Evansville introduces Statistics and Data Science degree program

The program is grounded in classical statistical techniques while incorporating cutting-edge techniques and tools for dealing with big data.
The program is grounded in classical statistical techniques while incorporating cutting-edge techniques and tools for dealing with big data. | File photo

The University of Evansville Department of Mathematics recently unveiled its new Statistics and Data Science degree program, allowing students to gain expertise in a rapidly growing field where job demand is expected to outpace personnel by 2018.

“Individuals with education and experience in data science are in high demand,” Evansville Vice President for Enrollment Services Shane Davidson said. “Right now, the average salary for a data scientist is $118,000.”

The field of data science deals in extrapolating meaning from vast amounts of data and has applications in scientific disciplines, marketing, education and sports, among other sectors. Data scientists must be proficient in mathematics, statistics and computer programming as wells as working with real-world data. The Evansville program will educate students on applying statistical and computational methods to data to develop actionable insights.

“The curriculum for the new program is grounded in classical statistical techniques while incorporating cutting-edge techniques and tools for dealing with big data,” Dave Dwyer, chair of the Evansville Mathematics Department said. “The courses are all project-driven, so students gain experience in working with real-world data not only through their internship experiences, but also through their course work.”