Why Data Science?

The field of data science is evolving into one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the world. Organizations across industries are looking to make sense of the data they can now collect from new technologies – from predicting the next hot product to determining the risk of an infectious disease outbreak.

According to The New York Times, data science “promises to revolutionize industries from business to government, health care to academia.” As data accumulates, organizations are hiring individuals with the expertise to find meaning in the numbers and drive positive business decisions based on what they learn. It is estimated that by 2018, 4 million to 5 million jobs in the United States will require data analysis skills, and a recent study from the McKinsey Global Institute found “a shortage of the analytical and managerial talent necessary to make the most of Big Data is a significant and pressing challenge (for the U.S).” Glassdoor has ranked data scientist in the Top 2 on its “Best Job in America” (Accessed June 2021).¹

SMU’s program for the Online Master of Science in Data Science trains professionals in the skills they need to make sense of complex, messy data and apply what they learn toward the benefit of today’s global society. Students in this program will receive hands-on training that prepares them to ask relevant questions, retrieve pertinent data, visualize and analyze data, and interpret and communicate results. The program also emphasizes legal concerns, such as data security and privacy. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to work at companies, educational institutions, medical centers, financial centers and other organizations that leverage large amounts of data to gain insights and make decisions.

¹https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htmarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference