Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
This specialization emphasizes the computational principles underlying data science, covering the creation, execution, and evaluation of software designed to handle massive, diverse, and rapidly changing datasets while utilizing modern multicore processing capabilities. Students pursuing this track will enroll in advanced computer science and related courses to build expertise in developing optimized computational solutions for big data challenges. In our data-driven world, experts capable of interpreting complex datasets are highly sought after. Penn State's innovative Data Sciences degree, a collaborative effort between the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), College of Engineering, and Eberly College of Science, addresses this growing demand. The curriculum equips students with fundamental technical competencies in data science, particularly emphasizing techniques for processing and examining vast, unstructured datasets to solve real-world problems across business, government, and research sectors. Graduates will emerge with essential analytical capabilities and methodological approaches to pursue cutting-edge data roles in various industries. The program offers broad foundational knowledge through core requirements, coupled with specialized training in one of three concentration areas. Following introductory coursework, students select from tracks focusing on applications, computational methods, or scientific approaches. All students reunite during their final two years for collaborative capstone projects that integrate their specialized knowledge.