Rochester area colleges launch AI and workforce-ready programs

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When educators at Nazareth University began hearing about a need in the community for employees skilled in business analytics and artificial intelligence, they acted.

The result is a new Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, launching at the school this fall.

The 16-month graduate program combines advanced data analytics techniques with advanced AI skills to prepare future business leaders for sought-after roles in the global economy.

Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for roles such AI/data science engineer, business intelligence engineer, business analyst, data architect and management consultant.

Thomas Lappas, dean of the college of liberal arts, sciences, business and education at Nazareth, said the program is a response to workforce needs.

“We are always working with the community to find opportunities to connect with local industries,” Lappas said.

Nazareth is one of many regional higher education institutions who are working with the community, including business leaders, to determine what skills are needed to address local workforce challenges — from the skilled trades to health care — as well as an increase in AI across most industries.

Other new and upcoming offerings at Nazareth include a minor in optics, which starts in the fall and complements the area’s growing optics, photonics and imaging sector.

Additionally, Lappas sees opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level degrees in the human services field, particularly when it comes to mental health services.

Another important part of rolling out new programs is making sure students are aware of their options, Lappas noted, adding that many of the school’s offerings can be customized to a student’s interests.

“It’s important to make sure the students are aware of the available opportunities,” he said.

Monroe Community College is also introducing many new certificate programs at its Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center created in response to regional workforce needs.

Siva Visveswaran, director of the FWD Center, said the programs focus on three areas: advanced manufacturing, skilled trades and information technology.

That includes an Intro to Advanced Manufacturing course that prepares students for a career as a manufacturing operator.

An Intro to Skilled Trades course introduces students to the fundamentals of various skilled trades, providing foundational skills and preparing them for entry-level jobs in the construction and facilities maintenance industries.

One of the benefits of the classes is that students who successfully complete them can immediately go into the workforce or they can choose to continue their education, further advancing their skills and earning potential.

Visveswaran continues to see high demand for workers in the advanced manufacturing sector and is working to scale up the center’s offerings to meet that demand. Other areas he is looking at include clean energy, optics and AI.

Local businesses and leaders from community organizations play a significant role in helping the center determine its curriculum, he said, from Eastman Kodak Co. and L3Harris Technologies to RochesterWorks and area churches.

Visveswaran said it takes a collaborative effort to prepare the next generation of workers in the region.

“The employers tell us what they need and our community-based members tell us what the challenges are,” he said.

Kevin Railey, St. John Fisher University provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the school regularly undergoes a market analysis of what employers are looking for, both locally and nationally.

As a result, the school has introduced a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services, slated to begin in the fall.

Students in the program will develop an understanding of the systems surrounding the delivery of health and human services, explore the ethical and professional considerations needed to enhance the quality of care and accessibility of services for individuals and families, and learn how to advocate for policies that support social justice and equity within human services settings.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers as case managers in mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, community health organizations and government agencies. Additional career paths include roles as community service coordinators, program administrators and human services specialists.

Another new offering is the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program, a dual degree with the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, which was created in collaboration with the region’s health systems, due to a high local need for such medical professionals.

Also helping to fill a local need is the university’s teacher pipeline project, which, along with local school districts, helps prepare the next generation of educators.

Railey said the school has several new degree programs in development driven by workforce needs, including health care administration, nutrition and a minor in artificial intelligence.

There are also plans to introduce an online adult degree completion program in business administration for those who are five years out of high school and have some college credit.

Railey noted that while the programs and offerings vary, the goal of all of them is the same: preparation.

“Our focus remains on preparing students for the future of work,” he said.

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