U Illinois Launches MOOC-Based Master's in Data Science

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is offering an online Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) degree through the Coursera massive open online course (MOOC) platform.

The MCS-DS degree is designed to build expertise in data visualization, machine learning, data mining and cloud computing to prepare students for careers as data scientists, one of the most sought-after and highest paid professions in the United States, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Full tuition for the program costs $19,200 for 32 credit hours, and students can complete the program in as little as one year or over a longer period depending on work and family obligations. For increased flexibility, the program is designed to be stackable, so students can take individual courses, several courses for a Coursera Certificate, or the complete master's degree program.

The courses and their accompanying lessons, activities and projects are open to anybody who registers on the Coursera site. "In order to earn the University of Illinois degree, learners who are accepted into the program will also be expected to complete additional course assessments with access to guidance, feedback and support from Illinois faculty and staff," stated a news release.

The program is now open for admissions. The application deadline for the first cohort of the degree program is June 15, 2016, with classes beginning on August 22, 2016. The first cohort will admit 150 students, with larger cohorts to be admitted in the following months.

Further information about the program can be found on the University of Illinois site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • From Fire TV to Signage Stick: University of Utah's Digital Signage Evolution

    Jake Sorensen, who oversees sponsorship and advertising and Student Media in Auxiliary Business Development at the University of Utah, has navigated the digital signage landscape for nearly 15 years. He was managing hundreds of devices on campus that were incompatible with digital signage requirements and needed a solution that was reliable and lowered labor costs. The Amazon Signage Stick, specifically engineered for digital signage applications, gave him the stability and design functionality the University of Utah needed, along with the assurance of long-term support.

  • cybersecurity analyst in a modern operations center monitors multiple digital screens showing padlock icons, graphs, and a global map with security markers

    Louisiana State University Doubles Down on Larger Student-Run SOC

    In an effort to provide students with increased access to real-world cybersecurity experience, Louisiana State University has expanded its relationship with cybersecurity solutions provider TekStream to launch TigerSOC, a new student-run security operations center.

  • flowing lines and geometric shapes representing data flow and analysis

    Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • geometric pattern features abstract icons of a dollar sign, graduation cap, and document

    Maricopa Community Colleges Adopts Platform to Combat Student Application Fraud

    In an effort to secure its admissions and financial processes, Maricopa Community Colleges has partnered with A.M. Simpkins and Associates (AMSA) to implement the company's S.A.F.E (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) across the district's 10 institutions.