The life-cycle of an occupational program:
“Gee, we're seeing a lot of employer and student demand for a program in x.”
Several years pass
“Maybe we should have a program leading to a degree in x, so students can get those jobs.”
“Don't we already have something sorta like that in department z?”
“Let's have the chair of department z put it together.”
The scene shifts to department z.
“How can students possibly jump right into that? They need a solid foundation in the courses we happen to teach.”
“Let's make x a subset of z, so students can major in z with a concentration in x.”
“Good idea. And let's construct the Gen Eds so as not to offend the other chairs.”
Curriculum committee:
“Great job! I'm glad you've made certain the students will get a solid foundation in z.”
“Thanks. It's all about academic integrity, you know.”
At in-person registration:
“Why do I have to take z? I only want x!”
“These prereqs are bullshit. I'll just take what I want.”
Years later:
“Why don't we have a program in x? Students and employers are clamoring for it.”
“Can't be done. We tried it a few years ago, and the numbers were terrible.”
