The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved a bachelor’s in computing technology and a BSBA emphasis in entrepreneurship. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Students at the University of Missouri–St. Louis have two new degree options after the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved the university’s plan to implement a major in computing technology and a business administration emphasis in entrepreneurship.
Core courses for the new programs are currently being offered, so approval from the CBHE finalizes the degree offerings.
“We are thrilled to launch these new degrees in St. Louis to help address the region’s growing need for highly trained technology professionals and entrepreneurs,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kristin Sobolik said. “Our computing technology program will provide training and engagement in a specific career, which is central to local workforce development. The entrepreneurship emphasis will enhance the skillsets and mindsets of students, creating pathways for them to accelerate an idea from its infancy to reality.”
The computing technology degree, which will be housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, is designed to offer a wider and better choice in technology training than traditional degree programs through a technology-oriented curriculum. While related to a computer science degree, UMSL’s computing technology program serves students who are interested in the applied and technological aspects and focuses less on the mathematical foundations central to computer science.
The program aims to increase the technological breadth of graduates and prepare them for current and future technology jobs such as web development, database administration and app development.
“Computer-related needs and opportunities are rapidly growing, expanding and also fragmenting into new areas and specializations,” Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Cezary Janikow said. “While our students enjoy our flexible and modern program, many want to learn basics and then move on to specific areas of interest and newest technologies as opposed to more foundational or classical computer science education. The computing technology program is created for such students.”
The BSBA emphasis in entrepreneurship will offer highly interactive and dynamic educational settings where students will develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful entrepreneurs in organizations of any type or size. The multidisciplinary curriculum will allow students to focus on the competency areas of opportunity recognition and analysis; creativity and innovation; risk assessment and management; entrepreneurial marketing; project management techniques; securing and leveraging financial resources; leadership; teamwork; interpersonal skills; and social and emotional competencies.
UMSL is the only public institution in the St. Louis region to offer an undergraduate entrepreneurship program with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“This is a very exciting time for entrepreneurship at UMSL as well as an incredible time to become an entrepreneur,” Associate Teaching Professor and Chair of the Entrepreneurship Curriculum Committee John Palmer said. “Entrepreneurship is the primary contributor to job creation and income growth, both in the U.S. and abroad. Today, entrepreneurial skills and the entrepreneurial mindset are just as important for our students to acquire, regardless of whether they plan to enter corporate, governmental or nonprofit employment settings or, alternatively, have plans to launch their own startup ventures.”
