The University of Memphis is helping students and the business world by offering SAS training on campus.
SAS has grown to become one of the largest software companies in the nation.
Having a training location in Memphis will benefit companies as well as students.
SAS used to stand for Statistical Analysis System. Now, SAS does not stand for anything because it is more than statistical analysis software. This software is used for data mining, business intelligence, data warehousing and enterprise solutions.
In other words, SAS is a type of software used to "turn mounds and mounds of data into information so that you can make informed decisions," said Stephanie Thompson, U of M associate director for institutional research.
Many Memphis-based companies, such as FedEx and St. Jude's Research Hospital, use SAS. To become acquainted with the software, business associates have to attend training courses. Since there were no training courses available in Memphis, people had to pay to travel to the closest training station. Now, The U of M has made it possible for companies to allow more employees to become proficient in SAS software.
The University of Memphis and Strayer University are the only universities in the United States that offer this type of extensive training to students.
The entry training class for the general public costs $1,450. However, for students at The U of M, the class is free.
Thompson said students would probably not want to take the class offered to the general public. She said students should take her class because it is free. She teaches the same material but also saves students money.
Thompson said the class will not be a part of any undergraduate curriculum, however the opportunity is available for students to take the course. This course will not meet any requirements.
"Having SAS training will help Memphis as a city because companies can send two or three people for training at The University of Memphis instead of one person to an out-of-state location," Thompson said.
She said some companies want to hire students who are proficient in SAS but have struggled in doing so. With The U of M housing such training courses, students will have a better chance of getting a job out of college.
Thompson said that students who know how to use SAS software could make around $12,000 more a year.
"I am glad The University of Memphis is offering this to students since it can make such a difference in our ability to get a job and our salary," said Chris Moody, a junior business major.
For a complete schedule of classes log on to http://support.sas.com/memphis.
