Programs That Began Offering Classes in FY24
Undergraduate Programs
- Health Services Administration
- Public Health Informatics and Technology
Graduate Programs
- Counselor Education and Supervision
Certificates
- Public Health Informatics


Computer Science
The Computer Science Department Sees Remarkable Growth, Empowering Women in Tech Through Dedicated Support Programs
Over the past five years, Bowie State University's computer science department has experienced remarkable growth, with enrollment increasing from 189 undergraduate students in 2019 to 519 today. Women have played a significant role in this expansion, growing from 39 in 2019 to 144 today, representing 27% of all students in the program. In 2024, women continued to receive support through the Women in Computer Science program led by Dr. Rosemary Shumba.
The Women in Computer Science initiative is part of the university's commitment to supporting, promoting, and retaining women in the field by providing opportunities for personal and professional development, social interaction, and outreach. The program creates extensive networking opportunities that highlight the contributions of women in technology, engage in advanced research, and mentor the next generation of women in computer science.
Last year, Women in Computer Science members participated in the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Philadelphia, a conference dedicated to showcasing women's research in the computer science industry. Students also held a Women in Computer Science Pageant and attended Technica, the world's largest hackathon.
Students often credit Dr. Shumba, the computer science department, and the Women in Computer Science club for success. Sage Despeignes, who transitioned from Prince George's Community College to Bowie State University, gained the confidence and support needed to thrive. She found a welcoming community among fellow students, CyberCorps scholars, and faculty members.
"Joining Women in Computer Science and the Cybersecurity Club has allowed me to collaborate on projects and expand my network," she said. "I recently attended the Women in Cybersecurity Conference 2024, which offered invaluable networking opportunities and insights from leaders in the cybersecurity field."


The Women in Computer Science Club Thrives at Grace Hopper Celebration, Empowered by Networking and Support
A group of 27 Bowie State University computer science students networked with hundreds of women at all levels in the tech industry at the Philadelphia Grace Hopper Celebration, the largest gathering of women and nonbinary computer scientist and tech enthusiast in the country.
“It’s a huge feeling. I’m looking in each direction, and I’m seeing all women,” said Ashanti Boone, a senior computer science major. “It is a male-dominated industry. Whenever I go to internships, I’m in the minority in a lot of aspects. Being able to see that many women in the field reminds you that, while we are the minority, it is a field for us, and we’re able to thrive in it.”
Since 2021, the number of women in the Bowie State computer science bachelor’s program has grown from 58 to 96, a 65.5% increase. Women now represent 27% of all computer science majors for fall 2024.
Dr. Darsana Josyula, a Bowie State computer science professor, noted that the conference was, in some ways, a game-changer for the students, as they were able to see so many women technologists gathering with the intent to connect and support each other. She said it is incredibly powerful for students to hear from women scientists and entrepreneurs about how to succeed.
Comments from Brenda Wilkerson, CEO of AnitaB.org, which hosts the Grace Hopper Celebration, also reminded Dr. Josyula of her experience, in that she did not see women in positions of influence or authority while she was a student.
“When CEO Brenda Wilkerson mentioned that she had never had a woman faculty member for her computer science courses in college, it suddenly dawned on me that all the courses I took during my graduate journey were also taught by male faculty,” said Dr. Josyula. “What surprised me was that I hadn't realized it until that moment!”
Junior computer science major Melanie Nziengui felt that conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration are very necessary, especially for helping students and young professionals combat any doubts or anxiety they face trying to maneuver their way through a male-dominated field.
“It made us feel validated to be in a space with women just like me,” said Nziengui. “We had the opportunity to showcase our skills without feeling pressure or persecution. It’s necessary for us to have safe space.”

Data Science & Data Analytics
Bowie State University Prepares the Next Generation of Data Professionals
Bowie State University recognizes the growing importance of data across all fields and is actively diversifying the STEM workforce by preparing students for careers in data analytics and data science. The university equips graduates with the skills to analyze and build data-driven solutions that foster innovation, promote diverse perspectives, and influence critical decision-makers across various sectors.
The terms data analytics and data science are often used interchangeably, but they are distinctly different.
Dr. Rand Obeidat, coordinator of Bowie State University’s data analytics program, said, “Data analytics is tailored to the application of data analysis within a business context, emphasizing strategy, decision-making and the use of data to drive insights. Data science focuses more broadly on the technical and theoretical aspects of how to achieve data manipulation, computational techniques and algorithm development.”
Essentially, while data analytics focuses on interpreting and communicating insights, data science builds the frameworks and methodologies that make interpretation possible.
Data analysts serve as interpreters, examining current and historical data to uncover actionable insights that drive decision-making. They rely on statistical methods, visualization tools and business intelligence platforms to understand trends and tell compelling stories through data. Data scientists, on the other hand, act as designers and builders. They primarily focus on coding and algorithm development, creating predictive models, leveraging machine learning and designing complex data systems to forecast trends.
Bowie State University offers rigorous programs that emphasize these distinctions while highlighting the importance of their relationship. Professionals in both fields are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth rate for data professionals through 2031. Bowie State University plays a crucial role in expanding access to in-demand industries by creating pathways for underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in data-driven careers.

Public Health Informatics
Bowie State University Leads the Way in Public Health Information Technology
Bowie State University is charting a path to become a thought leader in the public health space as it gains a seat at the table of national discussions of public health information technology with a $10 million grant recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — the largest award to the school in two decades.
The university is one of 10 institutions forming a consortium to implement the Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program funded by HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. The project aims to recruit, secure paid internships, and train diverse individuals in public health informatics and technology to strengthen the nation’s public health workforce, as outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan. The goal is to enhance health IT education, expand curricula at minority-serving institutions, improve COVID-19 data collection, and increase representation of underrepresented communities within the field throughout the U.S.
“Through this partnership, Bowie State University will be known as a leading player in public health,” said Gale Bassette, special assistant to the provost for federal contracts administration. “We will play a major role in how this public health infrastructure will be delivered to the communities.”
Over four years, the PHIT Workforce Development Program will train at least 4,000 individuals nationwide through an interdisciplinary approach, creating a continuous pipeline of diverse public health IT professionals.
“This program will help to expand Bowie State’s public health focus in our curriculum offerings,” said Bassette. “BSU will create a pathway for students to be trained, recruited and placed in health informatics and technology careers. They will be mentored by healthcare institutions on real-world problems and participate in the building of the nation’s future healthcare infrastructure.”
In recent months, the university has seen faculty and administration collaborate to pursue highly visible grant opportunities.
“The collaboration across the university is really a plus,” said Dr. Anika Bissahoyo, assistant director for research at BSU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. “We are increasingly seeing collaboration across the campus, which is exciting.”
Ms. Bassette spearheaded the HHS grant proposal development process. Other contributors included Dr. Philip de Melo, principal investigator for the project and visiting faculty, Department of Computer Science; Dr. Birthale Archie, assistant professor, Department of Nursing; Dr. Latanya Brown-Robertson, special assistant for Research and Development, College of Business; and Dr. Azene Zenebe, chairperson, Management Information Systems. Contributors from the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics included Dr. Augustin Ntembe, associate professor; Dr. Obeidat Rand, assistant professor; and Dr. Thaddee Badibanga, assistant professor. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs provided pre-award and budget management, and HealthCare Dynamics International will serve as subcontractor.
“Joining Women in Computer Science and the Cybersecurity Club has allowed me to collaborate on projects and expand my network.”
- Sage Despeignes
Bowie State Rolls Out New Health Services Administration Program
Bowie State University is offering students another route to a career in the medical field with a new bachelor's degree program in health services administration, which is designed for students who want to work in healthcare but may not aspire to become physicians or nurses.
The program aims to bolster a healthcare industry that has faced significant challenges in recent years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. As people live longer, the demand for healthcare services rises, and current medical professionals are experiencing burnout while meeting the needs of an aging population. This has led to personnel shortages across nearly all levels, with workers exiting the industry faster than they can be replaced.
“The students who graduate will be able to step in and help impact the shortage that is being experienced,” said Dr. Birthale Archie, a nursing professor who designed the program along with College of Professional Studies Dean Cheryl Blackman. “It helps to address a number of the positions to improve the delivery of healthcare services to consumers in a hospital setting and the community.”
Medical and health services managers rank among the nation’s fastest-growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2022, this field employed 509,500 people, with job numbers projected to increase to 654,000 by 2032 — a 28.4% growth. Those positions include case managers, nursing home administrators and patient service representatives, among others, which the health services administration program prepares students to fill in the coming years.
Beyond addressing shortages, Dr. Archie aimed to create an alternative healthcare career path distinct from the university’s nursing program. She noted that some students begin majoring in nursing but realize it’s not the right fit, while others seek healthcare careers without wanting to wear a white coat or scrubs.
“Sometimes students change their career interests but would like to remain in healthcare,” said Dr. Archie. “We need other healthcare career options for our students to consider.”
Counseling
Bowie State University Becomes the Only USM School to Offer Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addressing Critical Need for Diverse Mental Health Professionals
Bowie State University Becomes the Only USM School to Offer Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addressing Critical Need for Diverse Mental Health Professionals
Bowie State University now offers a new Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision that addresses the dire need for more senior-level counselors and administrators to work with students in the nation’s schools.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, with a specialization in social justice counseling, is unique within the University System of Maryland. It prepares students as future practitioners, supervisors, counselor educators and researchers in counseling. Bowie State joins Hampton University and North Carolina A&T as the third HBCU offering the degree.
The rising demand for mental health services has spurred increased funding to expand support. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic and racial killings of Black Americans triggered a surge in individuals seeking help for disorders like anxiety and depression. However, this heightened need has been met with long waitlists and limited capacity for new clients, a demand that persists in the counseling field today.
The National Science Foundation reported in 2019 that 7% of all Ph.D. recipients are Black, a figure even smaller within counselor education and supervision, underscoring the need for more Black counselor educators.
“We’re in a unique position,” said Dr. Otis Williams, chair of the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies at Bowie State. “We’re the oldest HBCU in Maryland and want to be known as the preeminent program for training counselors.”
Bowie State is positioned to fill the gap by training the next generation of counselor educators who will engage in social justice, leadership, advocacy, teaching, training, and preparation of counselors. The new program will help to increase the number of counselor educators within the counseling field and the number of competent Black counselor educators.
“These counselor educators will train and prepare diverse counselors who will enter the field and meet the growing mental health needs of students and others in public schools,” he said.
Graduates of the new doctoral program will be equipped to work in various counseling roles, including mental health supervisors, researchers, school counselor directors, department administrators and high school educators.
“I’m very optimistic about our doctoral program,” said Dr. Williams. “Once people know that Bowie State offers a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, I expect inquiries and applications for acceptance into the program to increase dramatically.

How the Counselor Education and Supervision Program is Innovating for Social Justice
Bowie State University’s nationally recognized Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision explores how poverty, racism and discriminatory practices affect underserved communities, preparing students to better serve marginalized groups in educational and mental health settings.
Dr. Janelle Cox, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies, said, “In our program, we are dismantling a lot of euro-centric, middle class, privilege-based theories and models that are taught in many masters- and doctoral-level programs as ‘the one truth.’”
The inclusion of the social justice perspective prepares students to create inclusive environments that embrace culturally responsive and critically transformative pedagogies. For example, students learn how to reinstall ancestral traditions and practices stripped from many institutions. The program emphasizes dismantling systemic inequalities within educational and mental health fields.
“We are teaching things to our students that were never taught to us,” said Dr. Cox. “We never had these different perspectives or were taught to dismantle or think critically. It’s what distinguishes this program at Bowie State. This results in a broader understanding of learning, healing, and supervising theories that are not taught in traditional programs.”
This doctoral program, unique in the nation, is shaping the next generation of social justice leaders in helping professions like teaching, advocacy, mental health and research. Students, often licensed clinicians, seek to deepen their grasp of social justice principles and train others to foster equitable wellness environments.
