Data Science Curriculum in the iField

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Data Science Education

Background:

• The Field of Information (iField) offers Data Science (DS) programs, necessitating a defined disciplinary identity.
• Efforts are underway to explore unique contributions of various disciplines to DS education.
• The iSchool Data Science Curriculum Committee (iDSCC) was formed to develop a DS education framework for iSchools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the iField's identity within the multidisciplinary DS education landscape.
• To assess the current state of DS education in iField schools.
• To define core knowledge and skills for iField DS curriculum.
• To identify job opportunities for iField DS graduates.
• To differentiate between graduate and undergraduate DS education.

Main Methods:

• A series of studies were conducted to address key questions regarding iField DS education.
• Research focused on identifying the iField's unique approach to Data Science.
• Analysis included curriculum components, job market trends, and educational levels.

Main Results:

• The research identified the distinct characteristics of an iField approach to Data Science education.
• Key knowledge and skills for a core DS curriculum were defined.
• Differences between undergraduate and graduate DS programs were elucidated.
• Job roles for iField DS graduates were outlined.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide a framework to distinguish iField DS education.
• The results will guide iSchools in developing and refining their DS curricula.
• This work supports the advancement of both undergraduate and graduate DS education within the iField context.