The State of Texas to Develop New Data Science Degree Program

Texas State University will develop and deliver a new data science degree program in partnership with Sam Houston State University.

The State of Texas recently announced that it had received $1.5 million from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Council to expand the program. The university said many industries in Texas and across the country are looking to expand their data science workforce, however, qualified applicants are scarce and in high demand.

The State of Texas added that research shows certifications improve job opportunities and wages, especially in high-paying, high-demand fields such as technology and healthcare.

“Learning data science skills through this platform will help Texas achieve its goal of building a resilient workforce,” said Melinda Villagran, executive director of the State of Texas Translational Health Research Center. . “Through data science, we will be able to improve healthcare delivery, support small businesses and a range of other industries hard hit by the pandemic.”

The new Texas State program is funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Funding under the Accelerating Credentials of Purposes and Value Grant Program to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Texas economy.

The university said its first course, to be launched in September, will consist of 10 teaching blocks leading to an Associate Big Data Analyst (ABDA) certificate issued by participating universities. Students will be prepared to pursue the Data Science Council of America’s ABDA professional certificate after class, the state of Texas said.

Additional data science courses are planned, with the hope that other universities in the Texas State University System will begin offering the degrees as the program expands, the university added.

The courses will be developed by a group of more than 20 doctoral students. faculty members from all disciplines working in conjunction with the program advisory board of chambers of commerce and local businesses in the region. The advisory board will provide guidance on ongoing and changing workforce needs to ensure the courses offered meet the needs of the business community.

“Long term, I want this to be the go-to certification platform for the Texas State University System – providing high-quality, industry-leading certifications for one low price,” said Larry Fulton, manager. of the new data science program. to the state of Texas.