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, but not limited to:
- Business
- Engineering
- Science
- Government
- Education
Industry Demand for AI Specialists and Data Scientists
Industries require AI specialists and 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
- Artificial Intelligence
- 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 AI and data science. With AI now at the heart of organizational structures and data volumes continuously increasing, the importance of AI-driven decision-making is paramount. Companies must adapt and employ data science tools and techniques to thrive.
Industry Insights
AI and data science are rapidly transforming how businesses operate:
- McKinsey’s 2025 global survey found that 88% of organizations report regular AI use in at least one business function, up from 78% the year before. (McKinsey)
- Stanford’s 2026 AI Index reports that global corporate AI investment more than doubled in 2025, with private investment growing 127.5%. U.S. private AI investment reached $285.9 billion in 2025. (Stanford)
- The estimated value of generative AI tools to U.S. consumers reached $172 billion annually by early 2026, with the median value per user tripling between 2025 and 2026. (Stanford)
Meeting the Needs of a Changing Workplace
As data volumes continue to grow, there is also an expanding gap between the skills employers need and training of most candidates on the market. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Survey estimated that 39% of workers’ existing skills would be transformed or become outdated by 2030.
The three fastest-growing skill areas were AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
- Stanford’s 2026 AI Index Report found that in the U.S. AI job postings increased 111% from 2024-25. Prompt-engineering mentions rose 261% and large-language-modeling mentions rose 102%.
- PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer reports that skills in AI-exposed jobs are changing 66% faster than in other jobs.
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.
