Computer Science

Data Science Concentration

The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence concentration (DSAI) equips students to solve real world problems by combining data analysis skills with computational techniques that enable computers to behave intelligently. Students in the DSAI concentration will learn the full data science lifecycle through classes and real-world projects that cover data management, statistical inference, data mining and machine learning algorithms, and data visualization. They will also learn advanced techniques for working with the large, diverse data that companies now rely on to improve decision making and automate business processes. Additionally, DSAI students will be equipped with a strong foundation in AI, the technology driving many of today's scientific and business innovations. The concentration should be of interest to students who have an appreciation for the practical use of mathematical and scientific thinking and the power of computing to understand and solve problems for business, research, and societal impact.

 

What is a data scientist? 

"Data scientists are a new breed of analytical data experts who have the technical skills to solve complex problems - and the curiosity to explore what problems need to be solved. They're part mathematician, part computer scientist and part trend-spotter. And, because they straddle both the business and IT worlds, they're highly sought-after and well paid. Who wouldn't want to be one?" - SAS Institute, Inc.

 

Why consider a career in data science?

• The New Yorker called Data Scientists the "magicians of the Big Data era"
• Computer World labeled data scientists as "arguably one of the hottest jobs on the market"
• The Harvard Business Review labeled "data scientists" as the sexiest job of the 21st century
• The Department of Homeland Security is in dire need of intelligent analysts who interpret information, uncover possible clues, help solve or prevent homeland security-related crimes - so help protect our nation!
• The computer science pipeline is not producing enough data science professionals - so plenty of job opportunities out there!
• According to the 27th edition of the Jobs Rated Almanac, data science is the #6 best job to have in 2015, with an average median income of $124,419.

 

Why Study Data Science at Tennessee Tech?

• Tennessee Tech offers graduate programs (MS and PhD) in Knowledge and Data Discovery
• Opportunities with faculty who have done research with the Department of Homeland Security, National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health
• Opportunities to work in Tennessee Tech's Data Science Collaboratory and join student organizations with a focus in Data Science such as the Data Science League.
• Ties to companies in industry looking to hire our students for data science positions

 

Data Science Concentration Curriculum

• Data Science
• DSAI Degree Map 2024-25
• DSAI Degree Map 2022-23