Morgan State University approves cloud computing degree program

Morgan State University’s (MSU) Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve the addition of a Bachelor of Science degree in cloud computing during the public session of its fall quarterly meeting this week.

Cloud computing is an interdisciplinary area that focuses on using cloud service applications in roles such as cloud administrators, computer architects, application developers, security specialists, analysts and researchers.

Pending approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the creation of this undergraduate program would mark the first of its kind offered at a Maryland university.

“I applaud the Board’s foresight and forward-thinking as it relates to preparing Morgan for the future in addition to protecting that future,” said MSU President David Wilson in a statement. “For our students to solve the problems of tomorrow, we need to offer them the programs that address those problems today, and cloud computing is at the top of the list. … We look forward to expanding our robust offering of academic programs with the addition of this degree program, pending the State’s approval.”

The proposed cloud computing program would be offered online as well as in a traditional classroom setting. This degree is meant to align with the MHEC’s 2017–2021 State Plan for Postsecondary Education, which emphasizes fostering innovation in Maryland higher education.

The board also approved MSU’s adoption of an intellectual property policy along with a misconduct in academic research policy.

The new IP policy mirrors other Maryland public research universities, addressing the ownership and protection of intellectual property created by personnel, students and others at the MSU. The misconduct in academic research policy establishes guidelines for handling allegations of research misconduct by MSU employees.

This was the first MSU Board of Regents meeting held since the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings, who served on the board for 19 years. An empty seat at the table was draped with a black sash in acknowledgment of the late legislator.