Meeting New Needs: A Matter of Degrees

In the past decade, St. Ambrose University added 11 new undergraduate and graduate programs in response to society's changing needs.

There are two new programs on the docket for 2018-19: a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and Analytics and a fully online Master of Public Health degree.

Next fall, St. Ambrose expects to begin offering Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Science in Criminal Justice degrees.

According to Sandy Cassady, PhD, vice president for strategic initiatives, the new academic programs result from significant thought and planning. Typically, there is at least one year of preparation involved with each program before it officially becomes a major.

St. Ambrose also is exploring other programs, including a Master of Engineering Leadership and an accelerated pre-licensure degree in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

"It's part of the University's strategic plan to develop new academic programs with high demand," Cassady said. "Many of our programs are also developed in response to the workforce demand."