DANVILLE, Va. (June 13, 2018) –Averett University today announced it will begin offering two new master’s degree programs through its Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program. A Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics program and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Administration program will begin enrolling students immediately for the Fall 2018 term.
The two programs are designed to be flexible for adult students, and will offer potential for scholarships and other financial aid. Both will begin their first classes in early August.
“These two programs are so exciting because they are a direct response to the growing needs of the community and workforce,” said Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks. “With each program, we’ve built symbiotic relationships and partnerships with major industry leaders and regional agencies that have been instrumental in developing the curriculums and setting the direction for these programs.”
The Applied Data Analytics program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of data analysis in order to develop solutions to organizational problems, and is aimed at the manager who needs to interpret data. The program will be offered in a hybrid format with a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, and can be completed in one to two years. Recent workforce projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a 13 percent growth in analytics-related jobs from 2016 to 2026.
“Employers have said that they need someone who can provide data storytelling to improve results – analyzing and interpreting raw data, piecing together things like statistics, patterns, sales and demographics, and making sense of it all by providing a bigger picture of its meaning,” said Dr. Alice Obenchain-Leeson, director of business administration for GPS. “What’s really exciting about this is while it is a business degree, it’s not just a program for ‘business people.’ This is interdisciplinary and can be used in any kind of organization.”
Designed to provide an enhanced level of graduate study and education for criminal justice practitioners who are entering or progressing into administration and leadership positions in criminal justice, the Criminal Justice Leadership and Administration interdisciplinary degree program includes 36 credit hours with an option of a final thesis or comprehensive exam. The accelerated online program format allows for degree completion in less than 20 months. It has been endorsed by Averett’s several newly developed regional Criminal Justice Advisory Boards from across the Commonwealth.
“We’ve heard directly from the criminal justice workforce that practitioners moving up in rank, where they supervise personnel or operate at the upper management level, are required to have the skills, abilities and knowledge in the area of criminal justice administration and leadership,” said Dr. James Hodgson, director of criminal justice for GPS. “With industry standards increasing and seeking further professionalization for police and criminal justice agencies, many professionals in the field are expected to have a graduate degree. This degree program will prepare students to meet today’s amplified expectations to lead professionally and solve problems progressively.”
Prospective students interested in learning more can request information online at https://gps.averett.edu/contact-information/request-info/, or call 1-800-448-5233.
About Averett University
Since 1859, Averett University has grown and developed into a dynamic institution that serves students of all ages, offering more than 30 undergraduate majors, minors and special programs, along with three graduate programs with a number of concentrations. Dedicated to preparing students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change, the University’s historic main campus is embedded in the heart of Southern Virginia with regional campuses throughout Virginia and online. Averett enrolls a diverse student body, and boasts an alumni network that spans the globe.
Contact: Cassie Williams Jones (434) 791-5684
Email: cwjones@averett.edu
