Advancing Workforce Readiness Through Industry Certification

The Microsoft-Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate

The Management Information Systems (MIS) department at Bowie State University took a significant step toward bridging academic excellence with industry-recognized credentials, reinforcing our commitment to preparing students for leadership in AI and data-driven fields. As part of a broader initiative to align curriculum with workforce demands, 28 students enrolled in Decision Science and Analytics courses-within the BS in Business Information Systems and MS in Information Systems programs-were prepared to sit for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate exam in Spring 2025. These courses, taught by Dr. Rand Obeidat, Associate Professor of Data Analytics, integrated hands-on training and certification-aligned instruction to ensure students were equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to obtain the Certification. To support equitable access to certification and cover the cost of the exam funding for 14 students was provided by the Microsoft-Atlanta University Center for Data Science Mini-Grant Program. The remaining 14 students were supported through Bowie State's Center for Data Science and Analytics (CDSA).

The results speak to the strength of our academic program as 22 of the 28 students passed the certification exam on their first attempt, earning official Microsoft credentials. The remaining six students are receiving targeted support to retake the exam, ensuring continued progress toward certification. This 79% first-attempt success rate reflects the effectiveness of embedding certification pathways into academic programming and underscores Bowie State University's leadership in advancing career readiness, technical skill development, and industry engagement.