Introducing the Computer Science in Data Analytics Program
Woodbury is now recruiting students for a new program: Computer Science in Data Analytics (CSDA), which launches in fall 2020. This Bachelor of Science program, housed within the College of Liberal Arts, will help graduates make sense of the increasing amounts of data used across a variety of fields today. It will also provide them with the knowledge that they need to enter one of the fastest growing and most in-demand professions in the job market today.
We asked Dr. Marty Tippens, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, to tell us about this exciting new program:
Can you explain what data analytics is and how it has developed as an academic program?
Data analytics refers to the purposeful and effective processing of the large amounts of data that are gathered across a large variety of industries. We often hear it referred to today as “big data,” “data science,” “data mining, and “informatics.”
Beyond programming, the best data analysts possess skills in problem solving, design thinking and have the ability to work across various disciplines. This was our motivation for developing Computer Science and Data Analytics at Woodbury. Our program is designed to prepare students with the breadth of learning found in a traditional computer science program along with the current focus on data analytics, which is in such demand in today’s job market.
Can you talk about some of the applications of data analytics?
It is difficult to think of a field for which data analytics does not apply. A very short list includes:
- Finance and banking
- Healthcare
- Internet applications in search engines
- Research and development
- Customer relations
- Human Resources
- City planning
- Marketing
- Cyber Security
- Education
All of these industries have access to abundant quantities of data and are looking for data analysts who can provide qualified insights towards informed decision making.
What sort of careers do students with a CSDA degree enter into?
Students with a CSDA degree can find careers in a vast number of fields, including:
- IT systems
- Business operations
- Digital and traditional marketing
- Project management
- Transportation and delivery logistics
- Insurance auditing
- Financial analysis
- Quality assurance analysist/ tester
- Consumer relations
- Entertainment/ Media analysis
In our current information age, the demand for data analysts is so high that data analyst careers regularly tops lists of the best job opportunities. It is projected to continue to be at the top those lists for years to come.
What sort of classes will a CSDA student take at Woodbury?
The CSDA program includes traditional computer science curriculum, which includes a programming core as well as a mathematics core. However, additional courses include: Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Database Development, and Machine Learning.
What sort of projects do trained data analytics professionals work on?
There are a vast number of projects involving data analysts. Just a few examples include:
- In business – the development of a recommendation engine that reviews data concerning customer segments, seasonal effects, historical transactions, and trends in sales to inform both buyers and sellers.
- In research – the exploration of cryptocurrencies, risk and returns, and data manipulation.
- In sports – comparative data forecasting.
- In government – traffic pattern monitoring for better safety, better management of officer performance.
- In healthcare – genome and exome sequencing and the development of programs that detect false billing or claims
- Internet – web data scraping to find best prices.
- In real estate – predictions to determine pricing by analyzing market data regarding crime rates, accessibility and area demographics.
How much do data analytics professionals typically earn?
Commensurate with experience, and based on a variety of other factors such as geographic location, data analysts can generally earn from $50,000 to $131,000 as reported by a variety of career websites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a mean wage of $108,000 for those with computer science degrees.
How likely will it be that I can get a job in Los Angeles or in California as a data analytics graduate?
Highly likely. The need for data analysts is overwhelming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over four million computer and mathematical occupations in May 2018, with over 600,000 of those jobs in California alone.
Will I need any kind of license to work as data analytics expert?
While certificates for specializations are available, no license is required to work as a data analytics expert.
What kinds of community college courses count toward the CSDA degree?
Introduction to programming courses, mathematics courses, and general education courses can be transferred from a community college to count toward Woodbury’s CSDA degree.
Is the CSDA a good degree for me if I am looking to go to graduate school?
Yes. Graduate school opportunities exist in a number of fields including computer science, business, and marketing.
Where could I do an internship?
Internship opportunities are plentiful and can be found in the entertainment industry, government agencies, aerospace, healthcare, education, and in departments such as IT services, project management, research, and marketing.
Can I finish the CSDA degree in four years?
Yes, the CSDA degree is a four-year program, and Woodbury makes every effort to help students graduate in four years.