Why Kent State University?
The Kent State University online Master of Digital Science – Data Science degree combines an introduction to data science with a general survey of digital studies, information organization, and computer science. The program offers significant flexibility in course choice, and students have the option of attending on-campus classes if they wish to do so as part of their online degree experience. Kent State, a research-intensive public university in Kent, Ohio, requires GRE scores from applicants, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program does not indicate a need for prerequisite courses.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Kent State University |
| Location | Kent |
| State | Ohio |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Digital Science – Data Science from Kent State University |
| School or Department Administering Program | Information School |
| Credits | 32 |
| Cost per credit | $999 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $31,968 |
| Test Requirements | GRE |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | None |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | Two years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall or Spring |
| Program Concentrations | Data Science is a concentration within the Digital Sciences MS |
| Synchronous classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Students have the option of attending on-campus classes if desired. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | The Data Science concentration focuses on the data analysis and modeling needed by an organization and the processing of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data using statistical and semantic analysis techniques to meet those needs. |
| Program Description | The Data Science track is a concentration within the Master of Digital Science degree, covering data analysis, modeling, and the processing of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data using statistical and semantic analysis. The focus is on identifying and meeting organizational needs. The program’s 32 credits can be completed within two years and include a capstone course. |
What will I Learn?
Students in the Master of Digital Science program must enroll in three core courses covering data architecture, semantic analysis techniques, and knowledge organization systems and services. All students complete a Capstone project in Digital Sciences to finish the degree. Besides, students can choose elective courses from across the digital sciences curriculum in the fields of computer science, communication, statistics, geographic information systems, health informatics, educational technology, management information systems, library and information science, knowledge management, user experience design, and technology. Data Science concentrators are encouraged to take courses that help them meet the program objectives of meeting organizational needs through the processing, analysis, and modeling of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within two years and pay $999 per credit for a total of 32 credits, or just under $32,000 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
The program is usually completed 100% online, and no campus visits are required. However, online students who have the option of coming to Kent (perhaps those that live in the area) may choose to attend on-campus classes if they wish. Classes use the asynchronous instruction model, meaning that the instructor prepares materials for each week’s learning module, such as lectures, activities, quizzes, and group discussions, and students may choose to complete the materials at any time during the week. Classes begin in Fall and Spring semesters, and part-time study is possible. The program usually takes two years to complete.
Summary
For aspiring data scientists who desire a broad education in the ways that society uses digital technologies to organize and process information of all kinds, the Kent State Master of Digital Sciences with Data Studies concentration program may be a perfect fit. Students can take advantage of the massive range of elective courses across many departments, drawing on the research expertise and large faculty of this comprehensive research university to study topics of interest to them. The data science concentration introduces students to all stages of the data science process but provides less in-depth study than a program devoted solely to data science. Students with a background in computer science wishing to deepen their statistical knowledge and challenge their technical skills may want to look at other more specialized programs.
