Johns Hopkins launches online master's program in data science

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals, the division of Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering that offers online and part-time graduate programs, has launched a new master's degree program in data science that students can complete online.

"Data science is a complex and incredibly dynamic field," said Thomas A. Longstaff, co-chair of the data science program. "The worldwide demand for deep technical expertise in data science has already begun to skyrocket."

Data scientists seek to extract useful insights from complicated data sets. Dubbed by the Harvard Business Review as "the sexiest job of the 21st century," data science requires skills that have quickly become among the most sought-after in government and industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for statisticians (which data scientists are considered to be) are projected to grow 34 percent between 2014 and 2024, much faster than the national average.

"We're excited to offer cutting-edge courses in this area to new students and also current students who are interested in supplementing their coursework," said James C. Spall, also a co-chair of the program. "Our program balances modern theory with real-world, practical exercises, so students can apply the skills they learn right away."

The curriculum of Johns Hopkins Engineering's Data Science program blends computer science and applied mathematics, preparing students to identify and analyze relationships in a wide variety of complicated data sets. To earn the master's degree, graduates will complete 10 courses, either online or by combining online and on-site courses, in subjects like data visualization, cloud computing, and statistical models.

"Given the proliferation of data-intensive disciplines, we developed a program that responds to the changing needs of the world," said Dexter G. Smith, associate dean at the Whiting School. "It will enable students to build the technical skills needed to manage and interpret the massive influx of data."

To be considered for the Master of Science in Data Science program, applicants must have completed prerequisite coursework in multivariate calculus, discrete mathematics, Java or C++, Python, R, and data structures. Johns Hopkins Engineering is accepting student applications for the spring 2017 and summer 2017 terms.

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals gives working adults a convenient way to advance their education and competitiveness in 21 traditional and newly emerging fields. Building on the world-class reputation and dynamic resources of Johns Hopkins University, Engineering for Professionals offers online and on-site classes at times that complement the busy schedules of today's practicing engineers and scientists.