Professional Master in Data Science (PMDS)

Data science is concerned with the extraction of useful knowledge from data sets. It is closely related to the fields of computer science, mathematics, and statistics. It is a relatively new term for a broad set of skills spanning the more established fields of machine learning, data mining, databases, and visualization, along with their applications in various fields. In 2012, Harvard Business Review called data science “The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century.”

The program is designed for working professionals with a background in ICT who would like to extend their skill set to encompass data science and become qualified experts in the principles and practices of data science.

Eligibility

The common core is designed so that any graduate of a 4-year Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering program can succeed in the program.

The mathematical background for the common core is undergraduate linear algebra and multivariate calculus (matrices, vectors, and partial derivatives) and basic probability theory (probability mass functions, probability density functions, sampling, and common distributions). The Mathematical Foundations of Data Science course provides a review of this background material and reinforcement of the particular mathematical techniques used in data science.

The assumed IT background is basic IT literacy and the ability to write basic programs in any high-level programming language. Applicants with no or very little programming experience should take an online course in Python programming, for example on Coursera, before beginning the PMDS.

Applicants with related work experience are preferable. In addition, applicants should be employed with a company or other organization that can utilize the skills obtained from the program. We expect students to apply the skills learned in PMDS to a problem faced by the company or organization in their industrial project.

• Applicants should have a good command of English with an English proficiency score in the IELTS academic writing band of at least 5.0.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (normally from a four-year program), or its equivalent, in an appropriate field of study from an institution of good standing acceptable to AIT;
• Have undergraduate grades significantly above average; the minimum cGPA requirement for admission to the Master’s Program is 2.75 or equivalent, at the Bachelor’s degree level;
• English Proficiency Requirement: AIT-EET: 6; IELTS Academic: overall 6 (writing 6); TOEFL iBT: overall 80 (writing 21-23); & PTE Academic: overall 52 (writing 62-73)
• Be in satisfactory physical and mental health, and have a record of good conduct;
• For the Professional Master’s (PM) degree program, in addition to the above-mentioned eligibility requirements, an applicant must:
• Have at least 3 years of work experience in areas related to the academic program at AIT and
• Be executives in organizations/companies.

Graduates of the Professional Master in Data Science (PMDS) program are equipped for a wide range of data-centric careers across various industries. With strong foundations in computer programming, data modeling, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making, they are well-suited for roles such as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and Machine Learning Engineers. They can work in sectors like finance, healthcare, technology, and retail, where they analyze complex data sets to inform business strategy, optimize operations, or develop predictive models. Additionally, their skills in deep learning and computer vision make them valuable in fields such as AI research, robotics, and autonomous systems. With the added experience from an industrial project, PMDS graduates are also prepared for leadership roles in data-driven organizations or for launching their own data science initiatives.