By Cal Lutheran News
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF., March 19, 2024 — Data science is a well-paying, in-demand occupation expected to grow by 35% by 2032, which is considered much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To prepare students for data-driven careers and to meet industry needs, California LutheranUniversity is launching a data science bachelor’s degree for Fall 2024. Cal Lutheran is also adding new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and online options that are ideal for working professionals.
“The addition of our new data science program allows us to address student demand and meet workforce needs,” said Lori E. Varlotta, president of Cal Lutheran. “Our faculty have designed the curriculum to ensure that students will not only develop their technical skills but the ethical orientation of being good data stewards — professionals who will understand and seek to protect the sensitive data we all seek to safeguard.”
The program is a holistic blend of mathematics, statistics and computer science, taught through theory and hands-on training. Students can select their electives and choose an optional minor to tailor the program to meet their needs. There are no prerequisites, so students can begin taking classes in the major their first year.
Cal Lutheran professors Dr. Christopher Brown, mathematics department, and Dr. John Garcia, School of Management, created the curriculum and sought input from faculty in related programs. Curriculum guidelines from two professional associations were also consulted. Before the curriculum was finalized, an industry advisory group reviewed it and provided input.
Cal Lutheran is launching additional degree programs due to a substantial increase in interest from students and industry demand for skilled employees.
The following degrees and programs will begin Fall 2024:
- Sport Management Master of Science degree. This degree complements the existing bachelor’s degree focused on the global, competitive sports industry. The fully online master’s program exposes students to sport management theories, and trends and practices from around the world and enables students to develop proficiencies in data-driven decision-making processes.
- Communications Majors: Advertising/public relations, journalism, and sports communications have been added as majors within the communications degree program.
- Museum Studies has been added as a major within the history degree program. Classes are primarily in history and art; however, there are also classes in business, education, communications, psychology and environmental science, giving students a range of options.
- Two-year Path to Credentialing for Transfer Students: This program is within the liberal studies in education program, which also offers a bachelor’s degree. Designed for students transferring to Cal Lutheran with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in education or child development from a community college, this program paves the way to move into Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education’s teaching credential program. The credential program can be completed in one year, so students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a multiple- or single-subject credential simultaneously at the end of their second year.
In-person programs expanded to be offered fully online:
Cal Lutheran plans to offer 11 fully online graduate and undergraduate professional programs as an alternative to corresponding in-person programs. It will start one new online-only program.
- School of Professional and Continuing Studies: Majors in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals include business management, criminology and justice studies, organizational leadership, psychological and behavioral sciences and strategic communication. Accounting and financial analysis will be added for the Spring 2024 semester.
- School of Management: Degrees include Master of Public Policy and Administration, Master of Science in Management and Master of Science degree in Information Technology.
For the online programs, Cal Lutheran partnered with AllCampus, a leading higher education services provider that helps make higher education more affordable, accessible and equitable.
For more information, visit Apply to Cal Lutheran and How to Register for Classes.
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About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and formally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to 2,377 undergraduate and 1,033 graduate students. Our students come from 59 countries and represent a wide spectrum of faiths and spirituality. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity andvocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping each student pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their community. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.
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