Back Index Forward
Weekly News Digest
December 5, 2013 — In addition to this week's NewsBreaks article and the monthly NewsLink Spotlight, Information Today, Inc. (ITI) offers Weekly News Digests that feature recent product news and company announcements. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information Today. For other up-to-the-minute news, check out ITI’s Twitter account: @ITINewsBreaks. CLICK HERE to view more Weekly News Digest items.

University Creates Big Data Graduate Program

WPI saw a growing demand for professionals who can analyze massive data sets and distill their value to help organizations. According to a report from McKinsey Co., there is currently a shortage of 140,000–190,000 people with analytical expertise in the U.S. workforce, and there will be a need for 1.5 million more Big Data managers and analysts.

“The data bonanza and the growing use of data analytics in business, education, and government has created a need for a new breed of professionals, called data scientists, who have expertise in such specialized areas as machine learning, statistical modelling, data warehousing, predictive modeling, and large-scale database architecture and management,” says Elke Rundensteiner, professor of computer science and director of the new program.

There are only a few similar programs in the country. WPI’s program is offered by faculty members in the computer science and mathematical sciences departments as well as the business school. Students graduating from the program earn an M.S. (by completing 33 credits and a capstone project or thesis) or a graduate certificate (by completing 18 credits).

Subjects covered in the program include data mining, Big Data algorithms, and data visualization. Students work with a sponsoring organization, faculty member, or industrial partner to apply classroom teachings to real-world issues.

Source: WPI