In response to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics metric stating that the employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations — data science at Lycoming positions students to work as data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, business analysts, market researchers, and database administrators. Combining the principles of the fields of data science, computer science, and math, data science is an interdisciplinary major or minor that teaches students how to turn raw data into meaningful and actionable insight. “All organizations are generating tremendous quantities of data… but those data aren’t useful until they have been analyzed and understood in context” said Mica Kurtz, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and co-director of the data science program. “This program aims to equip students with the ability to make sense of data and communicate those findings into actionable insights that can be used to solve real-world problems.” Legal studies brings together law-related offerings from accounting, anthropology, criminal justice, history, political science, philosophy, and religion for a strong foundation of legal knowledge. The interdisciplinarity of the major is designed to equip students with the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical decision-making skills required of many careers within the legal profession, including lawyers, paralegals, and consultants. The program aims to help students develop a solid understanding of the law, as well as the core skills necessary to score well on law school admissions exams, including the LSAT. Furthering the appeal of the new legal studies major is the College’s cooperative 3+3 law degree program with Widener University Commonwealth Law School, creating a clear pathway for aspiring lawyers to obtain a juris doctorate. “Law is a force for justice only in the hands of those who understand the society it serves,” said Susan Achury Plaza, PhD., assistant professor of political science and director of legal studies. “Our legal studies program blends the humanities and social sciences with real-world experiences, preparing students to pursue a career in law school, advocacy, or public service.” Biophysics is used to understand how the principles of physics apply to biological systems, enabling advancements in technology, medicine, and a better understanding of the natural world. The new bophysics major prepares students for careers in research, healthcare, biophysics, biomedical engineering, medical physics, and other industries where biology and physics interface. Courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics are required, and all biophysics majors must successfully complete a capstone requirement. Spearheading this new major are Emily Wilson, Ph.D., assistant professor of astrophysics, and Mary Kate O’Donnell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. In a joint statement, they shared, “Interdisciplinary majors like biophysics train students to solve problems at the intersection of disciplines. Students will gain expertise across fields of biology, physics, and chemistry, allowing them to develop a diverse skillset which will open doors to a wide array of career options.” The finance curriculum at Lycoming focuses on investment theory, entrepreneurial finance, international financial management, and much more. Students will examine the current financial practices of both organizations and individuals in a continuously evolving marketplace, as well as build a foundational knowledge of finance by exploring the intricacies of the stock market, financial markets, and financial decisions. The combination of an individualized liberal arts education and numerous internship and study abroad opportunities provides finance graduates with both the knowledge and applied learned experiences necessary to succeed in professional positions with banking institutions, departments of business enterprises, insurance companies, investment companies, and other careers in finance. Students and families today are looking for academic programs that connect personal interests with strong career potential. Our new offerings reflect Lycoming’s commitment to evolving with student demand while staying true to the core of a liberal arts and sciences education. These additions position our graduates for success in an ever-changing world and ensure Lycoming remains both distinctive and competitive in the higher education landscape. - Chip Hinton, vice president for enrollment management DATA SCIENCE BIOPHYSICS LEGAL STUDIES FINANCE 11 www.lycoming.edu
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