Binghamton University unveils new Master of Science in Data Analytics program

Binghamton University is adding a new graduate degree program, the Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA), which will begin in summer 2019.

The cross-disciplinary program is the result of a partnership between three of Binghamton University’s schools: Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management (SOM) and Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science.

“We are seeing data increasingly shape the world around us, and it isn’t exclusive to just one industry or sector of the economy. It’s everywhere,” says Manoj Agarwal, program director and professor of marketing in SOM. “With three schools behind the curriculum of the program, we believe a multidisciplinary approach will produce successful, multidisciplinary graduates who can face the unstructured data challenges of the future.”

The one-year program, which qualifies as a STEM degree, will leverage the insights and instruction from top-notch Binghamton University faculty in the fields of management, computer science, statistics and systems science to help students from diverse backgrounds build a comprehensive foundation in data analytics, while also giving them confidence in the analytical, quantitative, technical and leadership skills needed for successful careers in data analysis.

The curriculum of the 30-credit program provides a robust exploration of the core fundamentals of analytics, ensuring students have a solid grasp on important topics and concepts such as regression, machine learning, data mining, modeling, databases and large data repositories.

Electives offered by the three schools then give students the flexibility to explore applicable areas of interest.

Hands-on learning is integral to the education, and students will take two practicum courses that will allow them to work in collaboration with businesses and organizations to solve real-world problems.

“We’re very excited about the potential of the real-world component to the program. Students will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test, allowing them to understand the material through the framework of problem-solving. This kind of experiential learning is invaluable,” Agarwal says.

The program will be taught by a body of distinguished instructors already established at Binghamton University. The core faculty include instructors from the School of Management, Harpur’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Watson’s Department of Computer Science and Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering.

“Students will be immersed in a dynamic learning environment with the best Binghamton University has to offer in the realm of data analytics,” Agarwal says. “This program breaks down the traditional cross-discipline barriers that exist at so many colleges, ensuring that our students are getting an incredible value for the cutting-edge quality of the education they’ll be receiving.”

Recruitment for the first cohort is already underway, with classes set to begin in July 2019.

Interested in the MS in Data Analytics program? Contact msda@binghamton.edu with questions or visit binghamton.edu/data-analytics.