Johnson C. Smith University Offering New Data Science Minor

Students sitting on Johnson C. Smith University sign outside
The program is funded by a grant from The National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation has awarded [UNCF-member institution] Johnson C. Smith University $149,466 to fund the development of a minor in data science. The award began Aug. 1, 2018, and is under the direction of Dr. Felesia Stukes, assistant professor of computer science.

“Data science is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes computing to create or extract insights from data in various forms to derive social and economic value. With the rapid growth of data sets in various industries such as healthcare, sports, government and business, there is unlimited career potential for undergraduates with this high-demand expertise,” Stukes said. “JCSU is in a great position to build the needed expertise in response to the big data challenges faced by our region.”

Dr. Felesia Stukes
Dr. Felesia Stukes

Data is being leveraged by everyone from Google to the United States government, making data science broadly relevant as a discipline. Using emerging computing technologies, students will gain proficiencies in data analysis, ethical problem-solving and computational thinking.

“This is an exciting time to become involved with data science,” Stukes said. “Our students will have the opportunity to use data science to solve new kinds of social or business problems and impact their communities in a powerful way.”

This project at JCSU provides a strategic approach to enhance the computer science curriculum in the area of data science to increase student recruitment, retention and success. The curriculum will be developed with collaborative input from an advisory committee comprised of industry and academic representatives. Five new courses will be developed and one existing course will be enhanced. Special consideration will be made to support the inclusion of interested students with little or no prior computing experience. The project is guided by formative and summative evaluation.

Did you know?

  • JCSU offers a progressive curriculum with 22 degree-seeking programs to more than 1,483 students who come from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds
  • The University continues to gain a national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology in innovative, socially conscious ways to empower tomorrow’s diverse entrepreneurial citizens and leaders.
  • The University generates an economic impact of $89 million in its community and state.