The University announced that two new majors, two minors and a graduate degree program are being rolled out starting this semester.
Students are now able to major in business statistics through the Culverhouse College of Business. The curriculum is designed to “provide a base knowledge of statistical methods, the applications of these methods to various disciplines, and the mathematical underpinnings of statistical theory.”
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, a data science major has been introduced. The University curriculum states that the program “aims to equip students with the experience and knowledge needed to understand and implement current machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.” The major is offered through the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science.
The data science major is designed to prepare students for careers in actuarial science, as a data analyst or data architect, a machine learning engineer, and other positions within the finance sphere.
Informatics and book arts are now minors offered by the Department of Library and Information Studies within the College of Communication & Information Sciences.
Book arts is “designed for students in any discipline who have an interest in visual culture, graphic arts, craft, and material studies,” with nine brand-new classes in the book arts program required for the minor.
According to the University course catalog, “The Informatics minor approaches information technology from a user-centered perspective with a focus on the analysis and design of socio-technical systems that store, process, and communicate information.”
Three new classes for the informatics minor have been created, and to obtain the minor, nine hours of additional informatics electives are required.
The University will also offer a master’s in sport management, with courses on team operations, ticket sales and marketing enhancing the pre-existing undergraduate degree. The graduate program will include “hands-on learning at premier sports institutions, such as the U.S. Olympic Training Center.”