Masters in Data Sciences

Background of the Discussion Dean Sears wanted to investigate the possibility of two new Masters degree offerings - Data Sciences and Cybersecurity MS / MPS In-Residence Program in Data Sciences Online not being discussed at this time Outlook for offering such a program looks to be favorable The demographics are quite different in returning adult students versus a “5th year” approach.  That is, students who are working tend to want an online option versus a 5th year approach might be a better approach for students already attending Penn State

Most are professional based (not research) Most are MS (no MPS) Competition Most are professional based (not research) Most are MS (no MPS) Many have a certificate (DS) as well “Schools like us are calling it an MS” Pre-req is not necessarily CS/IST; more open interdisciplinary

Competition Hard to compete with high quality, online programs that already exist There needs to be a compelling reason to come to Penn State IST to do this “(one of) Smeal’s strategy is not to go out, but to keep the students they already have” Industry partners were listed on institution pages to show relationships (e.g. “Google”, “Boeing”, etc.) Some have a mandatory internship

Feedback Alumni Industry Having an MS degree (versus an MPS) seemed to be more favorable Returning to Penn State (in-residence) is not likely without some modified approach of attendance possibilities They felt the degree itself is important and favorable Industry Job growth in this area continues to be strong and favorable Industry wants an applied approach with hands-on, real world applicability

Feedback Grad School Overall, if the degree is going to have a hands-on, real world approach, then the degree will most likely be approved as an MPS Comparison to what ‘other schools are doing doesn’t seem to apply to this discussion

Recommendations The degree, according to the Graduate School, would be one of two types: MS, research-based OR MPS, experience-based Given: a. Our peer/competition institutions and their offering of an MS option and b. The demand from those students surveyed, it is the recommendation of the committee that we pursue an MS degree offering; however, the focus of the degree would be experience-based. Given the data presented, it is the recommendation of the committee that the Dean consider offering a “5th year” program, to attract and accommodate students already affiliated with Penn State