Based on community and business needs, several new programs have been added at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), or will be soon.

New programs include:

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering is a new major in the Paper Science and Engineering Department at UWSP. It joins the existing paper science and engineering major and the biofuels engineering minor as programs to prepare students for careers in Wisconsin industries. The new major officially launched in January.

Students in chemical engineering will take core classes already taught for the paper science and engineering major. In addition, they will choose eight to 14 credits of elective courses to specialize their degree. Electives may include courses in water resources, waste management, sustainable energy or paper technology. This 120-credit major can be completed in four years.

Career options include chemical engineer, process engineer, energy engineer, product/process development engineer or technical support engineer.

In Wisconsin, about 250 entry-level chemical engineering jobs are advertised each year, according to Karyn Biasca, Paper Science and Engineering Department chair at UWSP. Fewer than 100 graduates complete the UW-Madison chemical engineering program per year. The UWSP program will help fill that gap.

For more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/papersci/Pages/Recruitment.aspx.

Data science

UWSP is one of six UW campuses that began offering a master of science in data science degree this fall. The degree is done entirely online.

Big data drives better business decisions. Data-savvy professionals with skills in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics and visualization are in high demand. Professionals with these skills enable their employers to become high-performance, data-driven organizations that make informed decisions based on deep knowledge and big insights.

Data science careers are growing in many sectors: manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, communication, science, health care, computer science, information technology, retail, sales, marketing, finance, insurance, education, government, security, law enforcement and more. Demand for deep analytical talent in the United States could be 50 to 60 percent greater than its projected supply by 2018.

For more information, go to datasciencedegree.wisconsin.edu.

Educational sustainability

A doctorate of education in educational sustainability will be launched in the summer 2016. It is aimed at providing a holistic view of sustainability and education.

Graduates can use this knowledge to help integrate sustainability tenets into school curriculum, community development and business practices for a future sustainable society. This degree can benefit administrators and leaders in K-12 schools, communities, business and higher education.

UWSP is a leader in sustainability issues involving using natural resources prudently, starting and maintaining businesses and economies and facilitating citizen engagement. The curriculum will focus on three specific areas: sustaining learning environments, sustaining civic and business communities and sustaining educational systems. Pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission, this doctoral program will be available partially online.

For more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/education/Pages/edd/default.aspx.

Sustainable food and nutrition

The Bachelor of Arts degree in sustainable food and nutrition will enable graduates to reduce the risk of preventable diet-related health conditions while strengthening local food economies and natural resource stewardship.

This new program is in response to the challenges of climate change, resource depletion and rising health care costs, which requires a new way of thinking and functioning, said Annie Wetter, nutrition professor and associate dean of Health Promotion and Human Development.

In addition to a foundation in food, health and sustainability, students with this major will build critical thinking, applied problem solving and communication skills through interdisciplinary experiences in community agencies dedicated to local economic development, sustainable food systems and health promotion across the lifespan.

The program will be available in fall 2016. Watch for more information on the School of Health Promotion and Human Development’s webpage, www.uwsp.edu/hphd.

Sustainable and resilient food systems

The master’s program formerly known as nutritional sciences is now called sustainable and resilient food systems to more accurately reflect the program.  All courses are online to better meet the needs of students.

Knowledge and skills in sustainable food systems and community development are increasingly essential to solving modern day health and food problems in communities. Graduates are prepared to analyze the multiple components of the food system to reduce barriers to local economic development, create and evaluate programs to address community concerns, lead collaboratively and write grants.

For more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/BuildABetterCommunity.

Health, wellness coaching

A graduate program will also be offered in health and wellness coaching. This advanced certificate teaches the applied science of human performance enhancement. It received national accreditation, allowing program completers to take a national credentialing exam beginning in 2016.

The program provides the skills and knowledge needed to be a confident and effective coach who helps clients understand and navigate their path to wellness. These specific skills help clients overcome hurdles, surpass limitations and tap into their own unrealized personal and professional potential.

For more information, see www.uwsp.edu/BuildABetterCommunity.