The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has approved three new majors at UW-Eau Claire. The College of Arts and Sciences will introduce a major in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE), which will be the only program of its kind across the Universities of Wisconsin and one of two in the Upper Midwest. Additionally, the College of Business will offer majors in digital marketing analytics and professional sales.
Dr. Mary Hoffman, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies, commented on the development: “These three programs reflect UW-Eau Claire’s commitment to renewing and refreshing program offerings to address changing workforce needs and student interests.” She emphasized that combining disciplines such as philosophy, political science, and economics creates new applications for traditional knowledge areas. She also noted that the sales and digital marketing analytics majors provide specialized focus in rapidly expanding marketing fields.
The PPE major aims to prepare students for careers in public policy, government, political analysis, or law school admissions. Dr. Sean McAleer, professor of philosophy who helped develop the program with colleagues from various departments, stated: “Most importantly, PPE offers students a powerful way to understand our increasingly complex world by combining the logical and conceptual rigor of philosophy…”
McAleer explained that this comprehensive major provides flexibility for students interested in topics like healthcare or climate change. He expects around 90 new students to enroll within five years.
In business education advancements at UW-Eau Claire’s College of Business is a new bachelor’s degree in digital marketing analytics within their marketing department. Assistant Professor Jennine Fox remarked on this transition from emphasis to major status: “As students are determining which university to attend… they will be able to easily see and declare digital marketing analytics as a major.”
Fox highlighted unique aspects across regional universities while citing U.S Bureau Labor Statistics projecting growth opportunities over coming years—116k job openings between 2022-2032—for digital marketers/analysts specifically; anticipating initial enrollment figures reaching approximately 25 first-year enrollees gradually increasing thereafter.
Furthermore—the professional sales field receives significant enhancement through elevating existing emphasis into full-fledged BBA Major led by Professor Lenita Davis’ leadership role developing coursework changes including key account management course requirement alongside mandatory internship experience aligning institution reputation innovation leader industry-wide standing amongst collegiate peers nationwide level visibility gains expected resulting from initiative undertaken thereby attracting recruiters interest locally globally alike potentially drawing upwards thirty-two annual newcomers joining ranks each year henceforth according university projections forecasted estimates provided therein…
