HF2610

Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes changes to the existing educational structure in Minnesota to expand the range of courses that state universities can offer, with a specific focus on cybersecurity education.

Main Provisions

• Cybersecurity Doctoral Degree: The legislation seeks to amend the current statutes to allow state universities in Minnesota to offer applied doctoral degrees in cybersecurity. This would be an addition to the previously authorized fields such as education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, and nursing.
• Mission Statement Amendment: State universities’ mission statements will be updated to include the provision of this new cybersecurity program, reflecting a commitment to advancing graduate-level educational offerings in response to changing workforce needs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The current state law lists specific fields in which state universities can offer applied doctoral degrees. This bill adds cybersecurity to that list, thereby expanding the scope of graduate-level educational offerings.

Relevant Terms

cybersecurity, applied doctoral degree, state universities, Minnesota postsecondary education, higher education mission, graduate instruction.