Published: Aug. 7, 2024

This interdisciplinary program moved from the Graduate School to the College of Engineering and Applied Science on July 1


The Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program has moved to the College of Engineering and Applied Science, effective July 1. Brian Zaharatos has been named the program’s new director.

Launched in 2021, this interdisciplinary program brought together the departments of applied mathematics, computer science and information science, among others, to create an advanced degree in one of the fastest-growing career fields. The goal was to make the program more accessible through a streamlined, performance-based admissions process—which allows students a chance to prove their ability to complete coursework instead of filling out an application—and a more affordable tuition.

Since the program began, more than 1,300 students have enrolled per session both in person and on the global online learning platform Coursera.

Zaharatos, the new director, is a full teaching professor and the professional master's director for the Department of Applied Mathematics. He served as the interim director after founding director, Jane Wall, retired.

More information on the MS-DS program is available on their website.