Program Overview
The Data Analytics program at Ohio State University equips students with expertise in computer science, mathematics, and statistics to analyze large data sets. Graduates develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and can specialize in areas such as biomedical analytics, business analytics, or data visualization. The program boasts high job placement rates, with graduates earning competitive salaries in various industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Data analytics applies fundamental scientific principles to the analysis of large, complex data sets. This rapidly growing field needs practitioners with expertise that cuts across core disciplines of computer science, mathematics, and statistics and with highly developed critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Objectives:
A student graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in data analytics will demonstrate:
- An understanding of and ability to apply computer science principles relating to data representation, retrieval, programming, and analysis of big data
- An understanding of and ability to apply statistical methods, models, and concepts to data analysis and to draw conclusions supported by data
- Critical thinking skills associated with problem identification, problem solving, and decision making
- The ability to apply knowledge gained from one area to problems and data in another
- The ability to communicate findings and their implications and to apply them effectively in organizational settings
Outline:
Core Fundamentals:
- Calculus and linear algebra
- Data mining and statistical learning
- Database design and cloud computing
- Optimization
- Probability and statistical inference
- Regression modeling and statistical decision making
- Software design and programming
- Visualization
Specializations:
Each student also chooses one of the following specializations to learn how data analytics is applied in a particular field:
- Biomedical and public health analytics
- Business analytics
- Computational analytics
- Data visualization
- Social science analytics Coursework in some specializations can be tailored based on a student’s interests.
Careers:
Possible Careers:
Although a relatively new field, data science, and analytics has been described by the Harvard Business Review as the “sexiest job of the 21st century.” Glassdoor, one of the world's largest job and recruiting sites, rated data scientist as the Best Job from 2016 to 2019. Companies in a wide range of fields actively recruit employees with specialized skills in data analytics.
Career Prospects:
Career prospects in data analytics are promising. A broad analysis by McKinsey & Company showed data analysis to be an integral business function in nearly every segment of the economy. Yet, there will be a large shortage of prospective data-analytic employees in the near term.
Upon Graduation:
- 75% of students have at least one job offer.
- Another 12% plan to attend graduate school.
- Companies hiring data analytics graduates include Accenture, Cardinal Health, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ford, Infoverity, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Children's Hospital, PwC, and Zillow.
Salary Estimates:
- The median pay for data scientists was $122,840 in 2019 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which classifies data scientists as computer and information research scientists.
- For recent graduates of the data analytics major at Ohio State, starting salaries ranged from $60,000 to $80,000.
The Ohio State University
Overview:
The Ohio State University is a large, public research university with a main campus in Columbus, Ohio, and regional campuses in Lima, Marion, Mansfield, Newark, and Wooster. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research facilities, and vibrant student life.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academics:
Colleges and schools, libraries, academic calendar, courses and classes, graduate school.Student Accounts:
Buckeye Link, BuckID, financial aid, student health insurance, Ohio State Account.Student Experience:
University housing, off-campus and commuter student engagement, dining services, organizations and involvement, inclusion, student health and wellness, recreational sports, counseling and consultation.Research:
Opportunities for business and industry, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, research administration, research stories.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ohio State boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including sports, arts, and community service. The university also offers a variety of housing options, dining services, and recreational facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Research Opportunities:
Ohio State is a leading research institution with extensive facilities and opportunities for students to engage in research.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience with numerous opportunities for student involvement.Affordable Education:
Ohio State strives to provide an affordable, high-quality education while minimizing student debt.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Majors and programs in various disciplines.Graduate:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Professional:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Online:
Degrees and certificate programs.Other:
The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and support services to students from all backgrounds. Ohio State is also home to a number of notable research centers and institutes, including the Wexner Medical Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.