Degree Available On-Line
Beginning this fall, the University of Wisconsin-Superior will offer a Master of Science in Data Science degree that is completely online. This program is a collaborative effort of University of Wisconsin-Extension, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Superior.
“UW-Superior is very excited to add the Master of Science in Data Science program to our list of online offerings,” said Faith Hensrud, UW-Superior provost. “We feel this program can provide a tremendous educational option throughout the Northland. This program can help fill a growing gap caused by a shortage of people with vast analytical skills.”
Data Science Master’s Degree Offered On-Line by UW-Superior
The 12-course, 36-credit program, will provide graduates with the knowledge to clean, organize, analyze, and interpret unstructured data, deriving knowledge and communicating discoveries clearly to stakeholders. Organizations in nearly every industry are racing to hire qualified professionals with the skills to transform Big Data into big insights and better decisions. By uncovering insights hidden within large and complex data sets, organizations in nearly every industry can solve problems and seize opportunities they never knew existed.
Demand for deep analytical talent to exceed supply by 50-60% by 2018
With a shortage of data scientists, the employment outlook for professionals with the required skills and knowledge is extremely positive. The McKinsey Global Institute states that U.S. demand for deep analytical talent could be 50 to 60 percent greater than its projected supply by 2018. The result may be a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts to analyze big data and make decisions based on their findings, the McKinsey Global Institute concludes.
Career opportunities abound. Examples include working within healthcare systems to identify at-risk patients and intervene sooner; using collected public safety data to predict crime and stop it before it starts; and helping retailers to better forecast inventory and optimize supply-chain efficiency.
“This is an exciting career field that continues to grow quickly,” said Hensrud. “So many industries will be looking for individuals with the talent needed to help businesses operate more efficiently. I’m very excited about the career opportunities that await graduates of this program.”
The UW Master of Science in Data Science program offers a rigorous curriculum grounded in computer science, mathematics, management and communication. In the program, students are required to take each of the courses in the curriculum. Each course is three credits. Because all classes are fully online, students can complete the program from home, studying at the time of day that’s most convenient. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA. Aptitude tests, such as the GMAT and GRE, are not required.
For questions or additional information, call 877-528-6597 or visit www.uwsuper.edu/dl.
Source: Christina Kline, Interim Director of Distance Learning, (715) 394-8055
