Today@Sam Article

Funding Addresses Data Science Workforce Need

March 4, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University has received $1 million from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to develop new data science credential programs in partnership with Texas State University. 

Designed to help Texans access higher-paying jobs through completion of a postsecondary credential, the funding comes from THECB’s Accelerating Credentials of Purpose and Value Grant Program.

With this new funding, SHSU’s Department of Computer Science is preparing for three proposed credential programs according to Bing Zhou, associate professor and department chair; and Hyuk Cho, professor and co-principal investigator on the grant.

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science program will provide professionals or nontraditional students with a stackable set of core data science courses that are immediately valuable in the workplace.

The 4+1 BA/MS program aims to improve the retention rate of computer science undergraduates and promote the enrollment of the Master of Science in Computing and Data Science program.

The undergraduate data science credential program is in partnership with Texas State University, which will prepare students to pursue the professional ABDA certificate from the Data Science Council of America. The first course launches September 2022.

Courses will be developed by a group of more than 30 faculty members across disciplines working in collaboration with the program’s advisory board of chambers of commerce and local companies. To ensure courses meet the needs of the business community, the advisory board will provide insight related to the changing needs of the workforce.

Recently ranked No. 39 for the Best Affordable College to earn a Software Engineering Degree, SHSU’s Department of Computer Science has a successful record of training high quality professionals for a variety of industries as well as State and Federal agencies. While the department offers traditional, general computer science programs, it emphasizes digital forensics, information assurance and cybersecurity.

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