Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

At a press conference on Thursday, Troy University announced the introduction of a new Ph.D program, a new Ph.D concentration and a new master’s program.

The new Ph.D program is in Criminology along with a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Data Analytics and a Ph.D concentration in Global Healthcare Leadership as a part of the already established Global Leadership Ph.D program.

The Ph.D in Criminology program is Troy’s fourth doctoral program and Troy’s first new program since being reclassified by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education as a doctoral institution. It joins Troy’s already established Ph.D programs in nursing practice, sport management and global leadership.

The criminology program was developed in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), focusing on advanced criminal justice leadership and research.

“The Doctor of Criminology program will prepare advanced criminologists for work in law enforcement agencies and in educational institutions,” Troy University Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kerry Palmer said. “This 60-hour online program includes comprehensive research training and specialized coursework to meet the evolving needs of criminal justice professionals.”

Alabama Department of Public Safety Director Col. Jon Archer said that not just local and state law enforcement agencies will benefit from the Criminology program but also federal agencies like the FBI and CIA.

“We cannot have enough analysts working the data,” Archer said. “Everyone deserves to be safe where they live, period. Protecting the rights of individuals to be free of crime and violence, regardless of circumstance, is one of the most important responsibilities of government. This program will help law enforcement succeed at that. Our goal is to keep everyone safe. So, I’m very excited about this program and I hope that some of my troopers will take part in it.”

The concentration of Global Healthcare Leadership in Troy’s already established Doctor of Global Leadership aims to provide a unique combination of leadership development and global healthcare perspectives.

“This represents a groundbreaking approach to healthcare administration,” Palmer said. “This 63-hour program combines core leadership principles with specialized healthcare courses, delivered in partnership with our College of Health Sciences.”

Troy Regional Medical Center CEO Rick Smith said that he’s excited to see this program come to Troy University.

“We talk about, ‘Healthcare close to home,’ as our mantra and I think this offering will benefit that,” he continued. “We believe that healthcare does start locally but to have a global aspect and a global view of what healthcare really is will help prepare future leaders far better than those in the past. Workforce development is key to us growing our own and trying to cultivate talent from within the region.

“Recruiting to Troy is not as easy as recruiting to other metropolitan areas like Atlanta (Ga.) or Nashville (Tenn.). Having a school with a program such as this global leadership program will draw students into the area and then give them the opportunity to stay here locally providing healthcare in our community.”

The MBA in Data Analytics is Troy University’s first STEM-focused program within the Sorrell College of Business.

“This program addresses the growing demand for management analysts in Alabama,” said Palmer. “This program will prepare the professionals to lead in data-driven business environments, filling a critical gap identified in the state’s 2023-2024 Statewide Demand Occupations List.”

Palmer said that that Troy would continue to look to the state, and local area, for needs when assessing new programs.

“It is very important to us at Troy University that we respond to the needs of industry in this state, particularly in this region,” he emphasized. “As we craft new degree programs, we don’t want to just be thinking about something that may interest us but something that may help Alabama be a better place to live. There is so much emphasis on workforce development, and much of that has to do with our fabulous two-year (college) systems, and the type of jobs students can get right out of high school.

“We still believe that there is a way to improve the workforce – and enhance the workforce – in this state with four-year and graduate level degrees. We will continue to work hard to meet the needs of this state and this region. These new offerings demonstrate our continued commitment to providing relevant, forward-thinking education that serves both our students and the industries that will employ them.”

Palmer said that he also believed these programs will attract different kinds of students, as well.

“I think they will attract people that are mid-career adults and students that are not just looking to get a doctorate so they can teach but rather so they can bring value to the workplace and industry they are in,” he said.

Troy University is already accepting students in these programs. For more information, visit https://www.troy.edu/.