UW-Whitewater adding three majors for 2012
WHITEWATER — UW-Whitewater will add three majors next year, citing student demand and an evolving job market.
The college of letters and sciences in 2012 will offer environmental science, computer science and Japanese. It's the first time in about five years the college implemented new majors, Associate Dean David Travis said.
"All three of those are majors that we already have all the resources in place," Travis said.
UW-Whitewater already offered minors for each area of study, but Travis said job prospects and student demand helped it decide to grow the programs.
The university for years gradually has put the pieces into place to make the change. It's just been waiting for the right time, Travis said.
"Given where we are with the economy and the state budget developments, majors that (cost) very little extra money is the ideal thing to do," he said.
Environmental science students will gain writing skills and participate in lab and fieldwork.
Emphasis choices include natural science, geoscience and environmental management, according to a news release.
"The timing is right, and all job growth indicators point to environmental science as a top field in the 21st century," Travis said. "Environmental consulting is a huge area. Businesses are realizing the importance of understanding the environment and managing natural resources as a means to survive and thrive."
Computer science will "complement a robust technology presence on campus," according to the news release. The major is expected to attract students pursuing careers in software engineering and programming.
The Japanese program will focus on language proficiency while including East Asian history and culture, according to the news release. The major requires part of the students' studies to be done in Japan.
UW-Whitewater already has a partnership with UW-Oshkosh for Japanese studies. The two share resources and courses through distance learning, which includes classes taught through video conferencing.
UW-Whitewater plans to offer courses in Japanese media, while UW-Oshkosh will have advanced writing and religion, according to the news release.
"Students will have enough breadth and background that they can walk into an international environment and not rely on translation," said sociology professor Larry Neuman.
UW-Whitewater will offer 51 majors next year, about half of which are in the college of letters and sciences.
Travis said the new majors are overdue.
"It's still too early to tell how this will unfold," Travis said. "But we already got indications that we could have big numbers, especially in environmental science."
Dec 15, 2011 at 6:47 a.m.
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How many job openings are there in Wisconsin for Japanese majors? Just curious. Computer science and environmental science are excellent additions but can't see the Japanese major.
Dec 14, 2011 at 4:09 p.m.
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lol. bun bun. my twin daughters are, and I own a shotgun.
Una Mas Cerveza Por Favor, senorita
Dec 14, 2011 at 12:10 p.m.
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All I ever needed was the phrase "Ein bier, bitte" and "ist Ihre Tochter achtzehn?"
Dec 14, 2011 at 9:54 a.m.
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good call frusion. my one daughter plans on dental school. I've already told her that a female dentist who speaks spanish is probably in high demand.
Dec 14, 2011 at 9:34 a.m.
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saxcat70, encourage them to double major with Spanish. It's not that much more work and it will pay off. My kids did that and employers are very impressed. You are correct, languages are important in today's business world.
Dec 14, 2011 at 9:24 a.m.
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I bet if you have a strong business degree, and can speak and understand the culture of japanese...you're set as far as employment is concerned. Foreign language is a dying art. Every kid that is not from an english speaking country learns to speak english. reason # 742 we are falling behind. My daughters both took spanish all through school and will continue it as minors in college. It will make them money.
Dec 14, 2011 at 9:15 a.m.
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Japanese? There's a demand? Hard to believe.
Dec 13, 2011 at 8:10 p.m.
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Sounds like a good expansion. We just need to remember that what is needed for the new global economy is a solid Liberal Arts education, where the student learns to read and write effectively. What are the class sizes, I would ask, since class sizes have a direct impact on the ability to teach these essentials.
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