Based on
community and business needs, several new programs are available at the
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, or will be soon. Here’s a look at each.
To apply, go to https://apply.wisconsin.edu.
Chemical
engineering
Chemical
engineering is a new major in the Paper Science and Engineering Department at
UW-Stevens Point. It joins the existing paper science and engineering major and
the biofuels engineering minor as programs to prepare students for careers in
Wisconsin industries. The new major officially
launches in January 2016.
Students in
chemical engineering will take core classes already taught for the paper
science and engineering major. In addition, they will choose eight to 14
credits of elective courses to specialize their degree. Electives may include
courses in water resources, waste management, sustainable energy or paper
technology. This 120-credit major can be completed in four years.
Career
options include chemical engineer, process engineer, energy engineer,
product/process development engineer or technical support engineer.
In
Wisconsin, about 250 entry-level chemical engineering jobs are advertised each
year, according to Karyn Biasca, Paper Science and Engineering Department chair
at UW-Stevens Point. Fewer than 100 graduates complete the UW-Madison chemical
engineering program per year. The UW-Stevens Point program will help fill that
gap.
For
more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/papersci/Pages/Recruitment.aspx.
Data science
UW-Stevens Point is one of six UW
campuses that began offering a master of science in data science degree this
fall. The degree is done entirely online.
Big data drives better business
decisions. Data-savvy professionals with skills in computer science,
statistics, applied mathematics and visualization are in high demand.
Professionals with these skills enable their employers to become
high-performance, data-driven organizations that make informed decisions based
on deep knowledge and big insights.
Data science careers are growing in many
sectors: manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing,
communication, science, health care, computer science, information technology,
retail, sales, marketing, finance, insurance, education, government, security,
law enforcement and more. Demand for deep analytical talent in the United
States could be 50 to 60 percent greater than its projected supply by 2018.
For more information, go to http://datasciencedegree.wisconsin.edu.
Educational
sustainability
A doctor of education (Ed.D.) in educational sustainability will be launched in the summer
2017. It is aimed at providing a holistic view of sustainability and education.
Graduates can use this knowledge to help integrate
sustainability tenets into school curriculum, community development and
business practices for a future sustainable society. This degree can benefit
administrators and leaders in K-12 schools, communities, business and higher
education.
UW-Stevens Point is a leader in sustainability issues
involving using natural resources prudently, starting and maintaining
businesses and economies and facilitating citizen engagement. The curriculum
will focus on three specific areas: sustaining learning environments,
sustaining civic and business communities and sustaining educational systems.
Pending approval of the
Higher Learning Commission, this doctoral program will be
available partially online.
For more information, visit http://www.uwsp.edu/education/Pages/edd/default.aspx.
Sustainable
food and nutrition
A bachelor of arts
degree in sustainable food and nutrition will enable graduates to reduce the
risk of preventable diet-related health conditions while strengthening local
food economies and natural resource stewardship. This new program is in
response to the challenges of climate change, resource depletion and rising
health care costs, which requires a new way of thinking and functioning, said
Annie Wetter, nutrition professor and associate dean, Health Promotion and
Human Development.
In addition to a
foundation in food, health, and sustainability, students with this major will
build critical thinking, applied problem solving and communication skills
through interdisciplinary experiences in community agencies dedicated to local
economic development, sustainable food systems and health promotion across the
lifespan.
The program will
be available in fall 2016. Watch for more information on the School of Health Promotion and
Human Development’s webpage, www.uwsp.edu/hphd.
Sustainable and resilient food
systems
The master’s
program formerly known as nutritional sciences is now called sustainable
and resilient food systems to more accurately reflect the program. All courses are online to better meet the
needs of students.
Knowledge and
skills in sustainable food systems and community development are increasingly
essential to solving modern day health and food problems in our communities.
Graduates are prepared to analyze the multiple components of the food system to
reduce barriers to local economic development, create and evaluate programs to
address community concerns, lead collaboratively and write grants.
For more
information, visit www.uwsp.edu/BuildABetterCommunity.
Health and wellness coaching
A graduate program will also be offered in health and
wellness coaching. This advanced certificate teaches the applied science of
human performance enhancement. It received national accreditation, allowing
program completers to take a national credentialing exam beginning in 2016.
The program provides the skills and knowledge needed to be a
confident and effective coach who helps clients understand and navigate their
path to wellness. These specific skills help clients overcome hurdles, surpass
limitations and tap into their own unrealized personal and professional
potential.
For more
information, see www.uwsp.edu/BuildABetterCommunity.