University of the Ozarks has received a $1.2 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to help establish the University’s new computer science major.
The start-up funds for the new program will help expand the University’s current information science program to include computer science. The funds will cover salary, electrical upgrades, classroom renovations, and scholarships for three years.
“For Ozarks graduates to continue to be competitive they need the broadest range of possible degree paths,” said U of O President Richard Dunsworth. “The University first created computer science opportunities in the late 1980s, and this new investment allows us to take the program to a new level, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for the ever-growing and evolving workforce in computer science, artificial intelligence, or data science. We are thankful the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s continued investment in Ozarks and the River Valley.”
The new major was approved by the Board of Trustees during its meeting in October and will be implemented beginning the 2025 Fall Semester.
Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs, said adding computer science is the next step in meeting the high demand of students who are interested in emerging fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
“This major, in the context of the LENS curriculum, will integrate liberal arts principles such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness to develop innovative and socially responsible IT solutions for complex, real-world challenges,” she said. “Computer Science majors will be well-prepared to pursue further study in graduate school, or in a variety of career pathways.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations in2023 was $104,420 — more than double the median annual wage for all occupations. According to code.org, 67 percent of all new STEM jobs through 2028 will be in computing.
Topics: Computer Science