The Future of Data Science Education

Data science instruction may evolve with advancements in technology and pedagogy, but the core learning outcomes will endure. Like our predecessors, our mission is the development of problem solvers who can think critically, collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and understand the potential impacts of new technologies on our communities. Undoubtedly, the future will introduce new hardware, software, and algorithms that will reshape the field of data science and the landscape of data science education both residentially and online. This panel will delve into how the faculty at UVA's School of Data Science is actively working to craft a liberal arts curriculum suitable for the digital age, one that not only adapts to but embraces changes in technology and practice. The panel will discuss the future of data science education, including in K-12, the school’s guiding philosophy for its undergraduate and graduate programs (minor, B.S., online and residential M.S., Ph.D.), and the merits as well as challenges that arise when constructing a new educational curriculum for a new discipline.