The increase of large volumes of structured and unstructured data, known as Big Data, means today’s businesses and organizations have a greater opportunity to solve problems and make informed decisions through data analysis. However, Big Data is so massive and complex that traditional data processing tools are inadequate.
Enter the data scientist.
What does a data scientist do? Data scientists have the technical skills and training to generate critical insights and make discoveries in the world of Big Data that can help companies and organizations shape decisions and solve problems. Data scientists are emerging as important new players within organizations.
In this emerging field, the University of Notre Dame’s online Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics: Data Science Specialization program gives students the edge they need to perform at the highest level—as three-dimensional data scientists. Our new blog site, dedicated to topics related to data science and program information, will explore the trends influencing the rise of the three-dimensional data scientist, and provide updates and details about our online masters in data science program. Let’s look at what it means to be a three-dimensional data scientist.
What is a three-dimensional data scientist?
- A three-dimensional data scientist is skilled at utilizing advanced computing tools and employing methods from statistics and applied mathematics to manipulate and analyze complex data and convert it into valuable knowledge.
- They are also data storytellers, who know how to present data insights to a variety of audiences in a way they can be easily understood. Data-driven storytelling is a key component of being a three-dimensional data scientist.
- One of the most critical components of being a three-dimensional data scientist is understanding the ethical complexities of data science. Successful data scientists must have a solid ethical framework that guides them in performing and managing analytics activities.
Data science careers are growing in virtually every sector of the market, including technology, finance, healthcare, management consulting, marketing, science, government policy, and education. IBM predicts that between now and 2020 demand for data scientists will grow by 39 percent.
At Notre Dame, we embrace the full picture of what it takes to be successful in data science. Our overarching commitment to research for the greater good gives our students extra training and a solid grounding in issues related to the proper roles of public law, government regulation, and ethics as it relates to the use of data. The program also prepares students to be top-performers in the field. Top-performing data scientists have a deep mathematical and statistical foundation, but they also understand the art of storytelling with data. Notre Dame’s online masters in data science program is designed to prepare skilled three-dimensional data scientists who have the specific qualifications employers are eagerly seeking. Today’s three-dimensional data scientists have:
- A strong quantitative and technical foundation
- Broad analytic and quantitative insight
- Exceptional business judgment
- A deep awareness of the social impact of data-driven decision-making
Download our white paper to learn more about trends shaping the rise of the three-dimensional data scientist.