NAU creating new degree programs in data science, international education

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In April, the Arizona Board of Regents approved two new degree programs at Northern Arizona University: a bachelor of data science and a master’s of international education leadership.

The bachelor of data science will begin fall 2019 through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Many courses are already being offered, allowing incoming freshmen to still be on track to graduate in four years.

Data science is the study of storing, accessing and manipulating data, visualizing and modeling relationships within data and drawing inference from data. Data scientists also are required to interpret the practical importance of these results. Graduates from the program can pursue a wide range of careers, including marketing research and medical diagnostic techniques for companies including internet companies, pharmaceutical companies, insurance, marketing and government agencies.

“The approval of this program shows that NAU is aware of changes in the marketplace and employment demands,” said Derek Sonderegger, associate professor of statistics. “Over the past 10 years, the need for employees with skills in both statistics and computer sciences has grown, and NAU has adapted to that.”

The master’s of international education leadership will be offered starting in spring 2019, expanding the Center for International Education’s current work.

“The program will also heighten NAU’s profile in international education and support NAU’s goal to increase global engagement by advancing the internationalization of the university by preparing students for global citizenship,” said Frances Riemer, professor of educational foundations.

The program will provide graduates with the necessary tools to pursue careers as international recruiters, coordinators and advisers for study abroad programs, directors of international student services, lead professional training programs internationally or manage English as a second language initiatives.