Mason will begin offering an online version of the data analytics engineering master’s degree through Wiley Education Services in spring 2019 to serve a rising number of prospective data scientists and “big data” working professionals across the country.
In 2014, Mason became one of the first handful of U.S. universities to offer a data analytics master’s degree program. The on-campus version enrolled 334 students in spring 2018 across 10 concentrations, indicating strong demand for an online version.
“The goal is to expand out and have a footprint in the rest of the U.S.,” said Robert Osgood, director of the master’s programs in computer forensics, data analytics engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. “We’re looking to find people in Dallas or Louisville or wherever anyone is looking to enhance their career and knowledge of data analytics but can’t come here to take a class.”
The data analytics engineering degree will be the seventh online master’s program that Mason and Wiley have rolled out together. This past spring, the business, health systems management, health informatics and special education online master’s programs launched, as did certificate programs in applied behavioral analysis and autism spectrum disorders. Mason oversees the academic aspects of the programs, while Wiley handles technical support, marketing and other noncurricular roles.
“The Wiley partnership is a key part of Mason’s strategy to better serve adult learners,” said Michelle Marks, vice president of Academic Innovation and New Ventures. “We are responding to the growing demand for online master’s programs. Many working professionals are choosing the convenience of online classes.”
The online data analytics engineering master’s program will launch at a pivotal time in the industry. A 2017 Forbes story reported that the demand for data scientists and advanced analysts is expected to grow 28 percent by 2020. Employment website Glassdoor lists “data scientist” as the No. 1 occupation (median base salary: $110,000) on its 50 Best Jobs in America list based on the number of openings, pay and job satisfaction.
“The industry is screaming,” Osgood said. “There are just not enough people with these skill sets. In the job market, the demand for people with data analytics skills is hot.”
Mason’s Volgenau School of Engineering, School of Business and College of Health and Human Services collaborate on the data analytics engineering degree, tapping into the faculty’s extensive industry experience across disciplines. TechRepublic two years ago named Mason as one of the 20 best schools to study big data analytics, and Value Colleges this year ranked Mason 35th on its list of top 50 schools for big data graduate programs.
Daniel Garrison, director of Mason Engineering Online, worked with Wiley representatives to craft the new online data analytics engineering program. Because the program encompasses many different engineering disciplines, departments throughout the Volgenau School will gain exposure and a deeper understanding of the relationship with the university’s online education partner.
“We were looking long-range at what would be most beneficial to future contracts with Wiley,” Garrison said. “This is the tip of the iceberg. We’re excited about working with Wiley, and we’re excited about what this can do for our programs.”