University of Maryland College Park Data Science Degree Programs
University of Maryland College Park appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Data Science Certificate Programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions for computer and information research scientists are expected to grow by 19 percent over the next decade. Computer and information research scientists find innovative methods for using technology, often studying and solving complex issues for businesses using data. The average salary for this type of position in 2018 was $118,370 per year. The University of Maryland College Park offers several degrees in business analytics, data science, and computer research that prepare students for careers in this field.
The University of Maryland College Park offers a minor in Business Analytics that provides an understanding of how skill-sets, technologies, and applications can provide insight into business practices. The minor incorporates technology with statistical and quantitative modeling to assist in data-driven techniques. Courses required may include Database Systems, Data Modeling in Business, Data Analytics, Business Process Simulation, Digital Marketing and Introduction to Machine Learning.
The Master of Professional Studies in Data Science is designed for students of multi-disciplinary backgrounds. The program provides an understanding of data science through machine learning, data analysis, data management and more. Students gain an understanding of basic computing principles including data ingestion, curation, cleaning and the 4Vs of data science. They are able to apply principles of data science in order to analyze problems within specific domains. Courses required for the program include:
- Applications of Intelligent Technologies
- Capstone in Data Science
- Biomedical Informatics Applications
- Data Analytical for Statistical Learning
- Data Management
- Data Mining
- Electronic Commerce
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Data Science
- Interfaces for Information Visualization and Retrieval
- Introduction to Data Analysis and Machine Learning
- Introduction to Data Science
- Management, Leadership and Communication
- Online Communities
- Platforms for Big Data Processing
- Semi-Structured Data Management
- Systems and Information Integration
A Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Data Science is also offered.
About the University of Maryland College Park
In 1856, the Maryland legislature chartered the Maryland Agricultural College and, in 1858, 428-acres of land on the Riverside plantation was selected as the location for the new school. The plantation was owned by Charles Benedict Calvert who was the son of George Calvert, a wealthy planter. The school paid $20,000 for the plantation and the school officially opened in 1859. Of the 34 students, four of them were sons of Charles Calvert.
In 1862, the Maryland legislature agreed to accept a land grant in order to give the Maryland Agriculture College the designation of land-grant university. The school was required to offer training in agricultural and mechanical arts and education. Military training was also a requirement of the Morrill Act.
The school operated as a preparatory school for two years after the Civil War due to financial hardship. The school reopened in 1867 when the legislature took half ownership in the school and appropriated funding. The school still struggled financially until Augustine J. Smith took over as president in 1883. His efforts encouraged farmers, students, and state legislatures to send their children to the school. Although he was not successful, the legislature began to use the school for state-operated functions, such as fighting disease on local farms, control of the weather bureau for the state of Maryland, feed inspections and completing a geological survey. A federally-funded agricultural experiment station led to the establishment of a college farm along with the Rossborough Inn to create the station.
The State of Maryland took full control of the school in 1916. Women were admitted that same year and the name of the school changed to the Maryland State College of Agriculture. Four years later the University of Maryland was created when the College Park and Baltimore campuses combined.
Today, the University of Maryland College Park is a highly-rated research university with an enrollment of more than 37,000 students. It is ranked 21st among public universities by U.S. News & World Report and 14th by Forbes Magazine. The Institute of Higher Education, which ranks the top universities based on research, ranks Maryland 38th in the world.
University of Maryland College Park Accreditation Details
The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accreditation is a peer-review process in which the University undergoes periodic review to confirm that students continue to receive education at its highest level based on criteria set forth by the Commission. If the Commission identifies areas that need improvement during the review, the school agrees to address those areas as soon as possible. In addition to university accreditation, specific programs at the college are accredited by the following organizations:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accrediting Council on Education on Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
- American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Library Association (ALA)
- American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
- Institute of Food Technologists
- Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB)
- Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
- National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
- National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
University of Maryland College Park Application Process
In order to apply for the Business Analytics Minor, applicants must hold 45 credits or more and can only apply in the spring. They must complete the minor online application form and provide a letter of recommendation.
In order to apply for the Master of Professional Studies in Data Science, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must have one semester of statistics and Calculus I. They must have academic or professional experience equivalent to basic programming courses. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided along with a current resume. A statement outlining the applicant’s goals and expectations in the program must be submitted as well.
University of Maryland College Park Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Master of Professional Studies in Data Science is $707.35 per credit hour for Maryland residents and $1,180.34 per credit hour for non-residents.
Undergraduate students may qualify for financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Graduate students may qualify for assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, assistantships or fellowships. All students may be offered loans as part of their financial aid packet. In order to qualify for any assistance, students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The University of Maryland College Park is the University System’s flagship school and is considered one of the best research institutions in the world.
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