New Degrees, Minors Offered As Fall 2024 Classes Begin at Saint Leo University

Laptops are open, classrooms are full, and sidewalks are bustling as Saint Leo University begins Fall Semester 2024. Classes began Monday, August 26, at University Campus, online, and at regional education centers in Florida and Savannah, GA. 

Saint Leo also began hosting many events during Week of Welcome to assist students, calm some fears, and get everyone involved in university life. Students on campus had the opportunity to relive their childhood with first day of school photos (with a reminder to send them to their moms and dads, too!) Those who commute to classes received breakfast bags along with a warm welcome to campus, while everyone was treated to a visit from Honey’s Mini Therapy Horses. Commuter and graduate students also will find a nice place to study, relax, and grab a free cup of coffee at DeChantal Hall, which is home to the Commuter Student Commons and Graduate Student Den. 

This academic year, Saint Leo is introducing two new degree programs as well as an online version of a bachelor’s program previously only offered at University Campus. Two new minors also are being offered through the Tapia College of Business. 

A new Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Program will be offered at University Campus, giving students a holistic background in business disciplines. Business administration is the work of managing an organization's resources, time, and people, and professionals work to ensure that businesses and organizations are run effectively, efficiently, and profitably. 

The BA in business administration supports students who are interested in becoming generalists in business. It provides foundational accounting, economics, marketing, finance, and management knowledge and fosters entrepreneurial abilities.

Also being offered are two new minors: entrepreneurship and international business. 

The entrepreneurship minor is open to students regardless of their major and will equip them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for launching and managing successful ventures. This new program is ideal for those who are looking to start their own businesses in the future. 

Saint Leo’s new international business minor focuses on exposing students to the global economy and the way that global trade and the operations of the global financial markets affect all economic and business decisions. Students will be able to integrate decisions regarding management, marketing, logistics, finance, and human resources into comprehensive strategies for multinational corporations.

New Online Offerings

Another new degree program is the Master of Science degree in artificial intelligence , which will be offered online through Saint Leo’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS). The Master of Science degree in artificial intelligence will be offered as an online STEM-designated degree targeted to individuals currently working in the technology field or engineering in order to “upskill” and to those just coming out of a bachelor’s degree program, who need to build skills. 

“This is the right time to prepare the workforce to embrace this technology,” said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, associate dean of Saint Leo’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS). “We are at the stage where AI is going to be transformative. The software and technical aspects of AI are going to impact most industries in significant ways. AI also is going to improve efficiency with the way we do things. We already see them [businesses and industries] using Chat GPT to improve writing and researching.”

Building on its success of the first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies Program in the United States, Saint Leo now will offer the degree online in order to reach more students across the world. The new online BA in veteran studies major will give students the opportunity to study the distinctive lives and cultures formed by military service, the history of the military, the impact of military conflict, and more, providing graduates with a variety of career opportunities.  

“We are thrilled to announce that our unique Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies Program is now available online,” said Dr. Karen Hannel, chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. “This exciting development opens new doors for students worldwide to explore the intricate and multifaceted world of military service from the comfort of their own homes.”

The interdisciplinary program delves deep into the human experience of military conflict throughout history and across diverse cultures, Hannel said. “The program's rich curriculum, which includes courses such as Legendary Warriors of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds and Native American Warriors and Veterans: Serving Two Sovereigns, offers a unique perspective on historical and contemporary issues related to military service.”

Education Centers and Center for Online Learning

Not only did students on campus begin classes on August 26, but those studying online and at education centers also began their Fall 1 Term. The education centers and Center for Online Learning make up Saint Leo WorldWide, and are represented by the WorldWide Student Advisory Council, which makes recommendations to University President Ed Dadez and senior leadership. Applications are being accepted for the council through August 31. Interested students may apply here.