The amount of digital data created globally doubles every two years and many organizations lack the ability to properly understand and analyze data or apply findings for meaningful change. Data Scientists are critical in every field and every organization to enable thoughtful, multifaceted data analysis and then convey meaning and value to stakeholders.
The Utica University MS in Data Science (MSDS) is designed for professionals who are looking to further their education and advance their career in this fast-growing field. Offered 100% online, this asynchronous program allows students to build knowledge and skills with a contemporary and integrated core education and the opportunity to pursue a unique, applied specialization tied to specific career outcomes. In Utica University’s MSDS program, students learn more than how to analyze data; they learn how to think about data and analytical findings in the larger context.
The MSDS provides students who have a bachelor’s degree the ability to choose 12 credits of electives designed to fit their professional and educational interests. This 30 credit-hour program requires the student to complete 15 credit hours in the data science core [five courses of three (3) credit hours each [Introduction to Data Science, Statistical Methods, Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization] and 12 credits in an area(s) of their choosing, and conclude with a three (3) credit masters capstone project or thesis. The program is designed so it can be completed in as few as five continuous terms of study or just under 2 years.
Graduates from this program will be able to:
1. Identify appropriate methods for data analysis.
2. Apply relevant quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
3. Access and process secondary data sources.
4. Interpret, communicate, and apply findings.
5. Evaluate data science regarding ethics, social responsibility, and bias.
The faculty have identified several advising specializations, groups of courses within the elective offerings that provide students with a focused path of study. Elective specializations are not formal parts of the curriculum but options within the elective section of the program. Students do not have to focus on a specialization but can with the consent of their advisor, simply elect to take courses that meet their needs or interests. The specializations identified by the faculty are:
- Business Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Financial Crime
- General
*Some specializations have courses that equal 1.5 credit hours; students will take two 1.5 credit hour courses to equal a three (3) credit hour course.
