Data Science

Indiana U Launches Master's Degree for Big Data Specialists

• By Rhea Kelly
• 11/03/14

To keep pace with projected job growth in fields related to big data analysis and management, the Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing is introducing a new master's degree program in data science.

Launching in January, the program comprises courses from computer science, informatics, information science, library science and statistics. It offers two degree paths — a technical path and a decision-maker path — allowing students to customize their educational experience to meet professional goals, according to the university.

"The pace of data generation continues to escalate at unprecedented levels, and IU's breadth and depth of faculty expertise in data science distinguishes our school and university," said Dean Bobby Schnabel in a prepared statement. "This program will produce well-prepared graduates who will provide a competitive advantage to companies and organizations across Indiana and throughout the nation."

Students will be able to take courses on campus, online or in a blended version with online and in-residence components. "The online option provides an affordable, flexible opportunity for working professionals, while the residential program provides physical access to the school's world-class faculty, opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, and immersion in the vibrant Bloomington campus," according to a press release. Students who select the hybrid option take the first year of courses online and complete the second year on campus.

Courses will cover four topic areas:

• Data analysis and statistics: developing and extending algorithms, statistical approaches and visualization techniques;
• Data lifecycle: understanding the process from digital birth to long-term preservation;
• Data management and infrastructure: how to manage and support big data projects; and
• Big data application domains: data analysis and decision-making in high-impact domain areas like health and security.

More information is available on IU's Data Science degree site.