Data Analytics & Machine Learning Concentration

Overview

Quick Facts

  • Delivery: On campus
  • Credits: 120

CS Concentrations

Do you want to apply computer science techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to the study of large amounts of data in order to extract meaning? Students in this concentration use these computer science techniques as a basis for critical thinking and decision-making in multiple domains, including scientific inquiry and enterprise-level data analysis.

Credits

Total to Graduate: 120

  • Core Major Courses: 33-36 credits
  • Concentration Courses: 27 credits
  • University Core Courses and Electives: 57-60 credits

Courses

The core courses for all computer science majors include topics in programming fundamentals, data structures, object-oriented programming, agile development, algorithms, discrete structures, probability, software engineering, and more.

A few of the concentration courses include:

  • DANA 100 Intro to Data Analytics
  • DANA 320 Data Visualization
  • CS 418 Database Design
  • CS 421 Data Analytics
  • CS 455 Data Mining and Machine Learning

 VIEW COURSE CATALOG

 Computer Requirements

Students majoring in computer science will need a laptop computer. Please view information about the department’s recommendations for laptop specifications. Freshman classes take place in departmental computer labs, but most students prefer to work on homework and projects on their own computers.

The world is awash in data; more than two million terabytes of new data are produced every day. Careers such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Engineer are ranked as No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7 on Glassdoor’s ranking of the 50 Best Jobs in America for 2022, and have median salaries ranging from $113,000 to $130,000.

Both inside and outside of the classroom, you will have the opportunity to apply your developing skills to benefit real people. Our program includes numerous Immersive Learning opportunities, such as Computer Science for Muncie (and surrounding schools), working with local technology company Accutech, developing software for Minnetrista, or working with real community partners within the senior capstone sequence.

“Over the nine years of my teaching the capstone series, we have worked with 67 community partners on 117 projects. Our community partners range from local and regional businesses, startups, to non-profit organizations and different university offices and departments across colleges.”

– Dr. Lan Lin, Associate Professor of Computer Science

Computer science pairs well with other STEM majors, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition, it is appealing to add a major in business, entrepreneurship, accounting, or finance. And, yes, you can pair a computer science concentration in data analytics & machine learning with a second concentration in computer science, such as web & mobile app development.

  • Principles of data analytics
  • Techniques for data visualization
  • Using data analytics for decision making
  • Mining large data sets to extract meaning
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques
  • Application of these analysis tools to different domains, such as science, business, and other areas
     
The CS program has equipped me with the ability to use problem solving skills on a daily basis to overcome challenges. I’m looking forward to using my CS degree to benefit my community.

– Beethoven Meginnis, ’24

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Do you want to learn more about our program or have questions about the application process or financial aid? We’re here to help! One of the best ways to understand why Ball State is right for you is to schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions to see it for yourself. Or if you’d like to speak directly to someone in our department, please feel free to call or email us.

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