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UW Data Science Grad Takes On Leadership Role at Microsoft, Co-Authors New Book

July 22, 2022 By Brandon Arbuckle Leave a Comment

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Whether it was publishing a book on machine learning or becoming a director at one of the world’s leading tech companies, the past year has been a busy one for Austin Hagerty. He credits much of his success to what he learned in the 100 percent online University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program.

“I would not be in the position I am if I had not gone through that program and had that foundational knowledge and practitioner knowledge,” he said. 

But getting there wasn’t simple. Austin’s path to success resembled a winding road more than a straight line.

From Programming and Art History to Project Delivery

Before he was a published author and Director of Data and AI at Microsoft, Austin’s interests led him to several experiences in and outside the tech industry. 

During the 1980s, Austin’s father worked in engineering at the onset of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Influenced by his father’s career and the many computers within his childhood home, Austin began programming at an early age. 

He carried that passion for programming with him throughout high school and into college, where he pursued an undergraduate degree in physics at UW-Milwaukee. Austin grew to love the humanities courses he was required to take for his degree and saw a new opportunity to apply his background to an entirely different field.

“I actually switched to an art history major with a focus on leveraging data and statistics,” Austin said. “Because so much of [art history] was subjective at the time, I was very interested in taking a more empirical, data-driven approach. Having been so focused on technology in my younger years, it was incredibly rewarding to focus on the humanities.”

Austin graduated from UW-Milwaukee and later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for a post-baccalaureate in art history to dive deeper into the field and explore a potential career change.

“I didn’t want to be 70 or 80 years old and say, well, I stayed in tech and never explored that other potential path in life,” he said. 

Although Austin appreciated his time at UCLA, he ultimately decided a career in art history wasn’t for him. With many of the art pieces he was studying being variations and copies of original work or stolen without context, the amount of data that could be analyzed in the field at the time was insufficient to drive meaningful insights. 

Austin pivoted his focus back to the tech industry after college, working in project delivery as a project manager, program manager, and eventually portfolio manager. In those roles, he learned how to run a business and lead engineering efforts while still keeping his technical skills intact. 

He then had an opportunity to lead a workforce analytics team at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee, which allowed Austin’s background and interests to converge. Shortly after starting this new position, he enrolled in the UW Data Science program to expand his data science knowledge and grow as a leader.

An Online Data Science Degree Program with Value

As Austin researched graduate-level data science programs, the Wisconsin native compared other universities and their tuition costs to the UW Data Science program.

“Many were incredibly expensive,” he said. “And for an online program, it didn’t make sense to invest $60,000 or $70,000 just to have the university name. Instead, I prioritized quality and program value. Reputation was also important, and UW has a fantastic reputation.”

The course list was another factor that stood out to Austin, as the UW program included diverse course offerings like DS 760: Ethics of Data Science.

“Having a class on ethics was perfect, because that’s a constant discussion item when you’re doing any workforce analytics problem,” Austin said. “You have to continually ensure that the analysis you are doing is fair and ethical.” 

Other highlights of the program for Austin included taking courses on data visualization and analysis, data warehousing, and strategic decision making. 

Austin with his daughterBecause the UW Data Science program is 100 percent online, Austin benefited from a flexible learning environment where he could complete coursework anytime, anywhere. The online learning format was especially helpful when major life events took place, like when his family moved to a new city.

Although he graduated from the program with a 4.0 GPA, Austin’s experience did not come without some initial challenges. Since he had not taken a college course in many years, part of the learning curve was simply getting back into the rhythm of being a student.

“Learning how to learn is in many ways more important than just rote memorization of facts and course materials,” he said.

Fortunately, faculty were engaged and eager to provide support when Austin had questions or feedback. He also received help from Senior Success Coach Michael Paul and Dr. Jeff Baggett, the assigned student advisor from his home campus of UW-La Crosse.

Austin found a sense of community in the program. He enjoyed working on group projects and meeting other students through discussion sections, which resulted in interesting networking opportunities.

“I actually ran into [a former classmate] a couple of years later on the job,” he said. “And we just happened to recognize each other’s names, living in Texas, of all places. A big part of grad school is who you meet, the connections you make, and developing that passion and career support as you move forward.”

Austin’s determination led him to complete the program in two years, a rapid pace for students working full-time.

RELATED: Take a Look at a UW Data Science Course: Foundations of Data Science

Finding Further Success in Data Science

While enrolled in the UW Data Science program, Austin immediately applied the knowledge he learned in the courses to his work as Assistant Director at Northwestern Mutual. 

“I wasn’t doing a lot of the coding myself, but [I learned how] I could guide the team and step in where they didn’t have skills,” he said. “It helped me be a better leader.”

Austin credits the skills he acquired from the UW Data Science program for the career growth that followed. He used the knowledge and experience gained to help organizations build and grow data science functions and realize the value of data. His latest endeavor as Director of Data and AI at Microsoft opens new doors to driving impact. 

“It is a great way to expand [my] knowledge, to help [Microsoft] deliver value for customers through data science, and it’s in a field that is growing and booming,” he said. “There’s a lot that I’ve learned over the years too that I’m able to apply [to this role] because of the UW program.” 

RELATED: Data Science Webinar Highlights the Current Job Market and Future of the Field

Writing the Next Chapter

The UW Data Science program has helped elevate Austin’s career in more ways than one.

“Each step of the way, the program has benefited me,” he said. “I’ve been able to be an effective data science leader because I can understand the concepts and speak the language.”

This includes written language as well—two months after accepting his position at Microsoft, Austin published Introducing HR Analytics with Machine Learning: Empowering Practitioners, Psychologists, and Organizations. What started as his capstone project in the program turned into a full-fledged book when Austin formed a networking connection with Christopher Rosett at an analytics conference. 

Rosett was impressed by Austin’s R programming language presentation at the conference and asked if Austin was interested in co-authoring a book with him.

“I wouldn’t have been able to write that book without the knowledge I gained in the UW program,” Austin said. 

If Austin’s story is any indication, there are several ways to achieve success in the field of data science. His advice to prospective students? Focus on mastering the core elements and understand how to find and leverage new information. Students should also keep an open mind and have a desire to learn.

“There’s a lot of different paths you could take with a program like this,” he said. “And from a career perspective, stay curious. Stay intellectually hungry. Keep learning. This is not a static field.”

Want to learn more about the UW Master of Science in Data Science? Talk with an enrollment adviser by emailing learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu or calling 608-800-6762.

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Filed Under: Student Stories, Will Migrate to UWEX Tagged With: data science, data science degree, Master's Degree, microsoft, Online Learning, student story, university of wisconsin, UW Extended Campus

Data Science vs. Data Analytics: The Differences Explained

October 21, 2020 By Kaitlynn Martin Leave a Comment

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If you’ve ever scanned job websites for roles in data, you’ve probably seen listings for data scientists and data analysts accompanied by job descriptions that sound quite similar. While the two fields are interconnected, data science and data analytics vary in scope, responsibilities, and goals.

One overarching similarity is that professionals in both roles use big data to solve problems and create improvements in an organization. The biggest difference, however, is how they interact with data. 

Data scientists often work with vast stores of raw data, working as investigators to create ways to analyze and model that data using statistical analysis and heavy coding. The goal of their work is to uncover the questions the data can answer. Data science often lays the foundation for further investigation. 

Data analysts leverage the modeling of the data scientist to create actionable and practical insights using a variety of tools. The work of data analytics involves using organized data to apply findings immediately.

Skills and Tools You’ll Need in Data Science and Data Analytics

There are some distinct differences between skills needed for data science and data analytics careers. However, there is also some overlap.

data science vs data analytics skills comparison in venn diagram
A Venn diagram highlighting the similarities and differences between the skills needed for data science and data analytics careers.

A Deep Dive into Jobs and Responsibilities

When looking at job opportunities, it’s important to not only look at the job title, but also the responsibilities, as the titles can overlap between data science and data analytics.

Some common job titles in the data science field are:

  • Data scientist
  • Data analyst
  • Data architect
  • Data mining engineer
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Hadoop engineer
  • Predictive modeler

Data science responsibilities often include: identifying opportunities for investigation, collecting data, predicting trends, cleaning and validating data, and communicating. To learn more about data science careers, read here.

Some common job titles in the data analytics field are:

  • Data analyst
  • Business analyst
  • Database analyst
  • Market research analyst
  • Operations analyst
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Tableau developer

Here are some common data analytics responsibilities: exploratory data analysis, data cleansing, statistical analysis, and developing visualizations.

Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of a data scientist is $100,910. The 2022 Burtch Works Salary Report found that data scientists make on average between $90,000 and $275,000 annually, depending on experience level and managerial responsibilities. According to the same report, analytics professionals (referred to as artificial intelligence professionals in the report) can make between $105,000 and $275,000 on average, also depending on experience level and managerial responsibilities. For a more in-depth look at salary information, visit here.

Educational Advantage

One way to increase your salary is to earn an advanced degree, which is common in both fields. The Burtch Works study found that 93 percent of the data scientists and analytics professionals surveyed held an advanced degree.

A graph from the Burtch Works study showing the educational levels—including bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D.— of predictive analytics professionals and data scientists.
A graph from the Burtch Works study showing the educational levels—including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD—of data scientists and analytics professionals (referred to as AI professionals in the report).

The 100 percent online UW Masters in Data Science prepares students for both data science and data analytics roles. Students not only learn technical skills they need to succeed, but they also gain knowledge in effective project management, leadership, and communication. 

Want to focus on data analytics? UW Extended Campus offers a virtual Data Analytics Bootcamp that can be completed in just 24 weeks. You will graduate from the program ready to apply your knowledge in the professional world.

Discover

The University of Wisconsin offers an online, 36-credit Master of Science in Data Science degree program. This data science master’s program will teach you how to harness the power of big data using the latest tools and analytical methods. Start your journey today.

Explore

Curious about what you’d learn in UW Data Science courses? See the curriculum.

Ask

Have questions about the UW Data Science program? Contact an adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

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Filed Under: Careers, Will Migrate to UWEX Tagged With: data analytics, data analytics career, data science, data science career, online data science degree, UW Data Science

UW Data Science Student Works Toward Master’s Degree to Expand His Future Career

March 26, 2020 By Kaitlynn Martin Leave a Comment

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Although he has already earned two bachelor’s degrees—one in English and the other in information science and technology (IST)—Tim Drexler isn’t done yet. As a student in the 100 percent online University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science (UW MSDS) program, Tim hopes to gain more programming and Big Data experience in order to take the next step in his career.

When he first graduated from UW-Madison with his English degree, Tim transitioned from a part-time role to a full-time one at South Central Library System, working in its delivery service. Over the past 20 years, Tim has moved up from delivery driver to delivery operations support manager.

“My job responsibilities have changed in many ways,” Tim said. “Three times a year, we complete a data sampling of our delivery volume. I am now responsible for collecting the data and putting it together in analysis spreadsheets. Working on these projects made me seriously think about how data science is something I would be good at.”

Tim’s untraditional entrance into the data science world continues to push him out of his comfort zone. On LinkedIn, he describes himself as a “systems-level analytical thinker and lifelong learner.”

In 2015, Tim began looking for a degree that would prepare him for a more technology-focused career, and he knew an online program would work best for his busy schedule. He considered Madison Area Technical College, but it offered programs with in-person class requirements that didn’t fit into his life. However, University of Wisconsin Flexible Option caught his eye, especially its 100 percent online IST degree. It felt like an attainable next step that worked with Tim’s goals and around his work/life schedule.

It took Tim only 13 months to graduate from the UW Flexible Option IST program with a UW-Milwaukee bachelor’s degree—a milestone that motivated him to consider pursuing a master’s degree in data science.

“UW Flexible Option was really good preparation for online learning in general,” Tim said. “I had experience within the learning system, and I knew how to motivate myself and manage my time, which are skills I continue to use in UW MSDS.”

RELATED: UW Flexible Option’s First Applicant Graduates with Information Science and Technology Degree

A Program Where Passion and Learning Converge

Every course in the UW MSDS program has been a huge learning opportunity for Tim. So much so, that he finds it difficult to choose just one as his favorite. From data mining and machine learning, to data warehousing and statistical methods, the UW MSDS curriculum touches on all aspects of a data science career.

“The courses are definitely a lot of work,” Tim said. “But I feel like I’m getting so much out of them.”

Tim’s favorite project in the program so far has been part of DS 740: Data Mining. Students use a dataset of their choice from Kaggle—an online source for datasets and programming/data analysis challenges—and analyze it by using methods covered in the course. The project allows students the freedom to find a dataset that piques their personal interests. Tim found a dataset from the Kepler Space Telescope that connected to his astronomy and physics curiosities.

“I put that dataset through a machine learning analysis process and then built algorithms that identified stars with potential planetary bodies orbiting them,” Tim said. “It was really interesting to be able to use real-world, scientific data to sharpen my skills.”

In fall 2019, Tim completed DS 745: Visualization and Unstructured Data Analysis, which directly related to his data collecting responsibilities at work. He said formatting the data is a continuous challenge, especially when it comes to communicating what the data represents.

“The data visualization course focused on summarizing and presenting data for non-technical people,” Tim said. “Now, I can go to my boss with a data plot or chart that illustrates how our delivery volume varies by weeks, months, and years. Then, I can work on an informative analysis that leads to meaningful action.”

RELATED: UW Data Science Professor Motivates Students to Look at Data Through Personal Lens

Supported for Success

Former UW Flexible Option Success Coach, Danielle Stertz

Tim’s transition from earning his IST degree through UW Flexible Option to enrolling into the online UW Master of Science in Data Science program, demonstrates the high-quality and continuity of service that UW Flexible Option and UW Extended Campus coaches and advisers offer. Tim is the first to vouch for the support he has received through both programs.

“I can definitely say that I wouldn’t have made it through the UW Flexible Option without (former Success Coach) Danielle Stertz’s help,” Tim said. “She was a great advocate and was always there to answer questions. I had some tough moments in that program, and I wouldn’t have pulled through without her support.

“When I’ve contacted (Senior Success Coach) Michael Paul for the UW MSDS program, it’s the same kind of situation. He’s always answering questions and getting back to students right away. It’s pretty amazing—the work that they do, especially to support people from a distance.”

UW Data Science Senior Success Coach, Michael Paul

Along with the support he receives, Tim also provides support to peers in his courses. A handful of students have noticed that Tim steps up to the plate within online class discussion boards and helps answer questions where and when he can.

To Tim, he sees this as a way of putting himself in others’ shoes.

“I don’t necessarily have expertise per se, but if there’s something I can answer right away, then I don’t mind giving it a shot,” Tim said. “I try to look at it as if I had a question that I posted. I would want it answered sooner rather than later, even if it wasn’t quite right, just to spark my thinking process. It’s a way for me to help others—and myself—to get unstuck.”

Ready to Take the Next Step

With more than half of the UW MSDS program’s courses complete, Tim is optimistic that he is becoming well-prepared to move into an entry-level role as a data analyst or similar position. He views earning his master’s degree as a major step in his career and one that he is eager to see through.

“I’m coming from a field where I have no real technical background, and I’ve been fortunate to have completed a lot of classes with other students with database administration and other data science experience,” Tim said. “I’m learning a lot just from interacting with them and understanding all the ways I can specialize in different industries.”

For Tim, the flexibility, affordability, curricula, and support within the UW Flexible Option IST and UW Data Science programs made his choice to go back to school while working full-time possible. Furthermore, Tim embodies the Wisconsin Idea—investing in himself to advance his skills in order to impact his future, improve processes at his work, and to connect with the greater community.

When asked for his parting advice to prospective students, Tim is honest about his pacing throughout both programs:

“It’s important to try to plan your class schedule so you don’t overload yourself too much in any one semester,” Tim said. “One thing I was worried about right away was having too much to do. So, I started the program with a smaller course load to get my feet wet. Do what makes the most sense for your strengths and life. And know that you have support along the way to keep you going.”

Tim has since graduated from the UW Data Science program and is now a data services consultant at South Central Library System. 

What’s Next?

Start exploring how the UW Master of Science in Data Science online degree program can push you to new career heights. Have questions about the courses, tuition, or how to apply? Talk with an enrollment adviser by emailing learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu or calling 608-800-6762.

UW Master of Science in Data Science is a collaboration of several UW System campuses. Tim earned his degree from UW-Oshkosh.

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Filed Under: Student Stories, Will Migrate to UWEX Tagged With: data science, Master's Degree, Online Learning, student story, university of wisconsin

6 Questions to Ask Before Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Data Science

October 11, 2019 By Kaitlynn Martin Leave a Comment

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Face it, you’ve been on the fence about going back to school for a while now. After Googling master’s degree programs in data science here and there, you still feel overwhelmed about deciding if one is better than another. When there’s countless sources of information tugging you in every direction, it’s best to gather your bearings and figure out the most important details you need in order to guide you in the right direction.

Luckily, we’ve done the legwork. Below are the six most important questions to ask before you begin your application to a data science master’s degree program. Think of this as a mental checklist to help you cross off crucial considerations before taking on your educational future:

1. Do I have an interest in or want to strengthen my problem solving, data management, and research skills?

When you have an interest in data science practices and want to grow your hard and soft skills, enrolling in a data science master’s degree program is a promising endeavor. In fact, 2022 Lightcast research shows that data analysis and programming languages are frequently listed in data science job postings, while management, problem solving, and communications round out the preferred soft skills:

A chart showing the top specialized skills seen in data scientist job postings.

A chart showing the top common skills seen in data scientist job postings.

Employers want data science master’s degree graduates to be well-rounded professionals, capable of tapping into the technical side of a role while effectively understanding and communicating data to drive actionable insights. With this in mind, it’s to your advantage to find a master’s degree program that not only prioritizes the hard skills of data science, but also the soft skills. When researching program curricula, look for courses such as DS 735: Communicating About Data, DS 760: Ethics of Data Science, and DS 780: Data Science and Strategic Decision Making—all of which expand on skills that are not only needed, but also demanded in today’s data science roles.

2. What are my career goals?

Venmathi Shanmugam, UW Data Science graduate

If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic team in charge of solving real-world problems, or if you want to efficiently draw conclusions from data to better inform actionable business strategies, a master’s degree in data science can set those career goals in motion.

Whether you strive to be a data analyst, database administrator, data architect, strategic business and technology intelligence consultant, or another data-focused professional, the impact of your work can be substantial. For example, Venmathi Shanmugam, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science online program, is the Modeling and Simulations Engineer at the Veterans Affairs office in Austin, Texas. In her role, she manages large amounts of government data pertaining to veterans healthcare and finance. She also holds responsibilities in the supply chain division of her department—using data to positively impact patient needs.

3. Who teaches the data science curriculum?

When enrolling in a graduate school program, you want to feel confident that you are learning from qualified experts in your desired field. A strong data science master’s program is rooted in an interdisciplinary approach, not siloed off to one academic school or department. Diversity in faculty expertise and perspectives is a critical component to consider before applying to a program. Don’t hesitate to research potential faculty members’ background, education, and recently published research studies.

UW Data Science faculty members

The UW Data Science online program is a prime example of an interdisciplinary approach in action, where students learn from faculty members across six UW System campuses. With advanced degrees in mathematics, marketing, computer science, philosophy, management, statistics, and rhetoric and computer composition, graduate students receive the direct benefits of working and learning alongside UW faculty who are driven to grow and advance from every corner of the data science profession.

4. Does the degree program provide a networking community fueled by collaboration?

It’s important to consider how a data science master’s degree program sets you up to connect with industry leaders during your time as a student and after you graduate. Look for programs that feature an advisory board of data science professionals across business sectors. This collaboration of individuals shows that the program is supported by outside experts who can help you connect with future employers and/or mentors.

The UW Data Science online program boasts an impressive advisory board, where recognized data science leaders have the opportunity to shape the program. UW Data Science Advisory Board members can also sponsor capstone projects, plugging students into real-world data science settings where they draw upon their skills and grow from hands-on experiences. Currently, the UW Data Science Advisory Board includes data science professionals in the retail, banking, software programming, manufacturing, state government, insurance, transportation, staffing, and medical fields.

5. Do I have the time to earn a graduate degree?

For some working adults, it is too time consuming to earn a master’s degree through an on-campus program. Traveling to and from a campus throughout the week to sit in on hour-long lectures can complicate the balancing act of work and family responsibilities.

data science

If this is your reality, then pursuing an online graduate degree might be your best option. But, not all online degrees are the same. Make sure to thoroughly research an online degree’s requirements and consider how much flexibility you will need when it comes to lectures, readings, and coursework. 

UW Data Science is a smart choice for busy adults who want to advance their careers, or make a career change. Offered 100 percent online, you can study and complete coursework whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Courses have no set meeting times, and you never need to come to campus.

6. Is the program accredited and respected?

When deciding to pursue a master’s in data science, you want to be sure that future employers will value the degree-granting institution you’ll graduate from. There’s no question that you can earn a graduate-level education from almost anywhere in the country and world, so how do you know which programs are worth your time and money? Look for degree programs that are accredited by regional and national accreditors, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

According to the HLC website, in order to be accredited an educational institution must 1.) have a clear and publicly articulated mission, 2.) conduct actions responsibly, ethically, and with integrity, 3.) provide high-quality education, no matter where and how offerings are delivered, 4.) evaluate its student learning effectiveness and promote continuous improvement, and 5.) have resources, structures, and procedures that support the institution’s mission. 

The UW Data Science program is HLC accredited, signifying that its students receive a high-quality education led by faculty who are committed to staying up-to-date with the expanding data science field. Plus, UW is known and respected worldwide, helping graduates of the UW Data Science program stand out to employers. As a trusted and valued institution, a UW degree can help graduates accomplish their career and personal goals.

So, you’ve gone through all six questions, what have you found?

With an expert-led curriculum, a 100 percent online format, and a recognized and respected UW degree, now is the time to see where the UW Master of Science in Data Science online program can take you.

Have questions about courses, tuition, or how to apply? Talk with an enrollment adviser by emailing learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu or calling 608-800-6762.

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Filed Under: Degree Program, Will Migrate to UWEX Tagged With: data science, Master's Degree, Online Education, Online Learning, university of wisconsin, university of wisconsin extended campus

6 Surprising Degrees That Set You Up for Data Science Success

May 21, 2019 By Kaitlynn Martin Leave a Comment

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Right brain v. left brain—which one do you prefer? It’s a common assumption that more left-brain professionals are taking the lead in science and math-dominated fields. Comfortable with flexing their analytic muscles, pursuing a data science career—one of the top five jobs in America according to Glassdoor—seems like well, a no brainer.

But what does this mean for the traditionally right-brain folks? Those who find strength in creativity, imagination, and intuition shouldn’t write off a data science career so quickly. Having a non-technical undergraduate degree can actually complement a master’s degree in data science. Although data scientists do rely on math, programming, and more technical skill sets, a data science career isn’t all about numbers. Often, data is gathered from human behavior. As a result, coming into the data science field with little-to-no prior STEM education can give you a more holistic view of how data can evolve and expand into the future.

The need for data scientists reaches into virtually every industry, providing numerous career opportunities. The following undergrad degrees might seem as right-brain areas of studies. However, they could set you up for data science success:

Sociology

What is it?
Defined as the scientific study of human groups, a sociology degree focuses on understanding how a society functions through the lens of social constructs that affect individuals and entire populations. Sociology has many branches including education, crime, family life, organizations, race, social class, and more. The common goal of sociology is to see the world differently and understand that not everything is what it seems.

How does it relate to data science?
Data is the result of asking questions, and sociology majors are no strangers to examining why something occurs. If you have a goal of advancing contemporary humanity and have an itch to use data as a tool in the process, sociology and data science can be an advantageous coupling of what may otherwise appear as dissimilar interests. By collecting survey data, sociology-driven data scientists seek to study social phenomena, allowing space for both numbers and creative questions to lead their research. The expansion of Big Data is promising for new areas of social research, such as digital behaviors, longitudinal analyses, and network analysis beyond household connections.

Psychology

What is it?
Simply put, psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. A common assumption of a psychology career focuses on professional therapists who work with a rotation of patients with different needs. However, psychology is a diverse field that touches human development, sports, health, social behavior, cognitive processes, and more. Would you be surprised to learn that data plays an integral part in psychology? Similar to sociology, psychology research aims to answer complex questions regarding human behavior.

How does it relate to data science?
Data science skills, such as research methods and statistics, can help professional psychologists understand data findings and turn them around to drive positive change in patients’ lives. Additionally, by developing evidence-based strategies, those with a psychology background can advance best practices for individuals with learning disabilities. The possibilities of a psychology and data science pairing are expansive and have the potential of truly changing lives.

Public Policy

What is it?
Highlighting social science fields such as economics, public management, and sociology, an undergraduate degree in public policy examines issues within governmental administrations and operations. Adapting theories, research, and models to practice, public policy focuses on how cultural norms, circumstance, and other human differentials affect policy making.

How does it relate to data science?
Research data heavily influences public policy models, which can impact hundreds of thousands of constituent lives. In some states, city government has expanded to include data teams that use civic data to serve communities more effectively. Major questions that a public policy and data science approach can begin to answer include: Can we target outreach and intervention to those at risk of poor health outcomes? Where are there unreported incidents of food poisoning? How can we predict major bridge problems before they happen? How can social media data help identify public safety issues?

Philosophy & Ethics

What is it?
With a degree in philosophy and ethics, graduates become well-versed in considering the fundamental questions about who we are. By examining historical and present-day philosophical thought, this area of study strengthens critical thinking, persuasive writing, and effective arguing. Subjects such as political philosophy, metaphysics, logic, philosophy of mind, and more are common in coursework, preparing graduates for careers that value strong communication and problem solving.

How does it relate to data science?
Although philosophy is a humanities degree, its approach and skills can easily transfer into a data science role. One data science manager who first earned an undergrad degree in philosophy, notes that his philosophy studies prepared him for the hypothesis-driven, logical practice of data science. A philosophy-data science path also spotlights the timely issue of data use and security. As more companies come under fire for data breaches and misuse, data scientists are tasked with an ethical burden of how to handle data. Having a philosophy background can better position data science professionals to be more involved in ethically sourcing, securing, and verifying complete and accurate data.

Journalism

What is it?
The world of journalism is no stranger to change. With the decline of traditional print newspapers and magazines and the swift pivot to digital and social media as main sources of breaking news, reporters now need to be at least 10 steps ahead. Dwindling attention spans mean audiences are distracted, requiring journalists to think outside the box to bolster engagement. While the core principles of journalism stay true: serve the public with fact-checked, credible, objective information—the delivery has changed. And, that is where data journalism steps in.

How does it relate to data science?
Journalism, digital media, and data science are all connected. As Big Data evolves in languages and processes, data scientists must understand digital media technologies that provide a platform for their work. Next, it’s critical for journalists to stay abreast of data security, collection, and usage issues that affect the public—knowledgeable reporting comes from plugging in and understanding the ins and outs of the data science world. As a result, journalists with their drive to learn, understand, and inform, can bring all of those skills into a data science role. In effect, having a journalist’s mindset in a data-fueled world can help piece together the bigger picture of how data touches nearly every part of our lives.

Marketing & Business

What is it?
Advertising, promotion, marketing communications, research, targeting, consumer behavior, and other courses prepare a marketing graduate to land a variety of roles. Marketing and business degrees often cross paths, because having a successful business means also maintaining a strong marketing presence. However, the two disciplines cannot be nearly as impactful without understanding data, often in the form of ROI or digital analytics, such as tracking visits, clicks, and conversions on websites and social pages.

How does it relate to data science?
Human behavior, which can be recorded and interpreted through data, is a critical driving factor behind why a marketing or business endeavor flies or flops. In turn, data companies rely on marketers and business professionals to invest in their tools and services, creating a symbiotic relationship flowing with information. Earning a data science graduate degree benefits marketing and business analysts who are looking to take a deeper dive into how data can better inform and predict their brand strategy and campaigns. Having the ability to review and understand data and then the creativity to turn those insights into an optimized branding push is an invaluable skill.

What’s Next?

Do you have a degree in sociology, psychology, public policy, philosophy, journalism, marketing, or business and are intrigued in how data science can expand your professional future? The UW Masters of Science in Data Science online degree can be the bridge between your non-technical education and your next career move.

Earning a master’s degree in data science opens the door to diverse and exciting work with Big Data, and a promising career outlook.

Contact an enrollment adviser to learn about transferable work experience, recent prerequisite coursework, and other admission requirements. Call 608-800-6762 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

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Filed Under: Degree Program, Will Migrate to UWEX Tagged With: data science, data science degree, degree, master's, UW Data Science

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