Athens State is pleased to announce that the following new programs have been approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and will begin during the Spring 2024 semester.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Analytics
The BS in Marketing and Analytics program will prepare students for careers in digital marketing, marketing analytics, and marketing management. The curriculum has been built upon a strong foundation in business principles demonstrated by adherence to the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Students will be able to apply digital marketing and business analytics to real marketing needs through hands-on learning. Experiential learning opportunities will include building and running digital marketing initiatives through a partnership with various stakeholders at Athens State University and/or the community.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that marketing research analysts and marketing specialists should see a 22% employment increase from 2020–2030. The substantial increase also lands market research analysts and marketing specialists on the BLS list of Most New Jobs between 2020–2030, coming in at number 11 with a projected 163,300 new jobs. The demand for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists according to Occupational Outlook is expected to rise 19% nationally and 28.16% in the State of Alabama.
Undergraduate Certificate in Space Systems Management
The undergraduate certificate in Space Systems Management will prepare students to pursue a career path towards aerospace technology systems management to include avionics, airframe and power plant; jet and rocket propulsion; mission planning, control, and communications; and manufacturing systems.
Some courses will provide students with an immersive experience, such as MG 482, Mission Planning and Control. The Mission Communications and Control Center (MOCC) that supports simulated space missions for MarsSociety.org (Mars Desert Research Station (MRDS), a two-week simulated crewed Mars base activity in Utah) is physically located on the third floor of Athens State University’s Sanders Hall, but is able to communicate world-wide via Zoom, Skype, Amateur Radio, and regular e-mail. The MOCC is a miniature version of a Mission Control room where various phases of a space mission can be simulated involving remote, DL student participation. The activity incorporates participants in the United Kingdom and South Africa who pose as part of a commercial Deep Space tracking network.
Undergraduate Certificate in Advanced Software Development
This certificate is targeted towards either a non-degree seeking student or potential graduate student who needs the background in computer science theory and software development in preparation for future study in the field. The target audience for this certificate is a person who has a degree in information technology, information systems or related degree who wishes to pursue graduate study in the computing field.
Undergraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Software Development
This certificate is targeted towards a non-degree seeking student who may not have a background in software development, but wishes to acquire the programming skills required to become a software developer seeking to enhance their skills in software development and improve their position in the job market. Upon completion of the certificate, students will be positioned to seek software development certifications from major vendors such as IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and others.
“We are excited about our new undergraduate program in Marketing and Analytics as well as our new certificates in Space Systems Management and Software Development,” said Dr. Lee Vartanian, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “These are market-driven programs that meet the needs of the high-tech industries within our service area and provide attractive options for current and future students.”