Three New Graduate Offerings in Data Analytics
“Data scientist” has been dubbed “The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century” by Harvard Business Review. And according to Gartner, Inc., though 4.4. million IT jobs have been created globally to support big data between 2012 and 2015, there remains a shortage of skilled workers—only one-third of the jobs will be filled. To meet this need, Metropolitan College has introduced three new options for studying data analytics at the graduate level. They include:
- Data Analytics graduate certificate
- Data Analytics concentration, MS in Computer Information Systems
- Data Analytics concentration, MS in Computer Science
Boston University’s Metropolitan College Announces
Three New Graduate Programs in Data Analytics
April 2015, Boston—Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) announces three new options for studying data analytics at the graduate level. The new Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics and the Data Analytics concentration for MET’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) and Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) programs will be available starting with BU’s 2015 fall term.
The new certificate and master’s concentration sequence will provide students with the specialized skills required to compete for data analytics jobs amid rising global demand. According to a McKinsey Global Institute assessment, the shortage of skilled data analysts could reach 140,000 to 190,000 in the U.S. alone by 2018. That’s on top of a projected 1.5 million vacancies for managers and analysts with the ability to make effective data-driven decisions.
Whether taken on a standalone basis or as part of the 10-course MSCIS or MSCS program, the new sequence provides a solid grounding in data analytics, including the concepts and techniques of data processing, analysis, and visualization. Coursework emphasizes data, text, and web mining—the ability to tap often-immense amounts of varied information to fuel better decisions. Analysis of such “unstructured” data—including text fields, photographs, and video—can reveal information that is potentially important to an organization, but is outside the realm of traditional analytical methods.
MET’s new lineup of programs with a data analytics emphasis include:
- The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics, whichprovides a solid grounding in data analytics theory and practices. Whether online or on campus, students gain exposure to the methods and tools for data mining and knowledge discovery.
- The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with concentration in Data Analytics, which emphasizes technical competence in information systems, knowledge of managerial and organizational issues, and demonstrated skills in data analytics. Available online and on campus.
- The Master of Science in Computer Science with concentration in Data Analytics, an on-campus degree that develops a broad background in the theory and practice of computer science, combined with solid analytics skills.
“Data is being generated at an enormous rate and new techniques are continuously being developed to deal with it,” says Dr. Suresh Kalathur, director of Metropolitan College’s analytics programs. “Big data is a challenging area to be in—the forefront of the data revolution. Our new programs expose students to both the technical and practical sides of the discipline, which will make them more competitive.”
All data analytics courses include hands-on experience with leading analytical tools, including SAS, Microsoft Power BI, R, SQL Server, Oracle, and Google Analytics. Students benefit from an ongoing relationship between MET’s Computer Science faculty and IBM’s Academic Initiative, which helps bring the latest technology to BU’s classrooms and online learning environment.
“The analytics curriculum that we are developing at MET combines, in a unique way, the breadth of our programs with the academic strength of our full-time faculty and the broad and diverse industrial experience of our students,” notes Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Lou Chitkushev. “MET hosts a plethora of well-established academic programs that are based on data science, such as computer information systems, finance, actuarial science, criminal justice, and health informatics. The new Computer Science department data analytics curriculum will be offered in various delivery modes, including through our highly ranked online master’s in Computer Information Systems program.”
With the addition of the data analysis programs, Metropolitan College’s graduate programs in computer science and information technology now include:
- Graduate certificates in Advanced Information Technology, Computer Networks, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Digital Forensics, Health Informatics, Information Security, Information Technology, IT Project Management, Medical Security Information & Privacy, Software Engineering in Health Care Systems, Software Engineering, and Web Application Development
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, with concentrations in Computer Networks, Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Health Informatics, IT Project Management, Security, and Web Application Development
- Master of Science in Computer Science, with concentrations in Computer Networks, Data Analytics, and Security
- Master of Science in Telecommunication, with a concentration in Security
The MSCS concentration in Data Analytics is available part-time on campus. The MSCIS concentration and graduate certificate in Data Analytics are currently available part-time on campus and online. This year, MET’s online MS in Computer Information Systems program was ranked number three nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
About Boston University’s Metropolitan College
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 33,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with a number of multidisciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission.
As one of the University’s 17 degree-granting bodies, Metropolitan College (MET) offers more than 60 part-time undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs, providing a flexible learning environment that supports the academic, professional, and intellectual needs of working adults. Along with convenient evening classes, Metropolitan College also offers a variety of high-quality online and blended format programs. For more information, visit bu.edu/met.