A Study on the Demand for Further Education in the Bachelor of Science Program in Data Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the demand for undergraduate programs related to data science offered in Thailand and to analyze the feasibility of developing and opening a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program in Data Science at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani Province. The study was a survey research using data collection techniques from documents, questionnaires, and interviews. The target groups included four categories: high school students, graduates from fields related to data science, current students from fields related to data science, and public and private sector organizations involved in data science in Pathum Thani Province and nearby areas, with a total sample size of 500 participants. The statistical methods used for data analysis included mean, standard deviation, t-test, and F-test (ANOVA). The research findings indicated that (1) target group demonstrated the highest level of demand and interest in studying in a bachelor’s degree ( = 4.65, S.D. = 0.51), (2) there were significant differences on gender in opinions about appropriate study schedules (weekday/weekend) (t=0.893, p-value=0.008), internal facilities (t=2.507, p-value=0.001), and the target group with different academic backgrounds has opinions that the program is interesting and appropriate for pursuing undergraduate studies   (F=14.549, p-value=0.000), in the modular study format (F=4.551, p-value=0.004), and the attractiveness of subjects in the curriculum (F=73.236,                    p-value=0.000), at a 0.05 significance level. Most respondents perceive data science as essential for designing analytical frameworks, implementing data processing software effectively, and leveraging data for competitive advantage while maintaining ethical considerations in social and economic applications. Therefore, the findings support the feasibility of establishing a Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and provide insights that can be applied to developing and improving curricula in other related disciplines.