Prairie View A&M University has joined the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence and data science education by introducing a new Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering program.
The university’s inaugural cohort will launch this fall, making PVAMU the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Texas to offer this course, according to the university.
“The launch of the Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering reflects where engineering education must go next,” said Dr. Pamela H. Obiomon, dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering. “AI, data science, and engineering are connected across every major industry. This program gives our students and working professionals the technical skills, research experiences, and practical preparation needed to lead in an AI-driven, data-centered economy.”
What is the course about?
The graduate program will be housed in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering within the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering.
It was designed to keep up with the rising demand for workers capable of data analysis, per PVAMU. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment rate for data scientists will increase by 35% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3% for other occupations. Nearly 25,000 job openings are projected over the next decade.
“The launch of the Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering reflects where engineering education must go next.”
Dr. Pamela H. Obiomon, dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
The occupations come with high salaries. Data scientists earned a median wage of $120,230 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $67,240, and the highest 10% earned more than $199,130.
The data also attributes the growth to increased demand for data-driven work and the adoption of AI systems, with companies seeking professionals who can analyze large volumes of data.
PVAMU’s new 30-credit-hour program aims to prepare students for such a work environment by teaching them machine learning and data science skills.
Dr. Lijun Qian, AT&T endowed professor of electrical and computer engineering and founding director of the University’s Center of Excellence in Research and Education for Big Military Data Intelligence (CREDIT Center), designed the course under Obiomon’s leadership.
“The convergence of increased computing power, big data analytics, and breakthroughs in AI will transform our lives in the future,” Qian said. “It is well recognized that all science and engineering students should have some core competence in data science to be successful in the future AI-enabled, data-centric economy, and skills in analyzing and interpreting data can give young people access to new career opportunities.”
The curriculum also includes communication, leadership, presentation, technical writing, and critical thinking skills, as well as AI and machine learning.
Course offerings show that students are also expected to master data management, visualization, cloud computing, and data ethics, among other courses. They will receive both face-to-face instruction and hands-on training.
PVAMU has also incorporated internships and industry partnerships into the program.
