Nazareth University unveils two new majors for in-demand jobs: Applied Behavior Analysis & Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Nazareth University is offering students two new undergraduate majors with in-demand jobs waiting upon graduation: applied behavior analysis and social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Applied behavior analysis, a scientific discipline to understand and improve human behavior, is the first undergraduate program of its kind in New York state, providing students a pathway to become a behavior analyst assistant (New York State certification). There are currently fewer than 20 certified behavior analyst assistants (CBAAs) in New York State. These professionals work under supervision in homes, schools, hospitals, and community agencies.
“This is a relatively new licensed profession in New York, only about a decade old,” said Erin DiCesare, Ph.D., director of the ABA program. At Mary Cariola Center, where she works as a director, “Many individuals are on long waitlists to access behavioral services in our region. This leaves families with very few options.”
DiCesare says the lack of professionals also creates a backup in hospitals. “Parents with a child with highly challenging/unsafe behaviors end up taking them to the hospital because they feel it’s their only option.”
ABA is widely recognized for effectiveness in supporting people through behavior change. Nazareth’s program was developed in partnership with Mary Cariola Center, a program that provides educational, residential and behavioral services to individuals with multiple and complex disabilities. Nazareth’s ABA program focuses on interprofessional practice and includes 800 clinical practicum hours, many at Mary Cariola Center, where students can apply what they are learning and have internship opportunities.
Learn more: Applied Behavior Analysis major
Today’s most pressing issues demand bold thinkers and compassionate leaders. Social innovation and entrepreneurship is a new undergraduate major that empowers students to create solutions to social, environmental, and other problems with effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
The program combines four key components: business and leadership, social innovation examples from around the world, co-curricular and internship experiences, and elective courses to gain deeper knowledge in a particular field to guide social innovations or entrepreneurial goals.
“This degree is for students who want an education with a purpose and are committed to making a difference in their community, region, nation, and world,” said Professor Jennifer S.A. Leigh, Ph.D., School of Business and Leadership. “This degree supports this desire to leverage innovative, sustainable, cross-boundary thinking in creating opportunities and addressing pressing global challenges.”
Social innovation education trains students to work across nonprofit, business, and government boundaries, using design thinking, systems thinking, and stakeholder engagement to create sustainable solutions.
Career paths include:
- Small business owner
- Community planner
- Government project manager
- Social enterprise founder
- Sustainability coordinator
- Non-profit partnership manager
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analyst
- Community and economic development officer
- Grant coordinator
Mentored student leadership opportunities are available through Bonner Leader Scholarship Program, Weider Community Engagement, Culture, Community and Belonging, Undergraduate Association, and clubs and organizations.
Learn more: Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship major
New minors available
The music business program has created three new minors open to all students. Music Recording & Production, Contemporary Commercial Songwriting, and Music Industry (for any non-music-business major)
Other new minors at Naz:
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Applied behavior analysis is the first undergraduate program of its kind in New York state.