Northwest adding master’s degree programs in public administration, therapeutic recreation

Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents on Thursday approved two master’s degree programs as well as the appointments of two adjunct faculty and two police officers.

Regents approved a Master of Public Administration degree to be offered in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in public service leadership.

Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman explained that the program will assist individuals seeking employment and career advancement in government, nonprofit organizations and other public service sectors. She noted government agencies report a need for qualified employees.

Additionally, regents approved a Master of Science degree in therapeutic recreation with emphasis options in recreation management and sport management. The program will be designed to provide students with a more streamlined degree that better aligns with the coursework necessary to earn certification.

Hooyman explained that Northwest already offers a therapeutic recreation emphasis that enrolls more than 50 students. The need to offer it as a master’s program, however, stems from requirement changes implemented last fall by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) for individuals pursuing employment as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. Hooyman said Northwest sought to align its program with NCTRC requirements and ensure the University’s program remains an attractive pathway to certification and obtaining a master’s degree.

Northwest will launch both master’s degree programs online with the therapeutic recreation degree program beginning next fall and the public administration degree beginning in spring 2026. The new programs will not require additional resources for the University.

In other business, regents approved the appointments of University police officers, per Missouri statute, Hailey Roach and Micah Wolf. Roach is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Northwest in criminology and has worked at the University Police Department in data entry and dispatch during the last two years. Wolf is a Maryville resident and has experience working with the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department. Both anticipate graduating in June from the law enforcement academy at Missouri Western State University.

Regents also approved the appointments of two adjunct faculty members, Robert McCutcheon and Ryan Stanley, who will teach online coursework emanating this spring from Northwest’s School of Education.

The Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and for determining general, educational and financial policies.