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In 2020, the World Economic Forum called data “the new gold.” Today, with around 2.5 quintillion bytes worth of data generated each day, the global Big Data and Analytics market is currently worth a whopping US$274 billion. Indeed, data has become more than gold, but the lifeblood that fuels progress, drives decisions, and shapes the trajectory of industries and societies alike. Hence, studying data science means securing a passport to the forefront of innovation.
That’s precisely what Jacob Adams had in mind when he decided to pursue a Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Texas Tech University. “Data is utilised in every facet of the economy today, and people from all over the world and from every different background can succeed if they want to learn how to improve decision-making in business,” says Adams, who pursued Mathematics and Computer Science as an undergraduate. “The MSDS degree has helped me identify how everything I learned in my undergraduate studies is being used in the real world.”
Although this programme is offered by the Rawls College of Business, it provides the perfect mix of both technical and business coursework. Adams believes its strategic combination of courses has allowed him to get ahead of most people in this industry. “This programme is not specifically created for technically inclined people,” he affirms.
However, the MSDS programme is just as flexible as it is comprehensive; designed to fit a wide range of academic background and professional aspirations. Students learn how to use advanced technologies and statistical methods to manipulate and interpret data into actionable organisational strategies in one accelerated year — either online or on campus. A two-year, part-time option is available, but only online.
Nick Burns, a graduate of the programme, took the one-year route, and has no regrets.
“Looking back, the time I put into it was well worth it. If you put in the time and effort, you will definitely reap the benefits,” recalls Burns, who worked his way up in the Data Analytics industry after graduation. He is now the CEO of his own coaching business.
Anyone can follow in his footsteps, thanks to TTU’s emphasis on accessibility.
The Rawls College of Business is located in Lubbock, Texas – where students can enjoy both big city conveniences and small-town friendliness. Lubbock is ranked 16th among Texas’s cheapest urban areas and scores an impressive 91.5% for their overall cost of living index (Council for Community and Economic Research 2017), a fact that greatly appealed to graduate Ritu Jagatpal Tomar.
“Since I’m an international student, one of the things that persuaded me to pursue this course was that the cost of living in Lubbock is quite low. You can manage your expenses very well here,” she explained.
In addition to the attractive costs, there is another incentive that may be of particular interest to international students. The MSDS is STEM-designated, which means upon completion, international students may qualify to work in the US — under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme — for up to three years after receiving their degrees.
Furthermore, as one of the first and most well-established Data Science programmes in the country, it is little wonder the online MSDS programme performs well in rankings. It is ranked #6 nationally, and the US News and World Report 2021 gave it the #17 spot for Best Online Master’s in Business Programmes (Excluding MBA).
“As we strive to provide a high-quality education to our students, the rankings show that all the strategic initiatives we have taken over the last few years are making an impact,” raved Dr. Mayukh Dass, Associate Dean of Graduate Programmes and Research.
TTU Rawls College of Business faculty members are skilled in research subjects such as computer-aided decision making and information requirements determination. Adams was especially grateful for this.
“Our professors are former professionals in their area of expertise, and are always willing to help,” he says, adding that he and other fellow students could even make use of the renowned Rawls Career Management Centre’s useful employment services.
All of this, affordability, sterling rankings, exceptional faculty and student-oriented support services, result in an average starting salary of US$90,000 and an outstanding job placement rate of 90% for graduates. If you are looking for an excellent US postgraduate programme in Data Science, apply here today.
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