From Healthcare to Gaming: Data Science Spans Industries

The outlook for data science careers continues to be highly positive. According to Glassdoor, data science jobs are expecting 39 percent growth by 2020 and occupy numerous spots on the list of the 50 best jobs in America. But if you’ve been working in a field unrelated to data and computers, you might be wondering: What exactly can I do with a Master’s in Data Science?

The short answer — just about anything. 

Unprecedented volumes of data, from social media, transactional data, web mining, search engines, sensor technology and more, have become a critical part of most industries in both the private and public sectors. Professionals in data science careers use the modeling and analysis skills of statistics combined with the programming and machine learning tools of computer science to find patterns in big data to help others make strategic, informed decisions. This is the specific type of training students receive in the online Data Science Master's program at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS).

Data Science Careers and Job Titles

Organizations are constantly searching for people who understand data and systems. Professionals with a Master’s in Data Science can be found across industries such as banking, insurance, healthcare, education, energy, government, retail, and manufacturing. You’ll even find them in niche fields you might not associate with data science, such as gaming, hospitality, genetics, cryptography, public policy, and investigative journalism. The following are some of the most common data science roles:

• Data Scientist– cleans, massages, and organizes raw data to extract insights
• Data Analyst – collects, processes, and performs statistical data analyses
• Data Architect – creates plans for data management systems to integrate, protect, and maintain data sources
• Data Engineer—works with databases and large-scale processing systems
• Data Manager – combines technical, social, and managerial skills to manage diverse data science teams
• Database Administrator—caretaker of the database and responsible for security
• Statistician—applies statistical theories and methodology to translate and understand data

Online Data Science Masters: Keep Your Schedule Intact

The Northwestern SPS online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) graduate program makes it easier for students to enter the field. The program uses an asynchronous model, meaning that students do not have to be online at any particular day of the week or time of day.

Students learn how to use relational and document database systems and analytics software built upon open-source systems such as R, Python, and TensorFlow. They learn how to make trustworthy predictions using traditional statistics and machine learning methods.

Three specializations are available to further define and prepare for a new data science career:

• Analytics management specialization
• Analytics and modeling specialization
• Data engineering specialization

What if my Background isn't in Data Science?

Many data science careers require a graduate degree and those entering the field often have a computer science background. While work and research experience are desirable for MSDS admissions, extensive data science experience is not required. Students without technical backgrounds are encouraged to still apply. In fact, many courses are designed to help students make the transition to technical careers.

Visit the program page for the online master's in data science to view complete admission criteria and apply.