Universities fight Johns Hopkins plan for similar degree

The Johns Hopkins University’s proposal for a doctoral physical therapy programme hangs in limbo as the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and the University of Maryland, Baltimore claim the prospective degree is duplicative of their own programmes and would cause them harm, writes Sabrina LeBoeuf for the Baltimore Sun.

In the coming days, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, which oversees all of the state’s colleges and universities, will share a letter containing its decision on whether to approve the Hopkins programme, according to Commission Chair Cassie Motz at a Thursday hearing on the subject.

This is the second time in recent months that a Maryland historically black university has challenged a fellow university programme proposal on the grounds of duplication. Morgan State University called out Towson University for pitching an “unreasonably duplicative” doctoral business programme. Last month, Towson rescinded its proposal but said it plans to resubmit in the future. Now, the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, another historically black institution, is arguing alongside the University of Maryland, Baltimore for their doctoral physical therapy programmes to remain the only two in the state.
Full report on the Baltimore Sun site