UNC School of Data Science and Society
For better or worse, data is pervasive in every area of life. Our physical activity, internet search queries, purchasing and television preferences, and driving tendencies are all tracked through means like smart devices, financial transactions, and security cameras.
It seems like the saying “there’s data supporting this” has become the new “I saw it on TV” or “I read it on the internet.” Because of this persuasive force, it’s imperative that college students have a holistic understanding of data. That’s where the UNC School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) comes in. Launched in 2022, the school is centered around progressing the field of data science and understanding how it impacts society.
“Data has a persuasive force. It has the ability to make arguments seem more plausible, more impactful, more strong,” says Stan Ahalt, dean of SDSS and professor of computer science. “People who use data have a persuasive podium. That podium can be used for very positive things, but it also could be used to distort things in a certain way.”
SDSS will launch its online Master of Applied Data Science program in January 2024. Graduates will gain general skills in programming, statistics, mathematics, and data management, ethics, and governance, as well as specialized skills in machine learning, visualization, and communication. This program will be followed by undergraduate and graduate degrees and a certificate program for working professionals.
The goal is to give students multiple avenues to incorporate data science courses into their degree. This cross-disciplinary focus also drives how SDSS approaches research.
“We’re not just a silo as a school,” says Jay Aikat, vice dean of SDSS and research professor of computer science. “The success of the school really depends on having very strong collaboration with many different units across campus for UNC as a whole to be a data science powerhouse.”