Program Overview
MTSU's Master of Science in Data Science equips students with advanced skills in data visualization, predictive modeling, and business analytics. The program offers both online and on-campus courses, allowing flexibility for full-time students and working professionals. Students have opportunities to collaborate on research projects with faculty and participate in data-driven initiatives through the Data Science Institute. The degree prepares graduates for careers in data analysis, business intelligence, and data science, with notable companies seeking hires in this field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MTSU offers a Master of Science in Data Science through the College of Basic and Applied Sciences. The Data Science program aims to prepare students to be competitive on the job market. The courses will equip students with advanced data science skills including, but not limited to, computer programming, data visualization and manipulation, predictive modeling, business analytics, and communications. Data Science uses tools of data visualization, predictive analytics, and web applications to communicate complex data, discover information, aid businesses in decision-making, and add the value of business. Data science is widely used in modern industrial production, business, and social media, and is making an increasing impact on human life. Data scientist is ranked as one of the best careers. The curriculum provides both online courses and on-campus courses. Whether you are a full-time student or a working professional, you will be able to find a suitable path towards a master's degree. Please contact the program director, Dr. Qiang Wu (qiang.wu@mtsu.edu), to discuss a course plan to maximize or minimize the number of online courses according to your needs and preferences.
Research:
Students in Data Science programs at MTSU have the added opportunity to work with faculty from across the university on research and data contracts. Through the Data Science Institute, the following types of projects are possible:
- Data projects that help nonprofits: An opportunity to sharpen skills and use data for good.
- Data projects with companies. These can be compensated opportunities for students to work on real projects for businesses that need help analyzing their data.
- Data Dives (hackathons): Which are events that allow all students to participate in a hackathon style event where data from a nonprofit or company is presented and then students have 24 to 36 hours to analyze the data to solve specific objectives.
- Research projects with faculty: Either funded or unfunded research that is data-driven in any discipline.
Careers:
This degree is intended to help individuals be more competitive in their current role or allow them to pivot into a new career path. Below are different careers and companies for this degree.
Careers directly related to this degree:
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Data Analytics Consultant
- Data Architect
- Data Engineer
- Data Infrastructure Engineer
- Data Mining Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Junior Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Marketing Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
Career path with experience or additional education:
- AI Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Quantitative Researcher
- Statistician
Notable Companies looking to hiring in Data Science:
- Accenture
- Amazon
- Asurion
- Bank of New York Mellon
- Bridgestone
- CAT Financial
- CGI
- Change Healthcare
- Deloitte
- Digital Reasoning
- Dollar General
- EFC Systems
- Genesco
- Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
- HPA Cognizant Technologies
- Ingram Content Group
- Juice analytics
- LBMC
- Nissan
- State of Tennessee
- Stratasan
- The General
- Tractor Supply
- Trinisys
- Vaco
- Vanderbilt Medical
Middle Tennessee State University
Overview:
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.
Services Offered:
MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Financial Aid:
83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.Campus Improvements:
The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.Academic Support:
MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.Student Life:
The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.Career Services:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:
Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:
MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.Active Student Organizations:
Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.Athletics:
MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.Campus Events:
The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.Student Union:
The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.Strong Academic Programs:
MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.Diverse Student Body:
MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.Career Opportunities:
MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.Business:
Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.Education:
Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.Engineering and Technology:
Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Fine Arts:
Offers majors in music, theater, and art.Health and Human Sciences:
Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.Liberal Arts:
Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.University College:
Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.Other:
- MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
- MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
- MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
- MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
- MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.
Entry Requirements:
an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college; a GPA of 2.75 or higher in all college work taken.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
International students who do not speak English as a native language should provide evidence of language proficiency. They must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language score (TOEFL, www.ets.org/toefl, minimum score of 71 Internet based); International English Language Testing System score (IELTS, www.ielts.org, minimum score of 6.0); International Test of English Proficiency score (iTEP, www.itepexam.com, minimum score of 4.5); E.L.S. instruction (www.els.edu, completion of level 112), as a demonstration of English proficiency in order to be admitted to graduate studies at MTSU
