University of Phoenix Launches Master’s Degree in Data Science

The University of Phoenix has launched a new Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) degree program to prepare students to create and manage data sets and models used to streamline business operations, an announcement last week said.

According to a news release, the MSDS program — offered through the university’s College of Business and Information Technology — is focused on database design, data processing and warehousing, data queries and interpretation, business intelligence and statistical methods.

The announcement said the program requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. Courses within the program, such as its Enterprise Business Intelligence course, aim to teach students data preparation and statistical analysis, as well as how to communicate data trends.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cited by the university’s announcement, computer and information research scientist job openings in need of professionals with data science skills are projected to grow by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030.

“Organizations’ strategic plans rely on the understanding of data science and its implications for growth,” the college’s Dean Kevin Wilhelmsen said in the statement. “The MSDS program is designed to help individuals provide leadership in the management and direction of data for their organizations. The program will prepare professionals to integrate and evaluate enterprise data while understanding how to identify meaningful patterns and trends.”