force Base leadership in Biloxi, which the presenter said supports pathways for military weather personnel to complete a baccalaureate.
Mississippi State described labor-market context in the presentations: the agenda materials cited Bureau of Labor Statistics median wage estimates for construction inspectors and supervisors and salary ranges for atmospheric scientists and AI‑related master’s graduates. Board staff recommended approval of the program requests and trustees voted to approve the items.
Board action and approvals
Board staff presented the proposals and recommended approval. A motion to approve the bachelor's and master's program requests was made and seconded; the board voted in favor of the items and they passed.
Notes on scope and competition
Board materials noted that some of the proposed undergraduate and graduate programs do not have analogues at other Mississippi institutions; in other cases (for example, entrepreneurship), other state institutions already offer similar degrees. The Weather and Environmental Science BAS was described as responding to specific training needs at Keesler Air Force Base and to provide a pathway for WX‑15 military occupational specialties to earn a complementary degree.
Ending
Mississippi State may proceed with program implementation steps required by board policy and accreditation requirements. The board record indicates staff recommended approval; trustees approved the program requests as presented.
