Through our research, we discovered many faculty and educators who are committed to: • Curricular innovations that contextualize the use of important skill families – such as data ana
Introduction
The City University of New York (CUNY), as the largest public urban university system in the nation, plays a leading role in American higher education by equipping New Yorkers with essential skills and competencies for economic mobility Ensuring curricula and student activities align with the evolving labor market is a vital, ongoing process that directly impacts the future success of our students.
CUNY students are smart, talented, hard-working, and diverse, with thousands of alumni excelling in top-tier firms like Google, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs While some students are among the highest achievers, many others face untapped opportunities for economic mobility CUNY’s reputation as a talent pipeline varies among employers, impacting students’ career prospects This disparity can be addressed through strategic actions and impactful resources, fostering a more inclusive economy that benefits all New Yorkers seeking or offering employment.
In 2019, the Research Foundation of CUNY secured a research and planning grant from the NYC Economic Development Corporation to develop a comprehensive roadmap of best practices in applied learning at CUNY Given the diverse range of degree programs across CUNY—from liberal arts to STEM fields—a dedicated research team within CUNY’s Central Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Programs conducted extensive research throughout the system’s community and senior colleges Their primary goal was to identify effective applied learning strategies that could enhance student outcomes and workforce readiness across all campuses.
• Which academic and extracurricular practices bring high-quality experiential learning to CUNY students, especially as relates to the tech economy?
Identifying high-opportunity technology and computational skills that meet key criteria can significantly enhance workforce development in New York City These skills should align with strong labor market demand across major NYC industries, demonstrating growth potential and consistent net employment gains Additionally, proven and replicable academic models—both internal and external—are essential for effectively integrating these skills into diverse student populations, including non-STEM majors Furthermore, cultivating interest among CUNY faculty to adopt innovative teaching approaches is crucial for successfully equipping students with these high-demand competencies.
To summarize our findings, our research team discovered the following:
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
• Many individual, per-program approaches to applied, experiential, and project- based education, especially where such education mimics the conditions and requirements of the modern, technology-enabled workplace;
• Off-campus experiential learning, chiefly in the form of paid internships;
• Per-department or per-program collaboration between faculty, administrators, and career services advisers, and industry professionals; and
• Many approaches to student soft-skill and professional network development, some of which suggest broad scalability to the CUNY environment
Our research highlights the growing interest in data science and analytics (DSA) and cybersecurity, emphasizing their importance in today’s digital landscape This report explores the potential for implementing a pathways-eligible gateway data analytics course accessible to all CUNY students through ePermit, promoting equitable access to essential skills While the focus is on data analytics, the approach outlined here can be effectively applied to other skill categories, fostering broader workforce development and educational opportunities across the CUNY system.
CUNY faculty recognize Data8 as a scalable and effective model that enhances student access to data analytics and data science skills This program serves as a foundation for integrating data analytics into various academic disciplines, promoting broader application and workforce readiness in the growing field of data science.
Finally, we hope these research materials can help point motivated stakeholders throughout the CUNY system toward the following:
CUNY aims to become the primary destination for New York City employers seeking CS and DSA-ready students across all fields and sectors The university plans to position itself as the public urban university of the future by incorporating emerging skills such as DSA, cybersecurity, and ethical AI usage into both general and specialized curricula Additionally, all CUNY students will have access to on- and off-campus experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare them for internships and career placement in the evolving job market.
Creating a future-facing talent pipeline requires systematizing and scaling existing DSA integration and tech-focused applied learning initiatives across CUNY Currently, impactful activities are occurring in silos within individual faculties or departments, limiting their reach By consolidating these efforts, CUNY can ensure that all students have access to opportunities tailored to their goals, ultimately strengthening the talent pipeline Additionally, leveraging general education courses offers a broad foundation for developing CUNY’s future workforce, with proven progress in creating replicable educational models.
CUNY's February 2020 tech education strategy emphasizes the integration of computer science, data science, and analytics into general education courses, with models ready for implementation Developing connector courses, student labs, and new majors or minors can facilitate the incorporation of these fields across various disciplines Enhancing opportunities through internships, hackathons, and meetups enables students to apply their skills and build their portfolios, though current access remains limited CUNY’s continuing education departments can provide bootcamps in data science, analytics, and computational skills tailored for working adults and recent graduates Collaboration with city-based employers—public and private sector organizations—offers avenues to strengthen the city’s future talent pipeline Faculty and administrators are highly motivated to participate in these innovations, but the main challenges are resource shortages and the need for strong leadership with subject matter expertise to successfully implement and sustain these initiatives.
CUNY values strong partnerships with employers and philanthropic organizations to enhance its curriculum and student opportunities Faculty are eager to collaborate on applied learning and curriculum development, leveraging existing successful programs, and expanding internship placements for students through short-term projects or traditional internships Additionally, CUNY is engaging industry-adjuncts to co-lead classes and tailor pipeline structures across various sectors, aligning with employer demand for CS/DSA skills and applied learning For philanthropic partners, investing in innovative initiatives can create lasting impacts by integrating these improvements into the core curriculum, benefiting students for years to come The research team emphasizes the importance of leadership investment to guide these efforts, ensure accountability, and maximize the overall success of workforce development at CUNY.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
CUNY hosts approximately 274,000 degree-seeking students annually, with a rapidly increasing number pursuing STEM degrees Over the past decade, there has been a consistent rise in student interest in STEM fields, reflected both in higher STEM major enrollments and their growing share of overall university enrollment This trend highlights the expanding demand for STEM education within CUNY's student population.
Mean Enrollment for Selected Majors, 2014-2018
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services 1,376 83 N/A 1,459
Computer and Information Sciences and
Ten-Year Enrollment Trends in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Total
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
1b Developing a Strategy for the Public Urban University of the Future
The working group enhanced this process by reviewing labor market reports related to the technology sector, engaging with stakeholders across the New York City education and workforce system—including CUNY educators, industry partners, and intermediaries—and holding forums with faculty from diverse disciplines such as computer science and the humanities These forums aimed to gather insights on the current and potential applications of technology education and applied learning across various CUNY campuses, supporting the development of strategies aligned with workforce needs.
As the project developed, research laid the groundwork for a strategy to enhance the quality and accessibility of technology education for CUNY’s 274,000 degree-seeking students We appreciate NYCEDC’s support and partnership in creating this report and collaborating with CUNY to ensure that New York City's largest higher education institution effectively prepares students for sustainable, family-supporting careers and greater economic mobility.
This report details the activities and early recommendations from the research and planning project aimed at helping CUNY fulfill its mission of supporting New Yorkers’ economic mobility and family-sustaining wages It highlights key programs and practices identified through comprehensive research, including labor market insights and stakeholder interviews Emphasizing the importance of computer science, data science, and analytics as vital technical skills, the report advocates for integrating these into curriculum, alongside developing crucial non-technical skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership through applied learning It also underscores the necessity of faculty professional development and collaboration between colleges and employers to ensure academic content stays aligned with rapid technological advancements, thereby enhancing workforce preparation and career readiness.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
Review of Literature and Findings
The research team adopted a comprehensive approach to understand the needs and resources of external hiring partners and internal stakeholders within the CUNY system They conducted in-depth research on workforce trends in the tech industry, focusing on Data Science and Analytics (DSA) and cybersecurity, recognizing the critical link between computer science skills and these fields Additionally, the team compiled an inventory of tech skills resources across the CUNY system, which is detailed in the report's appendix.
Through 29 interviews with internal and external stakeholders and two CUNY faculty forums attended by 23 faculty members from 15 campuses, the research team gathered valuable insights that directly informed our strategic recommendations for enhancing campus initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
2a The Workforce Case for Data Analytics
Following the 2008 financial crisis, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration made strategic investments to expand New York City's tech sector, positioning the city as a major hub for technology innovation These efforts have successfully attracted numerous tech companies and skilled tech talent to NYC, fueling ongoing industry growth According to CompTIA, these initiatives have solidified New York City’s reputation as a leading destination for technology businesses and professionals.
According to the 2019 Cyberstates Report, New York City boasts the largest tech workforce in the United States, with 659,260 employees In 2018, NYC experienced a net increase of 10,440 tech jobs, ranking fifth among major U.S metropolitan areas The report also highlights that NYC hosts over 24,000 tech business establishments, contributing 8.8% to the New York state economy, which is valued at nearly $137 billion.
Information technology jobs are increasingly vital to the NYC labor market, with a significant portion of IT roles found outside traditional tech companies A 2019 Burning Glass study revealed that 89% of the 6.9 million IT jobs posted online in 2018 were in non-tech industries, highlighting the widespread demand for tech skills across various sectors For example, although there were 315,824 Software Developer/Engineer openings in 2018, only 10% were in tech companies, while 90% were in non-tech industries In the NYC metropolitan area, the highest concentration of IT jobs underscores the sector's importance, with 515,106 IT job postings representing 32% of all NYC job postings in 2018.
Cybersecurity is a comprehensive academic discipline focused on protecting data and information systems through a holistic approach It integrates technical, business, and policy studies, emphasizing key principles of database applications, systems administration, and data recovery This foundational knowledge is essential for effective cybersecurity education and safeguarding digital assets.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
Data Science & Analytics is a rapidly growing field that combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze large datasets Its primary focus is on extracting meaningful insights and storytelling from complex data, making it an essential area of study for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
While the demand for tech talent is high, the demand for cybersecurity talent is reaching critical levels A 2018 report from Cybersecurity Ventures claims there is an
The cybersecurity industry faces a significant talent shortage, with an estimated 350,000 open cybersecurity positions in the US and a projected global shortfall of 3.5 million jobs by 2021, highlighting a critical supply and demand imbalance In New York City, nearly 5,000 cyber-related jobs are posted annually, yet these positions often take longer to fill than general tech roles due to a shortage of qualified candidates This persistent gap underscores the urgent need for targeted cybersecurity talent development and recruitment strategies.
In-demand Cybersecurity Salaries in New York City, 2019
Employers are facing challenges in attracting and securing talented professionals with Data Science & Analytics (DSA) skills, amid a projected 15% increase in demand for related jobs by 2020 The roles of Data Scientists and Advanced Analysts are expected to experience a 28% growth, highlighting their rapid rise in the job market As Art Bilger, CEO of WorkingNation, emphasizes, data and analytics are poised to become the fastest-growing job sector over the next decade, influencing all facets of business, government, and non-profit sectors These professionals are highly rewarded, with a median base salary of $108,000, and have been recognized as some of the best jobs in the country by Glassdoor for four consecutive years.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
The nationwide shortage of data scientists is a recent issue that has emerged quickly, leaving educational institutions little time to adapt Between 2015 and 2018, job postings for data scientists on Indeed.com increased by 75%, highlighting the growing demand for these skills Despite this surge, there were more data science professionals than available roles just four years ago In 2019, the demand continued to rise, with a 56% year-over-year increase in data science job openings reported by LinkedIn, reflecting a rapidly expanding job market that outpaces the supply of qualified professionals.
In-demand Data Science and Analytics Salaries in New York City, 2019
2b Data Analytics: Growing Demand Across Occupations
The demand for data analytics skills is increasing across a wide range of occupations, extending beyond traditional computational roles Over time, more industries and job types are recognizing the value of data analytics, highlighting its expanding importance in the workforce Notably, many of the positions with the highest demand for data analytics expertise are outside of conventional tech-focused occupations, aligning with our goals to emphasize the widespread relevance of data skills across diverse fields.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 2,359 2,954 3,234 3,505 3,328 3,481 3,801 4,423 4,551 4,868 5,129 4,619 5,080 3,376 3,341
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance
Computer and Information Research Scientists 421 532 549 796 711 828 915 1,112 1,205 1,357 1,556 1,323 1,472 1,238 1,301
Computer and Information Systems Managers 677 728 819 916 971 936 1,017 1,226 1,243 1,434 1,659 1,386 1,494 1,058 1,110
Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk
Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other 704 926 994 915 879 943 1,014 1,069 1,030 1,092 1,160 1,170 1,291 928 972
Personal Service Managers, All Other 523 632 701 738 712 775 766 874 1,023 970 1,157 938 1,038 790 832
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support
Medical and Health Services Managers 366 387 369 427 341 465 510 542 566 574 634 523 557 397 353
Total (Including occupations not shown) 26,511 32,706 37,321 36,476 36,761 38,043 40,276 46,743 49,243 53,695 59,550 52,505 57,057 42,710 44,518
The article highlights that these occupations are experiencing both increased overall demand and a rising share of job postings seeking data analytics-ready candidates Notably, the top five occupations have shown a steady growth trend, with fluctuations in the rate of increase across different quarters, reflecting a growing emphasis on data analytics skills in hiring practices This trend underscores the increasing importance of data proficiency across various job sectors.
For larger versions of these tables, please visit: Google Drive
Total Job Postings 14,750 17,979 19,343 21,100 17,719 18,614 19,427 22,927 23,632 24,860 26,631 23,668 25,051 19,132 19,963 Data Analytics % 20.2% 20.8% 20.8% 20.8% 23.0% 22.7% 21.7% 21.8% 22.6% 22.2% 22.3% 22.8% 23.1% 21.7% 22.7%
Total Job Postings 15,505 18,020 19,321 19,865 18,873 19,531 20,569 23,422 24,332 26,209 26,833 23,489 25,376 17,482 16,853 Data Analytics % 15.2% 16.4% 16.7% 17.6% 17.6% 17.8% 18.5% 18.9% 18.7% 18.6% 19.1% 19.7% 20.0% 19.3% 19.8%
Total Job Postings 11,457 13,362 13,919 14,939 12,702 12,923 13,967 16,535 17,472 19,843 25,179 17,726 19,098 14,633 16,194 Data Analytics % 11.2% 11.2% 11.5% 12.0% 11.8% 12.3% 13.3% 13.2% 12.3% 11.8% 11.1% 12.2% 12.4% 12.5% 13.3%
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
2c Preparation needed for in-demand tech jobs
Technology, particularly data analytics and cybersecurity, is a rapidly evolving field driven by the expanding information economy that captures extensive data from various sources Effective data analysis supports decision-making across diverse workplace functions and sectors As data collection increases, cybersecurity's importance grows, making data protection a crucial standard requirement for organizations worldwide.
The research team analyzed data science and cybersecurity labor market reports and competency frameworks from reputable organizations like the Business-Higher Education Forum, IBM, Fullstack Academy Cyber Bootcamp, General Assembly, and NICE Although these skills frameworks are relatively recent, they are essential for defining learning outcomes and aligning educational programs with employer expectations Successful CUNY initiatives, such as Baruch College’s data analytics track for accounting majors, have collaborated with employers to develop these frameworks, ensuring students acquire valued skills and identifying gaps to enhance workforce readiness.
The research team leveraged existing frameworks to facilitate purposeful conversations with CUNY faculty and administrators, as well as industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into curriculum development and skills-based programs Faculty members suggested opportunities for updating or creating new curricula, while administrators highlighted skills-focused initiatives outside the classroom Industry professionals provided expertise on talent gaps and potential employment pipelines in New York City Through these discussions, key insights were identified that will inform future educational and workforce development strategies.
1 CODING AS A FOUNDATION: Some degree of exposure to computation is foundational in today’s tech economy
2 CYBER CREDENTIALS: There are several recognized credentials that outline the skills for Cybersecurity roles and have market currency
A Vision and Strategy for Technology Talent Development at CUNY
This article outlines the research team's vision to transform CUNY into New York City's leading hub for technology skills education, emphasizing strategic approaches to scale its impact It highlights key goals for developing CUNY’s capacity to serve as the primary engine for tech talent development in NYC The discussion includes actionable strategies tailored to achieve these objectives, along with detailed implementation recommendations for all stakeholders involved.
CUNY’s core mission is to enhance students’ knowledge and promote economic mobility Over the next two years, our research team aims to make significant progress toward this goal by developing strategies that support student success and community advancement Focused on impactful research, we are committed to creating initiatives that foster educational achievement and increase economic opportunities for our diverse student body.
CUNY provides all students, regardless of major, with access to foundational technology courses in areas such as data science, analytics, cybersecurity, and computer science These courses serve a broad segment of the student population, promoting essential digital skills for diverse disciplines and career paths.
● Every CUNY student with the interest to pursue technology skills in more depth has access to meaningful courses, majors, minors, or other credentials
CUNY students studying technology and DSA skills have access to a wide range of experiential learning opportunities during their academic journey These include on-campus and off-campus applied learning courses, internships, bootcamps, and hands-on activities designed to enhance practical skills Such immersive experiences are essential for preparing students for successful careers in the tech industry.
● Every CUNY student can leverage their college education to develop the social and professional capital and networks, especially where these are not necessarily concomitant with their individual backgrounds;
CUNY colleges are renowned for their strong partnerships with both public and private sector employers These collaborations are fundamental to their mission, fostering opportunities to develop relevant curricula and enhance teaching methods As a result, productive employer engagement is a standard practice across all CUNY institutions, supporting student success and aligning education with workforce needs.
● For CUNY to be the first stop for local, diverse talent development for any New York City employer
The research team emphasizes that while not every CUNY course or academic activity needs to adhere to this vision, it is essential for students, faculty, and administrators to align with it according to their individual goals This approach allows all members of the CUNY community to effectively utilize diverse educational modalities, fostering a more inclusive and adaptable learning environment.
Strategy 1 focuses on expanding awareness and foundational skills for "tech for everyone," fostering basic knowledge and motivation to learn more Developing tech and data literacy is essential, as these skills are increasingly required across a wide range of jobs, both within the tech industry and beyond, ensuring individuals are prepared for the future job market.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020
CS04All initiative has established a foundation Enough seats need to be made available and all students need access to laptops
Offering an introductory “data zero” course on every campus provides students with a broad perspective and essential foundational skills in data analytics The course should highlight diverse use cases, expose students to simple platforms to teach transferable concepts, and include case studies and application projects demonstrating how data analytics can solve real-world problems To enhance engagement, sections can be grouped by students' interests such as public policy, health, or marketing Campuses have flexibility in design, choosing to implement this as a standalone course, or integrating it into existing courses like CS04All, entry-level statistics, or discipline-specific classes in fields like natural sciences, economics, finance, or sociology.
Most students can benefit from a fundamental understanding of digital risks and cybersecurity principles, which should be integrated into introductory courses and broader curricula Incorporating cybersecurity education is essential whenever students engage with online tools, digital data, or risk management activities A recommended measure is a mandatory CUNY online tutorial on safe online practices, serving as a vital complement to existing safe behavior requirements, to enhance students' digital safety awareness.
To prepare students effectively for today’s job market, awareness of data ubiquity, career opportunities, and employer expectations should be integrated into early career development programs, including freshmen orientation, advisory curricula, and campus speaker events LaGuardia College is developing guided pathways that connect coursework and co-curricular activities to technology skills and employment opportunities, inspired by models from Dallas and Georgia It is essential to communicate that students must take initiative and demonstrate independence, as employers value self-motivation and a continuous learning mindset in today’s rapidly evolving job landscape.
To grow the number and proficiency of computer science majors and graduates, Strategy 2 focuses on sustaining and expanding CUNY programs, which serve as a critical pipeline for technology innovators, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts CUNY projects an increase in graduates to 3,084 by 2017, up from 1,543 in 2008, demonstrating significant progress The program's success is reflected in its innovative instructional and course offerings, as well as its support for internships, making it a model for related fields and contributing to workforce development in technology sectors.
Key areas for future development include expanding data analytics and cybersecurity opportunities within Computer and Information Technology majors Recent hiring of cybersecurity specialists by the Tech Talent Pipeline aims to address cyber skills needs, focusing on target competencies and recruiting Tech in Residence experts The program benefits from market feedback loops that help keep the curriculum and internships current through internship coordinators and Tech in Residence instructors; however, this information sharing could be expanded for broader impact Additionally, outer borough and smaller colleges may require increased access to these opportunities, prompting efforts to scale these initiatives effectively.
Tech Education Strategy at CUNY February, 2020 development of professional success skills, such as communications, interviewing and networking, in the classroom and in supplemental programs, as described in Strategy 4
Expanding and evolving data analytics courses and degree programs is crucial as awareness and interest outside of Computer Science grow regarding the importance of data literacy Our research faculty across disciplines are increasingly adopting computational strategies with large data sets, highlighting the need to enhance educational capacities in this area CUNY can build on successful initiatives like CUNY 2X to integrate more applied learning opportunities, leverage current expertise, and increase overall capacity to better prepare students for data-driven careers.
To effectively enhance educational outcomes, faculty must establish stronger links to the labor market by gaining a clear understanding of the most valued competencies, major employment opportunities, and emerging technological advancements This connection enables faculty to identify skill gaps within the current curriculum and adapt it accordingly, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills aligned with market demands and industry trends.
Existing skills templates in DSA and Cyber credentials and assessment platforms, like General Assembly, Microsoft Education, the Business Higher Education Forum, and Degreed, provide valuable starting points for curriculum development At the campus and cross-campus levels, faculty benefit from direct engagement with employers and sharing of findings beyond immediate environments CUNY central’s sector specialists facilitate connections with relevant employers, sector clusters, and faculty peer councils, while virtual forums help disseminate best practices Focusing on specific sectors such as healthcare or finance can create effective models for skills development Since employers are still developing documentation of foundational competencies, a collaborative approach is essential to secure their commitment for recognition opportunities like badging, as well as to create job pipelines through internships and employment for successful students and graduates.