TROY, Ala. (WSFA) - To meet the workforce need in the state, especially in the City of Troy, Troy University is adding three new graduate programs.
The university will soon welcome a Ph.D. Program focusing on criminology, a data analytics MBA program, along with a global healthcare leadership Ph.D. program.
"These new offerings demonstrate our continued commitment to provide relevant, forward-thinking education that serves both our students and the industries that will employ them," says Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Troy University.
This is the first time the university has announced a new Ph.D. program since being designated a Doctoral Institute in fall of 2023. They now offer four total.
This is a move to strengthen local medical facilities like Troy Regional Medical Center.
"To have a global aspect and view of what healthcare will help prepare future leaders better than in the past," said CEO of Troy Regional Medical Center Rick Smith.
While bigger cities may attract students for future jobs, this education gives students more experience than just a clinical or administration position, taking local care to a whole new level.
Smith also looks forward to students learning in the new medical facility on campus, equipped with simulation labs, physical and nursing programs, and more.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is backing these new programs, too.
"There are many career paths with criminology. You could go work for police departments, sheriff's departments, judicial systems," said Alabama Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jon Archer.
The program will teach students the skills to learn not just how a criminal commits a crime, but why, a skill the state law enforcement is looking for.
"We are really good at report writing and data collection. We are experts at that. Having time to analyze to find series or patters is where I think this program will help law enforcement," said Archer.
Each program is online with at least a 60 hour curriculum in the Ph.D. programs.
Class will begin at the start of the new academic school year. Students are already enrolling.