With the tech landscape in perpetual motion, the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science has decided to step up and offer a new Master of Science in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Tailored for those who already have careers as well as individuals looking to break into the field, the program provides a mix of flexibility and depth essential for navigating the digital economy's currents. According to DU News, associate professor Chris GauthierDickey tells us, “There’s no time like the present”. He adds that "gaining these skills now gives someone a real leg up in the future of applications and business."
The curriculum is packed with industry-relevant subjects from statistics and Python programming to cutting-edge topics in machine learning and distributed computing. Sean Connin, teaching professor and director of Data Science Graduate Programs, said in a DU News interview that the program is designed to meet the industry's current and future demands. Students have the option to quickly put theory into practice with project-based learning, like a capstone project and a for-credit internship, and can potentially accelerate their studies by transferring up to 12 graduate credits or professional certificate credits, shrinking the 48-credit degree requirement down to just 36.
Among the standout courses featured this summer is a new class focused on machine learning operations, which, Connin tells DU News, "not only reinforces model building but also teaches students to deploy, monitor, and manage models in real-world environments." Another headliner, Essential Math for Data Science and AI, promises to provide the mathematical skills required for the technical content without overcomplicating the matter.
For working professionals, the program is crafted to offer flexibility, with evening and online classes, and multiple start times throughout the year. Small class sizes and a strong sense of community allow for personalized support. Connin told DU News, "One of the things that makes our program special is the sense of community". This structure looks to ensure that busy professionals cannot only squeeze learning into their schedules but also connect and build lasting professional networks.
Graduates from the program are expected to confidently step into roles ranging from data scientists and AI/ML engineers to data product managers and program leads, using skills that are increasingly in demand across various industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. The Ritchie School offers students an "augmented level of support" in job placement, says Susan Teague Rector, director of professional programs, as reported by DU News. This support includes guidance from faculty and an alumni-led data science career playbook. The aim is for students not only to leave equipped with knowledge but also with a robust portfolio to showcase to prospective employers in Denver and far beyond. Connin encapsulates the essence of the program by stating, “It’s a new literacy,” which he believes can “serve you across job roles and sectors.”
