Education 4.12 - Flipbook - Page 8
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| Sunday, April 12, 2026
McDaniel College’s computer science curriculum has been modernized to focus on career readiness.
Local Colleges and Universities
Keeping Pace with AI Freight Train
Current technology keeps curriculum updated and
encourages computer science and data science majors
By Lisa Baldino, Contributing Writer
T
he freight train that is Artificial
Intelligence is barreling down
upon us. Not to be outdone by
the Acela-like train of AI, institutions of higher learning are moving
full speed ahead with new AI courses of
study and enhanced IT, cybersecurity
and computer/data sciences to prepare
students for current jobs and to hone
the skills of existing employees.
These advancements are attracting
more students to the field of computer
science and related majors. Community
College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
says it has 390 students enrolled in its
cybersecurity program, and 400 more
who have declared a computer science
major. That’s nearly half of the department’s enrollment of 2,000-2,500 each
semester.
According to Noell Damron, chair
of CCBC’s cybersecurity program, the
course selection and experiences are
designed for workforce development
opportunities. “The students are learning hands-on, so when they get in the
field, they can take advantage of these
opportunities.” He continues, “In the
face of a rapidly changing industry, we
have to be agile.”
The new Center for AI and Cyber
Innovation at CCBC is the hottest stop
in town for all things computer related. “The new center brings everything
into one place, and it gives a community feel within a relaxing space,”
says Wendy Chin, computer science/IT
(CSIT) department chair.
Several labs are available for classes, with a high-technology AI lab that
features upgraded, faster, smarter and
specialized software-savvy computers
to handle the rapidly changing industry.
There is a dedicated homework lab
where students can get guided home-
work help, and a conference area for
meetings. The center is also home to
the offices of both department chairs,
faculty and to students’ favorite personalities: Pepper, the school’s humanoid robot, and Luna, the robot dog.
Both robots are programmed by students and used in the center’s classes,
according to Chin.
Also anticipating an increased
enrollment in IT and computer science,
McDaniel College is launching a new
school of business and technology to
integrate technology and business-related programs for stronger alignment.
As part of the school, the computer science curriculum has been modernized
to focus on career readiness – offering
students enough experience to move
right into a job. “The goal is to build
a pipeline of students who are ‘workforce ready,’” says McDaniel College’s
Provost Flavius Lilly. “They are well-prepared.”
Students declaring a computer science major will be able to choose
from three specializations: software
engineering, data science and Artificial
Intelligence. They will also be required
to work internships at one or more partnering companies.
Lilly notes that because students
are required to complete six credits of
internships in their field, McDaniel graduates have, by far, the most experience
in the region. “These companies want
grads with workforce experience. We
want to show these business leaders
what our students can do.”
Lilly says the new curriculum –
marked by classes designed for special
sections and for hands-on learning – will
be in place for fall 2026, and students
can take advantage of it immediately.
Students will also be invited to attend
networking events through a partnership forged with MAGIC (Mid-Atlantic
Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory) and
the Carroll County Technology and
Innovation Council.
A new Endowed Professor of
Computer Science and Technology
Innovation is also supported by a recent
$2 million grant from the Maryland
E-Nnovation Initiative Fund (MEIF)
administered by the Department of
Commerce, along with a matching gift
from a generous donor. The professor is
dedicated to helping computer science
students in doing internships, projects
and research to stay ahead of the
fast-moving AI train.
