Data scientists are in high demand, with employment in industries ranging from astronomy to zoology expected to increase by more than a third between 2023 and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The University of Toledo is meeting this demand for data-savvy professionals who can make sense of vast troves of information with courses and degree programs in academic colleges across the University. Now these faculty experts from diverse disciplines who teach and research on data are coming together under the new School of Interdisciplinary Data Science in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Grant Rockwell, an environmental sciences sophomore, works at a computer during a data science class taught by Dr. Emmanuel Atindama.
The School of Interdisciplinary Data Science is expected to infuse fresh energy into existing data-centric programs and support the development of new programs, including an online master of science degree in data science currently in development, and to foster increased collaboration among faculty.
“Collaboration is key,” said Dr. Marc Seigar, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “The School of Interdisciplinary Data Science will provide a structure under which our faculty can discuss innovative approaches to the use of data in modern society, develop cutting-edge courses and programs and initiate interdisciplinary research projects.”
As a hub for data science programs and activity on campus, and the new administrative home of the current bachelor of science degree and future master’s degree, the school will cover the entire spectrum of data science methods from collection of data through interrogation and analysis, visualization and communication.
Among the first faculty to receive a joint appointment to the School of Interdisciplinary Data Science are representatives of the College of Arts and Letters, College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Services, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Judith Herb College of Education.
The school will be directed by Dr. Bill Kalies, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and current director of the Data Science Program.
“It’s hard to imagine an industry today that doesn’t need to collect, analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions,” said Dr. Scott Molitor, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at UToledo. “Students interested in any applications of data science will build a strong foundation for their future careers through opportunities created by the School of Interdisciplinary Data Science.”
UToledo launched its undergraduate data science program in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 2020, alongside a bachelor of arts degree in data analytics program in the College of Arts and Letters.
The data science degree program emphasizes the analysis of data in the applied sciences with training in math and computer science to develop data from different sources and apply the results in fields ranging from astronomy to the environment to human health. UToledo’s data analytics program follows a social science-focused curriculum that emphasizes the interpretation and application of data for use by nonprofits, policymakers and others.
Both curricula are interdisciplinary, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field, with data science students enrolling in courses ranging from object-oriented programming in the College of Engineering to visual literacy in the College of Arts and Letters.
The degree programs are among several data-centric offerings at UToledo, also including a minor in data science in the College of Health and Human Services; a minor in financial data analytics and a master’s degree program in business analytics in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation; and a graduate certificate in data science in economics from the College of Arts and Letters.
“We expect our academic program offerings in data-related fields will grow as this new school brings together faculty from across the University and more students excited about the career opportunities available for data scientists,” Molitor said.
