Morgan State University Board of Regents Approves New Bachelor of Science Degree in Cloud Computing and New University Policies
Exclusive Degree in STEM Adds to MSU’s 125 Programs, Expanding Interdisciplinary Study; Safeguards Expanded to Protect Academic Research and Intellectual Property
BALTIMORE – During the public session of the Morgan State University (MSU) Board of Regents’ fall quarterly meeting, Board members voted unanimously to allow the university to pursue the addition of a new Bachelor of Science degree in Cloud Computing, expanding upon an existing offering of 125 academic programs spanning 10 MSU schools and colleges. Pending approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the creation of a Cloud Computing degree undergraduate program at Morgan would mark the first such program of its kind offered at a Maryland university and would advance opportunities for students seeking highly sought-after proficiencies in a growing interdisciplinary field. The Board also approved the University’s adoption of two new policies: an Intellectual Property Policy (IP Policy) and a Misconduct in Academic Research Policy.
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. Acknowledging the late Congressman’s absence from the meeting, an empty seat at the table was draped with a black sash.
“I applaud the Board’s foresight and forward-thinking as it relates to preparing Morgan for the future in addition to protecting that future. 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,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “As an R2 high research university, it is imperative that we grow our intellectual capacity and advance with the times. 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 Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing instructional program would be offered online as well as in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face), providing innovative, inclusive and distinctive educational experiences to a broad cross-section of the population, including adult learners and other nontraditional students. Having the degree available at Morgan, Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, responds to the crucial need to “foster innovation in all aspects of Maryland higher education to improve access and student success,” as highlighted in MHEC’s 2017–2021 State Plan for Postsecondary Education.
