Institutes of higher education are doing their best to keep up with two dynamics: preparing students to be equipped for emerging industries and establishing academic programs to allow them to enter the workforce once they complete their studies, according to Sun-Times Media.
One year ago DePaul University in Chicago kicked off the College of Science and Health, which gave students the opportunity to pursue a new undergraduate degree – a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Of two concentrations with the new degree, one focuses on disciplines that help prepare students for physical therapy jobs and nursing jobs.
An associate vice president at another school, the College of DuPage located west of Chicago, said the creation of new academic pursuits is one way of helping the nation's economy bounce back.
"In this difficult economy we've chosen not to wait for the recovery, but rather to contribute to it," academic affairs vice president Glenda Gallisath told the publication, noting the school has established 33 new degree and certificate programs.
The College of Science and Health was created to help accommodate the U.S.' rapidly increasing demand for professionals in the fields of science and health, according to the school.