Mar 28, 2024  
2024 Graduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING) 
    
2024 Graduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING)

Data Science (M.S.) - HEGIS Code 2299.00


The amount of digital data created globally doubles every two years and many organizations lack the ability to properly understand and analyze data or apply findings for meaningful change.  Data Scientists are critical in every field and every organization to enable thoughtful, multifaceted data analysis and then convey meaning and value to stakeholders. 

The Utica University MS in Data Science (MSDS) is designed for professionals who are looking to further their education and advance their career in this fast-growing field.  Offered 100% online, this asynchronous program allows students to build knowledge and skills with a contemporary and integrated core education and the opportunity to pursue a unique, applied specialization tied to specific career outcomes.  In Utica University’s MSDS program, students learn more than how to analyze data; they learn how to think about data and analytical findings in the larger context.

The MSDS provides students who have a bachelor’s degree the ability to choose 12 credits of electives designed to fit their professional and educational interests. This 30 credit-hour program requires the student to complete 15 credit hours in the data science core [five courses of three (3) credit hours each [Introduction to Data Science, Statistical Methods, Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization] and 12 credits in an area(s) of their choosing, and conclude with a three (3) credit masters capstone project or thesis. The program is designed so it can be completed in as few as five continuous terms of study or just under 2 years.

Graduates from this program will be able to:

1.    Identify appropriate methods for data analysis.

2.    Apply relevant quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.

3.    Access and process secondary data sources.

4.    Interpret, communicate, and apply findings.

5.    Evaluate data science regarding ethics, social responsibility, and bias.

The faculty have identified several advising specializations, groups of courses within the elective offerings that provide students with a focused path of study. Elective specializations are not formal parts of the curriculum but options within the elective section of the program. Students do not have to focus on a specialization but can with the consent of their advisor, simply elect to take courses that meet their needs or interests. The specializations identified by the faculty are:

  • Business Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Financial Crime
  • General

 

*Some specializations have courses that equal 1.5 credit hours; students will take two 1.5 credit hour courses to equal a three (3) credit hour course.

Academic Requirements (30 Credit Hours)


Major Core Requirements (15 credit hours)


Data Science Core Curriculum (must take all 5, courses build upon each other):

Specializations


Students who wish to specialize in one or more of the following areas must complete the courses as indicated below.  

Business Analytics (12 credit hours)


Designed for students interested in applying data skills in the business arena.  The Business Analytics specialization allows students to develop integrated skills in general business management courses with graduate students from the MBA program. 

Take four of the following seven courses:  

Cybersecurity Specialization (12 credit hours)


Designed for students who want to apply their data science knowledge and skills in state-of-the-art cybersecurity and computer forensic practices with coursework on leadership and planning adapted specifically to the cyberspace realm.  This specialization enables students to take classes with students enrolled in Utica University’s nationally recognized Cybersecurity program.   

Take four of the following six courses:

Financial Crime (12 credit hours)


Designed for students who want to apply their data science knowledge and skills to advance their competencies in managing corporate and advanced technological resources devoted to combating economic crime.  This specialization enables students to take classes with students from the Financial Crime and Compliance Management MS program.   

Social Science Analytics (12 credit hours) (No longer admitting students, being taught out)


Designed for students who want to better understand how data affects people and society, both positive and negative, and find solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing our world.

General specialization


Students without a specialization can select any graduate course in the catalog in consultation with the Program Director.

Multiple Specializations


Students in this program may opt to take multiple specializations under the following conditions:

1.  They must have the approval of their academic advisor and the Program Director.

2.  Courses should be taken in sequential order. Each specialization should be completed before starting the other.

3.  Courses may not be taken in tandem nor can eight week courses be doubled up.

4.  The Capstone project 680 and 690 can only be taken upon the completion of the specializations.

5.  Students must understand that only one specialization will be on their diploma but both will be on their transcript.

 

Data Science Capstone/Thesis


Pick one of the following