Analytics Insight – July 2019

Elevating Careers with

Remarkable Framework of

Knowledge in Data Science

S

aint Mary’s College was founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy

Cross in Notre Dame, Indiana. These bold women answered the

needs of the community and created an institution where women could

receive a well-rounded Catholic undergraduate education. The creation

of graduate programs, offered to both men and women, was done so in

response to the need for quality graduate programs in the areas of autism

studies, data science, speech-language pathology, and nursing practice. In

turn, the graduates of these programs fill gaps in their respective fields for

experienced, well-prepared, forward-thinking professionals.

Data-Centric Curriculum Honing Skills

Saint Mary’s College started developing the masters in Data Science

program about 6 years ago which was launched in August of 2015.

The program is a Professional Science Master’s (PSM), housed in the

Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Saint Mary’s, and as

such, the education offered is rooted in fundamentals, while also providing

students with professional skills. The primarily online program provides

students with the mathematical and computational depth needed to take

on complex data challenges facing today’s society and potential issues

in the future. Specifically, all students take courses in applied statistics,

applied linear algebra, computer programming, data mining, database

systems, and data visualization. The electives offered in this program also

aid students in developing their skills to become successful practitioners.

Courses like project management and communication are designed to

produce well-rounded employees ready to advance the field.

Outstanding Leaders Offering Unmatched Analytical Exposure

Starting in 2013, Saint Mary’s College started developing a data science

master’s program, using initial funds from the Lilly Endowment. Bogdan

Vajiac is the current director of the program, a position previously held

by Professor Kristin Kuter. Both the professors have been involved from the

beginning, and participated in curriculum planning and in establishing

partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Bogdan Vajiac

grad.saintmarys.edu

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THE 10 MOST PROMINENT ANALYTICS AND

DATA SCIENCE INSTITUTES IN 2019