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Longwood Board approves new data science and information-technology degrees
Summary
Provost Lara Smith told the Board that two new programs — a B.S. in data science and an M.S. in information technology — were approved through internal procedures; the university expects enrollment growth within five years and plans to repurpose an open math faculty line to support the data science program.
Longwood University’s Board of Visitors heard details Dec. 5 about two new academic programs approved through internal university processes. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Lara Smith told the Board that "two new degree programs have been approved through customary internal procedures: a bachelor of science in data science and a master’s of science in information technology," and said the university anticipates growth in enrollment in the programs within five years of launch.
Board members asked how faculty needs would be met if enrollments grow. Smith said a vacant faculty line in the mathematics department will be repurposed to support the B.S. in data science and that revenue from program enrollment would fund any additional faculty positions needed to support the master’s program in information technology. Provost Smith also said the university explores consortia with other institutions but emphasizes serving regional workforce needs when developing programs.
The discussion included questions about resources and shared courses; Michael Poliakoff asked specifically about faculty needs and opportunities to share resources with peer institutions. The Board did not take additional action at the meeting beyond recording the programs on the consent agenda; the consent agenda motion, which included approval of these items, passed unanimously.
