STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014\u00a0Following the addition of newly developed and approved doctoral programs this year, Tarleton State University has been elevated to a level VI classification by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The change is effective immediately and is the highest level of classification an institution can receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The announcement comes after the introduction of Tarleton State\u2019s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, which recently welcomed its inaugural cohort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are tremendously proud of this recent achievement and the launch of our newest doctoral programs,\u201d said Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley. \u201cThese milestones are a testament to the unwavering dedication and excellence of our faculty and staff. This new classification further solidifies our institution as a first-choice destination for students to access a high-quality, affordable doctoral education.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The university currently hosts three other doctoral degree programs, including an Ed.D. in educational leadership, a Ph.D. in criminal justice and a Ph.D. in animal and natural resource sciences. Additionally, the university has plans to launch three doctoral programs in the next 18 months, pending SACSCOC approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur university is committed to expanding access to academic programs that meet workforce demands,\u201d said Tarleton State Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Stearns. \u201cWith the addition of these doctoral degree programs comes expanded research opportunities and a sizable economic impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first doctoral program offered was the doctorate in educational leadership, which gained state approval in 1998. In 2019, the doctorate in criminal justice became the first Ph.D. program at Tarleton State, followed soon after by the Ph.D. in animal and natural resource sciences in 2022. There were 155 students enrolled in doctoral programs this spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarleton State received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC in 2021 which came with zero recommendations for improvement and no negative findings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SACSCOC is the accrediting body for degree-granting higher education institutions in the southern United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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