Waynesburg University will add four new majors and one minor beginning in the fall of 2019, the University announced today. The programs will include data science, entrepreneurial leadership, forensic biology, forensic investigation and healthcare management.
"Waynesburg University is continually finding ways to evolve and meet the needs of today's students who are preparing for a changing workforce," said Jackie Palko, director of admissions. "With the creation of these new programs, we are showing our commitment to providing relevant and valuable career options for students to pursue."
Data Science Program
Waynesburg University’s Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics will offer a new major in data science at the undergraduate level.
A majority of the curriculum will include a combination of computer science, mathematics and data science courses. Students will learn data analysis, visualization, data mining, data analytics and machine learning.
“[Data science] will provide a high-level technology degree to our computer science majors,” said Dr. Richard Leipold. “Our program prepares students for immediate job opportunities in this fast-growing career, and is one of a few in our area being offered at the undergraduate level.”
Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
Waynesburg University will offer its first cross-campus minor in entrepreneurial leadership, an 18-credit program that will be open to all students across campus, regardless of major.
According to Dr. Melinda Walls, the W. Robert Stover Chair for Entrepreneurial Leadership, “this program will prepare students to adapt to the changes they will face in the coming years by promoting a spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The goals of the minor program are to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in all students as a way to think, learn and execute; to provide multiple pathways for students to develop targeted skills based on students’ levels of interest and career aspirations; and to create an inclusive, coordinated and collaborative infrastructure to support this culture development across campus.
Forensic Biology & Forensic Investigation Programs
Waynesburg University’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science will offer two new majors – forensic biology and forensic investigation.
“The addition of these majors to our existing courses of study will allow students interested in forensic and investigative vocations to pursue curricula more suited to their interests and strengths,” said Michael Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science.
The Forensic Biology Program will enable students to develop a sound natural science foundation and learn the principles and techniques utilized by forensic biology practitioners.
The Forensic Investigation Program will prepare students for entry-level employment in crime scene investigations, evidence handling and criminal investigations, as well as other areas of law enforcement and investigative work.
Healthcare Management Program
Waynesburg University’s Department of Business Administration will offer healthcare management, a new comprehensive major combining healthcare with business basics. The major is designed to prepare students for a variety of positions in healthcare administration and medical management.
Courses will include the areas of business, economics, nursing, philosophy and biology; students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BSBA) degree.
“Healthcare management provides an opportunity to pursue a career that draws on our alumni’s skill sets and affinity for service,” said Dr. Gordon McClung, professor of marketing and chair of the Department of Business Administration.
For more information about these new programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-225-7393 or admissions@waynesburg.edu.
