St. Norbert College PC: Fox 11 Online
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A dozen new programs will be available this upcoming academic year to help St. Norbert College students focus their studies.
“Every college and university has to adjust its curriculum to meet the needs of the changing world that we live in,” said St. Norbert College Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Marsden.
12 programs are being added.
“I switched my minor over to the project management, which I was very excited when I got word that we were offering that,” said St. Norbert freshman Jaeden Grade.
For Grade, who is studying business, the additions are music to his ears.
“Actually, getting the whole four year of the business aspect and then adding on the project management with it really helps a lot in terms of widening where I can go after,” added Grade.
“We were offering concentrations in finance, management, marketing and a couple of other areas as well, and we thought the students are really, with a concentration, they’re getting almost what they’re getting with a major. So, let’s elevate that to major level,” said Joy Pahl, a business administration professor at St. Norbert College.
Like many colleges across the country, declining enrollment numbers are a concern for St. Norbert College.
In 2019, there were 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled at St. Norbert College. Fast forward to this past fall semester and there were 1,779 undergraduates. This spring semester, that number shrunk to 1,664.
Emily Rank, a sophomore at St. Norbert, sees the additions as a good decision for the college.
“I think it’ll help the business program a lot just because we are getting our new building in a couple of years here and our business school is really growing, so it’ll help to attract more students,” said Rank.
This decision also comes as the college deals with a more than $9 million budget deficit for the 2024 and 2025 financial years.
St. Norbert says the decision to add new programs was not in direct response to the deficit, but recognizes it’s a piece to solving the puzzle.
“One of the ways of dealing with budget challenges is to come up with programs that will attract additional students and therefore, additional revenue to the institution,” said Marsden.
The new offerings will be available to students for the 2024 fall semester. See below for an explanation of each:
1. Engineering Physics Major: Meeting the rising demand for engineering professionals equipped with strong interdisciplinary skills, this program aligns with the evolving landscape of scientific inquiry, and addresses the growing needs of employers seeking individuals with a diverse skill set that spans both theoretical understanding and practical application
2. Robotics Minor: This program provides hands-on multidisciplinary experience in robotics systems, equipping students with the skills and experience in robotics and automation that’s sought after in manufacturing, defense, research and development, robotics sales/service, and a host of other industries.
3. Sustainability Minor: Meeting the growing demand for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, this program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the interconnected realms of environmental science, policy and ethical responsibility, equipping students to navigate the complex environmental issues of our time.
4. Management Major: Employers increasingly seek versatile professionals who can navigate diverse challenges and contribute to organizational growth. This program not only equips students with foundational management principles but also fosters critical thinking, adaptability and ethical leadership.
5. Finance Major: Employers across various industries recognize the need for professionals with strong financial acumen to navigate complex financial environments. The program equips students with an understanding of the intricacies of financial markets, risk management and strategic financial planning.
6. Marketing Major: Recognizing the evolving needs of employers, this program emphasizes traditional marketing principles and incorporates digital and data-driven approaches, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to excel in this rapidly growing and ever-changing field.
7. Supply Chain Management Major: With six job openings for every one qualified graduate, careers in supply chain are in high demand and growth is only expected to continue, according to the Association for Supply Chain Management. This program provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at real-world problems.
8. Digital Marketing Minor: This program gives students a deep background in both the art of persuasive communication and the science of data analytics, along with the skills needed to blend them into effective strategy. Upon completion, students will have attained HubSpot and/or Google certifications to supplement their liberal arts education.
9. Project Management Minor: According to the Project Management Institute, an average of 2.2 million new project-oriented roles will be available each year through 2027. Students who complete the program will be eligible to take the Certified Associate in Project Management exam, a credential that will distinguish them in the job market.
10. Data Analytics Minor: In an increasingly data-driven world, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess strong data analytics skills across various industries. This program provides students with the ability to add hard data skills to any major, enabling them to effectively gather, analyze, interpret and communicate data to make informed decisions.
11. Game Development Concentration: Games and gaming have grown to a $185 billion industry across mobile, PC, console and VR/AR platforms. Centered on real-world lessons learned from industry partners, this new program equips students with the knowledge, skills and tools that are in highest demand for game developers including transferrable programming skills.
12. Certificate in Arts Management: This program — at the intersection of the arts, business, and communication and media studies — provides students with the skills needed to pursue careers in nonprofit arts organizations, entrepreneurial endeavors or graduate studies in arts management.
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