Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina will offer three new undergraduate programs: a bachelor’s degree in data science and two fully online degree options in history and social work.
Students enrolled in the HBCU’s new data science program will learn to use programming, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization tools to uncover trends and findings from large amounts of information. Graduates will be prepared for a wide-range of analytical careers in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, government, education, and nonprofit organizations.
“Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. It is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make data-driven decisions for real-world problems,” said Mohamed Elbakary, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and coordinator of the engineering technology program.
Elizabeth City State University’s new online programs aim to provide students with flexible learning options as they balance educational, professional, and personal responsibilities. Combining liberal arts education and modern teaching methods, the history program encourages students to apply historical inquiry to contemporary challenges. History students can choose to concentrate in digital and public history or race, gender, and ethnicity studies.
With a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of rural and developing communities, the social work degree will prepare students to become competent, effective, and professional social workers serving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
