Worcester Business Journal

8 Worcester Business Journal | March 18, 2019 | wbjournal.com Assumption's most popular majors BY GRANT WELKER Worcester Business Journal News Editor PHOTO/ASSUMPTION COLLEGE Assumption, the science university A ssumption College has long been known for its liberal arts programs, like psychology and traditional areas of study like marketing and human services. But now the Catholic college in Worcester is branching out to capitalize on more in-demand majors. A neuroscience major started last fall. A nursing major is slated to begin this upcoming fall, as is a cybersecurity major. In adding these new majors – along with other initiatives like seeking uni- versity status – Assumption is broad- ening its appeal to applicants, as other colleges close or are in danger of closing. Assumption leaders insist the school isn't abandoning its roots. e college, founded in 1904, still requires each stu- dent to study theology, and the college chapel is a central piece of the campus. "I'm not sure that I'd characterize it as an entirely new direction," Assumption Provost Louise Carroll Keeley said. "We still see it rooted in our mission as a liberal arts institution." Colleges shifting focus Liberal arts colleges like Assumption are looking beyond liberal arts for a reason: so are their students. e number of liberal arts degrees given nationally was flat in the decade ending in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Education. During the same time, the number of degrees in homeland security and law enforcement doubled, as did communications. Small liberal arts schools have closed like Atlantic Union College in Lancast- er and Mount Ida College in Newton, and Hampshire College in Amherst, known for its non-traditional curricu- lum, has sought a merger. "e approach that Assumption is taking of bridging between the liberal arts and building on its liberal arts heri- tage and the career opportunities avail- able makes all the sense in the world," said Matthew Sigelman, CEO of Boston labor analytics firm Burning Glass. Colleges should emphasize skills employers still value, like collaboration and writing skills, vital across a range of industries, Sigelman said. "A critical piece of this is remem- bering that this doesn't have to be an either-or," Sigelman said. Source: Assumption College Accounting Human services and rehabilitation studies Marketing Biology Psychology 2018 2017 64 72 44 48 22 43 33 34 23 31 In an effort to seek more applicants, the traditionally liberal arts-focused Assumption College is offering more actionable majors Michele Lemons, director of the Assumption College Center for Neuroscience, serves as an associate professor of biology.

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