Oct. 16, 2009
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied social science at UW-Stout. Students may begin enrolling in the new major in the fall of 2010.
“The applied social science degree will provide a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue careers in either the public or private sector,” said Provost Julie Furst-Bowe. “This degree will give students the critical thinking skills and broad background in the social sciences that they will be able to apply in their professional careers.”
According to John Murphy, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, several studies have indicated that major American companies value the managerial, social and community service skills students receive from an education based in the social sciences. The program will give students a breadth of understanding in those areas, Murphy said.
However, students then will develop a deeper knowledge in one social science concentration, such as history and politics, economics, sociology and anthropology. Finally, Murphy said, the student will acquire specific skills in a concentration or minor that is career oriented. The concentrations include environmental issues and analysis, and global issues. The applied minors include business administration, military leadership, project management, human resource management, tourism and several others.
UW-Stout officials estimate there will be in excess of 115 students in the new major at the end of five years.
The addition of the new program continues a steady effort to increase the number of majors offered to undergraduates at the university, said Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen.
Sorensen said the number of majors offered at UW-Stout has nearly doubled in his 21 years on campus.
“We have listened to what our students, faculty and staff have told us we should be offering as we align our academic plan with our polytechnic designation,” he said, crediting Furst-Bowe with keeping the implementation of the academic plan on schedule.
The Board of Regents tentatively is scheduled to consider two additional majors for UW-Stout at the December meeting in Madison. They are Bachelor of Science degrees in supply chain management and cognitive science.
More information on the new program in applied social science is available online at http://www.uwstout.edu/programs/bsass/.
