Data Science is the fastest growth area in Computer Science
We now offer Data Science courses in the Software Development area of our Computer Professionals Master’s Program. This includes the following core courses:
- Big Data
- Big Data Technologies
- Big Data Analytics
- Machine Learning
In addition, students interested in this area should take (or waive) the following three courses:
- Algorithms
- Web Application Programming
- Database Management System
Important: Data Science Courses Information
The purpose of the data science courses is to supplement the software development skills that our students already have or are working to improve. Unless the student is already a strong software developer, has strong written and verbal English skills, and has an outstanding aptitude in college mathematics, or already has 3-4 years of solid data science or big data professional experience, data science courses are usually best taken with two courses on campus and two courses during distance education.
Taking data science courses will help a software developer to get involved at work with development projects that interface with data science. Gradually, the developer can learn and experience more in the data science domain. During a period of 3-4 years of employment, a developer might be able to shift his/her career path to that area. MSCS graduates who completed the data science courses offered, speak of a fulfilling career transition from software development to data science. They report that they were very happy they had four data science courses that helped facilitate moving in that direction.
Please note that our MSCS degree emphasizes advancing the skills of software development, and the data science courses compliment that emphasis but do not replace it. If a student has very little professional programming experience, it is important to focus on improving software development skills in order to be successful in the U.S. job market. The data science courses will enhance a student’s professional growth, but the student must still master software development for maximum success.