In five years, consulting firm McKinsey predicts many companies will approach “data ubiquity.” That means organisations will have data “embedded in systems, processes, channels, interactions, and decision points that drive automated actions (with sufficient human oversight)”. 2030 isn’t too far off and companies are already rethinking their approaches to business to seize the new opportunities that the data- and AI-driven enterprise of 2030 will bring.
Between now and then, talent who can think and act “data and AI first” are set to be in demand. Those who can make data easy to use, track, and trust across any enterprise will have an edge to the most important firms of the most consequential industries. But to get there, a master’s degree is a must have. Specifically, from one of the US’s established schools of computing below that are bridging the gap between data and humanity – here’s why:
Texas A&M University’s Master of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary degree offering four tracks to specialise in. Source: Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) from Texas A&M University prepares graduates for leadership roles across diverse sectors, including consulting, financial services, healthcare, marketing, and technology. The programme has a proven track record in this aspect. Scores of students have become sought-after candidates in academia, industry, and government for their specialised knowledge and skills.
Spanning 30 hours and three semesters (1.5 years), the interdisciplinary programme starts with building a strong foundation of data science through core courses. These cover data mining, machine learning algorithms and applications, statistical analysis, and computational tools and methods for big data. Students then choose from a wide selection of electives with track-based emphasis in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, or Electrical & Computer Engineering. These electives explore cutting-edge areas in AI and machine learning, theoretical and applied analytics, and exciting applications in bioinformatics, statistics, science, visualisation, and more.
What makes the MSDS distinctive from other programmes is its flexibility and approach to career preparation. Core and elective courses ensure students master key concepts behind how companies can use data to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and solve complex problems. Students will also be able to put their knowledge into practice in experiential and real-world settings. Texas A&M University, as one of the largest and most advanced universities in the US, offers extensive opportunities to engage with industry professionals. These include networking events, competitions and hackathons, advanced skills training sessions, and other unique opportunities designed to boost employability.
From admission to graduation, the MSDS provides an invaluable education opportunity that has equipped graduates with proficiency in advanced mathematics, analytics, computer programming, artificial intelligence, and data governance. With these in hand, MSDS graduates have gone on to various roles such as data analyst, business analytics specialist, and statistical analyst in different industries. To walk the same path to success, apply to Texas A&M University now.
UCLA offers degrees in Data Science from two varying programmes. Source: UCLA/Facebook
University of California, Los Angeles
Ranked #1 public university in the US for eight years in a row, the University of California, Los Angeles offers master’s degrees in Data Science from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and UCLA Statistics & Data Science. Although dissimilar to each other, both these departments equip students with both practical tools and theoretical knowledge to make sense of large amounts of data in their own ways.
At the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, Data Science is one of eight areas of study in the Master of Engineering (MEng) programme. Spearheaded by Professor Guy Van den Broeck, you will explore technical tools used in the industry today like Python, deep-learning libraries, advanced probabilistic reasoning equipment, and distributed computation systems. You will then use them to analyse real-world data for your capstone project.
Over at UCLA Statistics & Data Science, you will find the Master of Applied Statistics & Data Science (MASDS). The programme fuses mathematical analysis with modern computer-based methods that will be useful for you to find work in various industries such as business, engineering, healthcare, financial services, science, and computing, as well as government and non-profit organisations. The MASDS includes a thesis project where you will work closely with an industry partner and a faculty member to solve an existing scientific or business problem.
At the University of Miami, students benefit from the university’s affiliation with the Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing. Source: University of Miami/Facebook
University of Miami
Having information isn’t the same as being informed. And no institution understands this better than the University of Miami. Question is, how can data be used to identify trends or pinpoint new solutions? The answer can be found in UM’s Master of Science in Data Science programme – an interdisciplinary course offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
“In the past, these vast amounts of data were only available to specialists, scientists and statisticians. Today, any one of us can take advantage of this data,” says Alberto Cairo, Knight Chair in Visual Journalism.
This programme provides interdisciplinary connections and experiential learning opportunities across all aspects of data science and computing: from machine learning to marine science, from city planning to communications. The available concentrations include Technical Data Science, Data Visualisation, Smart Cities, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Educational Measurement and Statistics, and Marketing.
Students benefit from the university’s affiliation with the Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing. The institute hosts Triton and Pegasus, two GPU-accelerated high-performance supercomputers, and provides internships through industry partners. Upon graduation, students are either employed or accepted at a PhD programme.
Miami has recently benefited from investments of over $12 million from the Knight Foundation and Phillip and Patricia Frost in technology growth. As the government continues to establish Miami as a global technology hub, opportunities are endless for UM students.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
