University of Charleston

University of Charleston

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Data Analytics

  • duration

    4 Years

  • format

    In-Seat

  • location

    Charleston

Program Overview

Vast amounts of data are collected every day and the need for those who can understand it is growing. Organizations are seeking professionals who can analyze and make informed decisions based on the collected data.

With a focus on extracting valuable insights from raw data, students gain expertise in statistical analysis, data mining, data visualization, and predictive modeling. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips graduates with a versatile skill set applicable across industries such as finance, marketing, healthcare, and technology.

The Data Analytics program helps develop the skills and knowledge to extract meaningful and useful information from any raw data. It is an interdisciplinary program that offers excellent career opportunities or opens the door to pursue graduate work in data science, computational science, business analytics, or healthcare analytics.

The program’s practical approach, coupled with hands-on projects and real-world applications, ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of data analysis and contribute to data-driven decision-making in organizations.

 

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Freshman applicants with a 2.50 or higher high school GPA and transfer students with a 2.0 or higher cumulative college GPA are eligible for general admission to UC, and will gain entry into this program.  Students may apply online or download the admissions application.

Program Highlights

  • This program will help you gain entry into a growing field – in the next 20 years, data science needs are projected to grow in every business, private and public institutions, healthcare, education, government and more.

  • It is a great major for those who have a strong background or interest in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, business, healthcare, or computer science.

  • You can combine data science with another subject to pursue a double major to create more career or graduate school options. Students may also add data science as a minor to another area of study.

  • Also available as a minor.

Program Outcomes

  • Job Opportunities

    Potential jobs include:

    • Data Analyst: A professional who collects, analyzes, and interprets large datasets to extract actionable insights and inform decision-making within an organization.
    • Research Scientist: A research scientist conducts scientific investigations, designs experiments, analyzes data, and generates new knowledge to advance scientific understanding.
    • Statistician: A statistician collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets numerical data to identify patterns to provide insights for decision-making in various fields.
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    • Business Analyst: A business analyst utilizes data from a variety of sources to inform decisions on business process, product, and service improvements.
    • Data Engineer: A data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and systems that enable the collection, storage, and processing of data.
    • Product Analyst: A product analyst is an individual who analyzes data, user feedback, market trends, and other relevant information to assess product performance.

Additional Information

What specific skills and knowledge will I gain from the program?

The UC data analytics program equips students with essential skills in statistical analysis, data mining, data visualization, and programming languages. Students also gain knowledge in extracting insights from large datasets, applying machine learning techniques, and effectively communicating data-driven findings for informed decision-making in various industries.

How is the program tailored to keep up with the evolving trends and technologies in the field of data analytics?

The UC data analytics program stays abreast of evolving trends and technologies by regularly updating its curriculum to incorporate the latest advancements in data analytics. This includes integrating emerging tools, techniques, and industry practices, leveraging faculty expertise and industry partnerships, and providing opportunities for students to engage with real-world projects and stay current in the dynamic field of data analytics.

How can a data analytics degree help prepare me for a management position?

A data analytics degree can prepare you for a management position by providing you with a strong foundation in data-driven decision making, analytical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication of insights. These skills are highly valued in management roles, as they enable you to make informed decisions, identify opportunities for improvement, drive strategic initiatives, and lead data-driven initiatives to achieve organizational goals.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Vincent Smith, PhD

Applied Computer Science and Data Analytics Program Director
Assistant Professor of Data Analytics