Data Science/Analytics master’s program information session March 11

Two Clemson University colleges are collaborating to launch their second cohort for a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics, in addressing one of 21^st century business’ most in-demand skill sets.

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business Department of Management and the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences are holding a virtual information session March 11 for candidates seeking admission into the July 2021 class.

The Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (DSA) is an entirely online degree program developed by the business and mathematical sciences disciplines at Clemson. The program requires 30 credit hours, 15 hours from the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and 15 hours from the Department of Management.

“This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary degree program where students will learn decision making skills with quantitative reasoning through a business lens,” said Russ Purvis, professor of Management and DSA program co-director. “Like last year’s inaugural class, this cohort will have a wide diversity of backgrounds that will provide the market with the talent needed in a cross-section of industries.”

The March 11 information session will be led by Purvis and Ellen Breazel, mathematical and statistical sciences senior lecturer and DSA program co-director. They will provide an overview of the program’s collaborative strengths, the degree options and class descriptions. The session will end with a Q&A that will be attended by faculty and the co-directors.

“The program is expanding this year and will continue to grow as the demand for analytics-enabled and data science careers grows,” Breazel said. “This holistic program crosses over the mathematics, statistics and business management disciplines. Cohorts will leave the program knowing how to use, manage and apply data science and analytics in their everyday business decision making.”

Geared primarily to working professionals, the DSA degree program will have direct links — including presentations – to potential employers such as SAS, Google and IBM. Other leading companies committed to participating include TravelZoo and Amazon.

Cohorts in the DSA degree program’s first year said the interdisciplinary make up of their cohorts and the program’s part-time option made for a flexible learning environment for working professionals.

“After working in the technology industry for more than five years, I wanted to expand my skillset and knowledge and Clemson’s part-time program made it workable for me,” said Steele Schauer. “The diverse background of my classmates has exceeded my expectations and the skills I learned in just the first semester I was able to put to use at my full-time job.”

Breazel and Purvis said the DSA degree program addresses the insatiable demand business has for data sciences and advances the big data agenda, one of Clemson’s strategic innovation areas of focus.

“The program has been developed to address the skills needed in this growing professional competency,” Breazel added. “The program’s curriculum will help businesses and individuals realize the value big data can bring to their strategic decision making and ultimately their success.”

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