2 2 • GCU TODAY
On
line
Sharp rise in
cutting-edge degrees
New STEM programs point the way to a fast-growing job market
I
n the heralding of a new era, Grand
Canyon University is rolling out a new
series of online science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) degrees
in subjects ranging from digital design to
cybersecurity. The seven bachelor of science
degrees represent the tip of the information-
age iceberg. GCU is seeking to ramp up its
online offerings as it escalates its emphasis on
STEM subjects for all students.
“We are designing cutting-edge programs
that represent the future of STEM education,”
said Dr. Hank Radda, the University’s provost.
“We have innovative ways of delivering STEM
education to online populations.”
This initial crop of online STEM degrees,
with plans underway to offer more in the
future, are the latest moves GCU is making
to produce well-trained, highly competitive
graduates in these subject areas as well as to
make the degrees more accessible.
The number of STEM students GCU
graduates each year is growing, and so are the
number of opportunities to apply their skills,
said Dr. Mark Wooden, dean of the College of
Science, Engineering and Technology. “There
is a huge job market in this area,” Wooden said.
According to the Economics & Statistics
Administration of the U.S. Department of
Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to
grow 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, compared to
9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations.
STEMworkers command higher wages,
earning 26 percent more than their non-STEM
counterparts.
At the same time, GCU is experiencing
rapid growth in both online and ground
students. The online population of nearly
60,000 students is expected to expand by 6 to
8 percent a year, while the ground population
of more than 15,000 students is expected to
nearly double to 30,000 by 2020, according to
President Brian Mueller.
Cross-college offerings
Radda said deans of GCU’s colleges joined
together to create “vibrant new degrees with
the student in mind.”
The new degrees, which will be launched
in 2016, are being offered through CSET, the
Colangelo College of Business and the College
of Fine Arts and Production, Radda said. They
include: CCOB (applied business analytics,
applied business information systems),
CSET (computer programming, information
technology, information technology with an
emphasis on cybersecurity), and COFAP (digital
design/web design, digital design/animation).
Expanding STEM offerings has been at the
forefront of GCU’s agenda for several years,
Radda said. Known traditionally for its strong
nursing and biology programs, GCU is building
on that solid core to prepare students to
succeed in the fastest growing fields.
“In doing that, we have met, and continue
to meet regularly, with industry leaders and
members of industry boards in computer science,
technology and engineering,” Radda said.
The fields not only are fast growing, they
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