Illinois Institute of Technology - Online Data Analytics and Data Science Programs
The College of Science at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) offers two online master’s degree programs in the field of analytics. The Master of Computer Science (MCS) with a Specialization in Data Analytics explores the latest IT data systems, and gives students the skills to interpret large datasets and draw actionable conclusions from that analysis. The Master of Data Science (MDS) degree focuses on the design and implementation of sophisticated statistical algorithms and other computer programs used to clean, sort, and make sense of Big Data in real-work situations. Both online master’s programs require 33 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed through part-time enrollment in roughly two years. Neither of these programs has any mandatory campus visits.
IIT’s College of Science designed its online Data Analytics and Data Science programs with three types of students in mind: computer science professionals aiming to advance their careers; recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science who want to expand their knowledge base; and people with an advanced computer science degree who are interested in further specialization. The programs employ asynchronous instruction, which means that lectures are videotaped and made available online to students on-demand, along with all other course materials. Assignments are submitted through an online learning platform. Proctored exams are taken online using a webcam and high-speed Internet connection and students correspond with instructors through the online learning platform.
Students in the MCS with a Specialization in Data Analytics program must take the equivalent of 11 classes to complete the degree, including four courses in their area of concentration. These specialization courses cover subject areas like: Data Mining, Data-Intensive Computing, Online Social Network Analysis, Machine Learning, and Data Preparation and Analysis. Students with at least three A’s and one B in these courses then have an option of completing a Master’s Project for up to six of the 33 total credits required, or taking additional classes in Data Analytics. The remaining 21 credits (7 classes) are selected from three core areas of Computer Science: Programming, Systems, and Theory. Students must take at least one class from each of these areas. In Programming, options include: Syntactic Analysis of Programming Languages; Operating System Design and Implementation; and Cloud Computing. Systems courses cover topics like: Advanced Computer Architecture; Wireless Networking; and Analytic Models and Simulation of Computer Systems. Theory classes include: Computational Geometry; Design and Analysis of Algorithms; and Science of Programming.
IIT Online’s MDS degree also requires students to complete the equivalent of 11 classes for graduation. Six of these classes must be part of the core Data Science curriculum, and can include: Advanced Database Organization; Applied Statistics; Machine Learning; Data Preparation and Analysis; Project Management; and Public Engagement for Scientists. Students can then choose three courses from a range of electives in Computer Fundamentals, Computer Science Applications, Probability and Statistics, and Mathematical and Scientific Computing. The remaining six credits of the degree program are devoted to a Practicum and Data Science Seminar, which gives students the opportunity to engage in an applied research project, and report on their findings.
The Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.