Data science is not just a popular career path, it’s one that’s here to stay. Employers are searching for those with the skills and knowledge to transform data to push their organizations forward. Ball State's online-only master's in data science will help you gain these big data skills.
Growth projections in data science employment are expected to increase rapidly – nearly 20 percent, nationwide – within the next 10 years (Source: Lightcast™ – economicmodeling.com). How will you prepare for these lucrative positions and high demand in the field?
Applicable Experience
You’ll not only gain strong foundations in math, computer science, and statistics, you’ll also experience high-impact practices in big data that you can apply immediately in your current career. The skills you’ll learn are the same ones that are in high-demand across the nation.
- Data Science
- Python
- Machine Learning
- SQL
- Apache Hadoop
- Big Data
- Data Analysis
- Predictive Modeling
- Data Mining
- SAS®
- R
In addition to these skills, we will prepare you to earn relevant industry certifications, such as those offered by SAS Institute, Inc. upon graduation.
What is a Data Scientist?
As a data scientist, you may find yourself implementing computational algorithms based on robust statistical principles to address real-world problem-solving in a diverse number of application domains.
Skills You'll Learn
Data Visualization
Programming
Statistics
- SAS® Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS® 9.4
- SAS® Certified Professional: Advanced Programming Using SAS® 9.4
- SAS® Certified Big Data Professional Using SAS® 9
- SAS® Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Using SAS® 9
- SAS® Certified Clinical Trials Programmer Using SAS® 9
Ball State is focused on the student experience. Even in an online learning environment, we place an emphasis on smaller class sizes, and greater personal attention from faculty to benefit you most.
Aihua Li, Master’s in Data Science Professor, is Living Example
Aihua Li, assistant teaching professor of data science, uses herself as an example of what one can do with an advanced degree in data science.
READ HER STORY!
Who Should Apply?
If you have a background, even if considered introductory, in statistics, computer programming, advanced mathematics, and/or relevant work experience then this degree would be a perfect way to advance your skills, and ultimately your career. Most students complete the program in five or six semesters.
Online, Flexible, Relevant, and Evolving Curricula
Data science graduates usually transition into one of the following different occupation groups:
- Software Development
- Network and Systems Engineering
- Business Analysis
- Data Analysis and Mathematics
- Database Specialists
- Financial Analysis
- Business Intelligence
- Front-end Application Design
- Health IT Professional
- Policy Analysis and Planning
When we say our courses are flexible—complete courses when and where it fits in your schedule—it goes beyond the 100 percent online delivery format. It extends to the way we constantly assess our courses to make sure they meet the needs of the always-evolving data science field. It extends to YOUR interests and professional development goals.
Additionally, you will find that the 33-credit, non-thesis program provides you with 15 credits of core courses with 18 credits to focus your learning experience. The knowledge you gain in these courses can easily expand in to a number of discipline-specific applications in the health, environmental, social, and behavioral sciences.
For a full list of the courses covered in the master’s in data science, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
- CS 617 Introduction to Programming (3 credits)
- CS 654 Machine Learning and Data Mining (3 credits)
- DSCI 601 Introduction to Data Science (3 credits)
- DSCI 602 Statistical Methods for Data Science (3 credits)
- DSCI 605 Data Visualization (3 credits)
- CS 621 Data Analytics (3 credits)
- CS 636 Advanced Database Systems (3 credits)
- DSCI 604 Data Storage and Management (3 credits)
- ICS 625 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (3 credits)
- ICS 664 Cloud Technologies (3 credits)
- MATH 610 Statistical Programming: Base SAS 9 (3 credits)
- MATH 624 Introduction to Statistical Learning (3 credits)
- MATH 627 Generalized Linear Models with Applications (3 credits)
- MATH 628 Computational Methods in Statistics (3 credits)
- SOC 686 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
- DSCI 607 Data Analytics for Environmental Sciences (3 credits)
- DSCI 608 Data Analytics for Bioinformatics (3 credits)
- DSCI 609 Data Analytics for Social Sciences (3 credits)
- DSCI 610 Data Analytics for Health Sciences (3 credits)
Questions?
Ready to Apply?
We know that you’re busy, which is why we want to make the application process as accommodating as possible for you, starting with not requiring the GRE.
If you are ready to apply now, you can send unofficial transcripts of your undergraduate degree-granting institute to begin your application. Do know that your official transcripts will be required shortly after to be fully admitted into the Ball State University Graduate School.
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