State OKs 4 Majors

For Hartwick College

Academic VP: Focus Is On Job Prospects

ONEONTA –The state Education Department has approved four new majors for Hartwick College, the college announced a few minutes ago, beginning in fall 2017.  They are:

• Criminal Justice (B.A.)
• Environment, Sustainability and Society (B.A.)
• Actuarial Mathematics (B.S.)
• Global Studies (B.A)

“Hiring in these fields is trending upward nationally, and these new programs will help students achieve the success for which they are looking, while simultaneously helping to make the world a better place,” said Dr. Michael G. Tannenbaum, provost and vice president/academic affairs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates opportunities in the Actuarial Sciences, for example, are projected to grow by 18 percent by 2024, and Criminal Justice, 21 percent.

The Criminal Justice program will educate students on the applied, theoretical, and social justice aspects of the criminal justice system. The curriculum will emphasize hands-on learning, and students will conduct field research with professors, publish in academic journals, and present at professional conferences. Coursework will include criminal justice and sociology, and may include courses in philosophy and political science. Graduates will be prepared for work in corrections and law enforcement, social justice, or for law and graduate school.

The Environment, Sustainability and Society major will prepare students to become engaged, broadly-trained citizens and professionals who can apply critical, creative, flexible thinking to help solve local, national, and global problems. These skills can be applied to a number of careers, including business, government, the arts, and public and environmental policy.

Actuarial Mathematics majors will learn first-hand about the intersection of mathematics and business, and the power of data and how it impacts risk. These students will be prepared for work in fields including insurance; professional, scientific and technical services; management; and government.

Global Studies majors will develop skills needed to pursue international opportunities and solve global challenges. They will be prepared to promote understanding between cultures, and to make a difference at home and abroad. Students will learn to communicate effectively in more than one language, and develop personal skills to function successfully across global and cultural boundaries. The major will prepare graduates for work in fields including international business, government/diplomacy, civil service, social work, education, and marketing.

The addition of the new majors is part of the College’s ongoing Academic Program Review. Additional bachelor’s degree programs and a master’s degree program are also being developed.