CUNY SPS’ Top-Rated MS in Data Science Prepares Students for the 21st-Century Workplace

Why our Data Science Graduate Program Continues Its Rankings Sweep

Recently, CUNY SPS welcomed the news that our MS in Data Science program has been rated #9 on Fortune Education’s list of Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs in 2022.

This is just the latest high ranking for the program, which was also listed on Discover Data Science list of Top 30 Affordable Online Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2021, ranked #6 in terms of affordability.

Before that, Intelligent.com rated the program #20 on its list of Best Online Masters’ in Data Science Programs of 2022, joining 8 other CUNY SPS programs also ranked highly by the website.

To get a sense of why our MS in Data Science continues to earn so many accolades, I reached out to Arthur O’Connor, the academic director of data science and information systems at CUNY SPS. In the following Q&A, he shares his thoughts on what makes the program unique.

1. The MS in Data Science continues to be rated highly by those in the field. Why do you think the program is always on the top of everyone’s list?

I’d say three things: quality, cost, and convenience. Our curriculum is comparable to some of the most highly rated graduate schools in the nation, but we’re a fraction of the cost, especially since we offer in-state tuition to all students. And our online learning model enables our students to more easily balance their study, work, and personal lives.

It’s great to see our graduate degree program — and CUNY SPS — start to gain some market recognition.

1. The MS in Data Science’s learning objectives and courses are designed around employer needs. Can you give us an example of how the program prepares students for the workplace?

Most of our faculty are industry practitioners, so the tools and platforms they teach with are those that they currently use on the job.

I’ve heard so many hiring managers complain: “We don’t have a degree shortage; we have a skills shortage.” They want employees who not only understand the issues, but also can develop solutions. We believe that it’s critical our students not just understand the WHAT of data science, but also know HOW to do it. That’s why we focus on providing our students with practical, hands-on quantitative, and technical know-how using current industry best practices.

1. Are there any standout classes, projects, or collaborations going on in the program that you’re particularly excited about right now?

This year, we launched a “hybrid” course in advanced Python programming for students local to NYC, which combines our online learning model with traditional, face-to-face classroom interaction. We’re hoping to build upon that model to increase student engagement.

Additionally, we’re currently developing a new course devoted exclusively to the many data engineering issues that arise with Big Data, and we hope to launch at least one new course on artificial intelligence, focusing on some of the more popular types of deep learning neural networks.

Last year, we hired our first tenure-track faculty member, Dr. Jason Bryer, who is helping us promote best practices in online teaching and student engagement across both degree programs.

But to be honest, what I’m most excited about — and proud of — are our students; they are a remarkably bright, dedicated, and talented group. I’m continually impressed by the quality, creativity, and thoughtfulness that goes into their work.