Title: Creating an Interdisciplinary Data Analytics program: Benefits and Challenges
Author(s) : Mary Ellen Zuckerman, Christian shin
Many smaller colleges desirous of establishing Data Analytics programs seek to do so in manner that will allow students from a breadth of disciplines to enroll in the classes, a minor or even as double majors. Creating programs that focus on technical skills as a basis while allowing for individual disciplinary specialization poses challenges and opportunities. We describe the establishment of such courses and a program within a Business School which sits within a liberal arts College where integration among different disciplines is emphasized. The role of faculty from within the Business School and in disciplines outside the School, the nature of Data Analytics and how best to serve the needs of students impacted the creation of the program. Issues raised throughout this process for the Business School faculty as well as the larger institution are discussed by the presenters.