Data Analytics is an emerging discipline that seeks to infer insights from large amounts of data (“big data”) by using various statistical techniques and algorithms. The discipline is concerned with both statistical techniques that measure the validity of such insights and with computational techniques for managing data and resources efficiently. There is a great need for people with technical skills in these areas, prompted by the large amounts of information that governments and businesses are collecting. Thus, this degree program aims to train people to develop algorithms and computerized systems to facilitate the discovery of information from big data.
There is an increasing demand for data analysts who can create, adapt, and use state-of-the-art tools to obtain insight from large structured and unstructured data sets, converting them into knowledge. Usually people with this training have the title of “data analyst” or “data scientist.” The US Bureau of Labor Statistics may classify people in these roles as statisticians, computer programmers, or other existing categories (such as “database administrator” or “software developer”). Graduates may go on to complete a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related area and may also seek professional distinction.
Some examples of the job titles associated with this field can be given as:
Data Scientist • Data Analyst • Data Architect • Data Engineer• Data Mining Specialist • Business Intelligence Analyst• Big Data Engineer• Big Data Scientist• Database Administrator