Master of Science in Data Science - About The Industry

Data Science is the study of extracting generalizable knowledge from data. As industries increasingly become data-driven, the ability to turn data into useful information is essential across various domains, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Science
• Government
• Education

Industry Demand for Data Scientists

Industries require data scientists to assist in making smarter decisions and creating better products. The role demands a diverse skill set that includes:

• Data analytics
• Data engineering
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Machine learning
• Other branches of computer science

Additionally, a strong understanding of problem formulation is crucial for engineering effective solutions.

CSUN Program Overview

The CSUN program is designed to equip students with the necessary concepts, techniques, and tools to navigate the complexities of data science. With data volumes continuously increasing, the importance of AI-driven decision-making is paramount. Companies must adapt and employ data science tools and techniques or risk becoming obsolete. Notably, the data analytics market is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2030, according to Yahoo News and Global Newswire.

Job Market Insights

Data science jobs are among the fastest-growing careers today. Key statistics include:

• A 6.5x increase in data science jobs since 2012 (LinkedIn).
• A predicted job growth of 28% in the field through 2026 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, translating to approximately 11.5 million new jobs.

Addressing Skill Shortages

As data volumes continue to grow, there is a significant gap between the demand for data professionals and their availability. A 2019 KPMG survey of 3,600 CEOs and technology executives revealed that:

• 67% reported struggling with skill shortages, the highest level since 2008.
• The top three scarcest skills identified were big data/analytics, security, and artificial intelligence.

Salary and Career Prospects

Data scientists and data engineers command high salaries in the industry, making data science one of the most desirable disciplines after computer science across all engineering and computer science-related fields.