New LU degree Addresses Growth in Use of Data
Lakeland University is introducing another program designed to meet the needs of students and employers with the launch of a bachelor of science in industrial systems analytics.
This new program is highly sought by regional employers and will immerse students across the fields of technology, programming, statistics and data analysis and visualization.
Industrial systems analytics will prepare students to design, develop, implement and operate complex processes and systems in industry and elsewhere.
Much like the recently added food safety and quality and RN to BSN completion programs, industrial systems analytics is the latest innovative offering based on input from employers.
Data analysis influences every aspect of our world
“Data analysis applies to a world that goes beyond business decisions, as today information and data influences every aspect of our world,” said Brian Frink, dean of Lakeland’s School of Science, Technology & Education. “Organizations have told us they need graduates who can help them become smarter and more efficient at predicting future opportunities, as well as risks.
“This program will allow us to positively impact the companies in our geographical area, including the large, growing manufacturers that are generating more and more data that they will need to understand in order to continue to improve and grow.”
The workforce for graduates of the program is bright.
Data analysis is the fastest growing job market in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Workforce and Labor Market Information System notes that operations research analyst is the fastest growing job market in the state, and is growing faster in Wisconsin than nationally.
Wisconsin ranks second in the nation, behind only Indiana, in the percentage of earnings and employees that work in manufacturing according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics. Sheboygan County ranks 25th (out of more than 3,000 counties) in the nation in the percentage of total earnings due to manufacturing.
“With the expansion of Alliance Laundry in Manitowoc, the local number is likely to increase,” Frink said. “These expansions in manufacturing facilities will create more opportunities for graduates of our program.”
STEM Career Pathways
High schools throughout the region are working on developing STEM focused K-12 curriculum, and Lakeland has been meeting with area school districts as those school develop curriculum in conjunction with higher education and area businesses.
Lakeland recently launched College Here & Now, a joint program with the Sheboygan Area School District and Lakeshore Technical College, which will allow high school students to accelerate completion of an associates degree and bachelor’s degree. Many of the pathways as part of College Here & Now will be focused toward STEM careers.
“This should lead to a differently prepared student from our region that will also be connected to coursework that earns them dual credit with either WTCS colleges or Lakeland,” Frink said.
Lakeland’s program is ideal for students from a number of pathways:
· Students at Wisconsin Technical College System schools that are interested in manufacturing and/or IT that would like to complete a bachelor’s degree.
· Transfer students who have completed an A.A.S. degree at a technical college who are seeking a bachelor’s degree.
· People working in the manufacturing industry who need to use data to improve the systems in their workplace.
Learn more
To learn more about Lakeland’s industrial systems analytics degree, email getstarted@lakeland.edu or visit our website at lakeland.edu/isa.