This Interdisciplinary Collaboration (IC) project will establish a new minor at CSU Maritime Academy (CSUM) in Data Science (DS), focusing on innovative and inclusive pedagogy and interdisciplinary collaboration. CSUM is located in one of the most racially diverse counties in the nation. Being a STEM-focused institution with a strong record of promoting socioeconomic mobility through discipline-specific training and an emphasis on job placement, CSUM is uniquely positioned to address the demand for data science education while promoting diversity in the field. The new minor will provide students with a solid foundation in data science while emphasizing its application across fields. Our interdisciplinary approach will create a high-quality program attracting diverse students with wide-ranging academic interests.
In this project, CSUM will build upon the recently developed A.S. degree in Data Science at Solano Community College (SCC) to create a well-rounded minor that meets the needs of students and industry. Simultaneously, we will build expertise in data science at both CSUM and SCC through faculty development activities. Our goal for this collaboration is to empower Solano County residents with opportunities to be leaders in data science and STEM, fostering a more diverse workforce and contributing to the growth of this burgeoning field.