Data Science Degree Programs in Delaware
Delaware represents a promising frontier for data scientists and analysts. The First State houses corporate headquarters for major companies including DuPont, P&L Transportation, and Total Wine & More, as well as the North American headquarters for AstraZeneca. The state housed offices for two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies in 2018 due to favorable incorporation laws.
Career Outlook for Data Scientists in Delaware
Data scientists setting up shop in Delaware aren’t limited to employers in the state. The state capital of Dover is located within a two-hour drive of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Delaware residents can also reach New York City and surrounding communities in under four hours. This proximity opens a world of possibilities with potential corporate, government, and non-profit clients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a mean annual salary of $127,810 for data scientists in Delaware as of May 2021. This is much higher than the national median wage for data scientists ($100,910) and the annual mean wage for Delaware’s workforce ($59,820). As data science continues to grow as a profession, professionals in the field may see higher average salaries in Delaware than in several other parts of the country.
Delaware’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, putting a slight dent in a data scientist’s income advantage. The average home price in Delaware is $304,500 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $954 per month. On the whole, though, a data scientist in Delaware can live a fulfilling life with steady income growth.
The recent emergence of data science as a profession means a shortage of trained professionals in the field. LinkedIn found that major cities throughout the country were short thousands of data scientists needed to fill full-time positions. These shortages have been attributed to the growing importance of analytics in industries beyond business and technology.
Delaware manufacturing and Delaware tourism are two of the state’s largest industries, and both rely heavily on data scientists to provide data-driven guidance for business and marketing purposes. The first step for anyone motivated to take on one of these jobs is to learn the skills necessary to stand out from the crowd.
On-Campus Undergraduate Data Science Programs in Delaware
Delaware’s small size means that options are limited for undergraduate programs focusing heavily on data science. Future data scientists still have a few options at universities in Delaware for building the skills necessary to succeed in the industry.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University features a bachelor’s degree in business analytics with an abundance of data science courses. This four-year program is ideal for future entrepreneurs and business analysts who want to stay ahead of data trends. Graduates of the business analytics program enter the workforce with courses in data mining, big data visualization, and data modeling in mind. The curriculum requires cooperative learning experiences that allow data science fans to ply their trades in the real world.
Wilmington also offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science that is available on campus, online, or as a combination of both. In the computer science program, students work with leading-edge development tools and programming software that will fully prepare you in computer science fundamentals like user-centered design, database design, computer architecture and systems analysis. Become an expert in HTML/CSS, PHP, Java, JavaScript, C# and C+++. The school additionally offers an associate degree in data science analytics, though that program is available online only.
Wilmington University asks prospective students to submit applications along with $35 application fees. High school applicants need to submit high school transcripts, while transfer students need to submit transcripts from previous universities. Applicants also need to demonstrate their math and language skills by completing assessments in lieu of transferred credits. Students accepted to the university in 2020-2021 paid $372 per credit hour each semester in tuition.
Students concerned about the costs of a business analytics degree can apply for one of many Wilmington University scholarships. The Wilmington University Scholarship is a one-year award of up to $5,000 within reach of students with GPAs of at least 3.0. The College of Business Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship for business students that meet or exceed the 3.0 GPA threshold. Additional scholarships include the $2,000 Linda Thomas Memorial Scholarship for undergraduates and the four-year, full-tuition Wilmington Manor Lions Club Scholarship for a selected undergraduate living in New Castle.
University of Delaware
Aspiring and current data scientists in Delaware don’t necessarily need to complete a four-year program to learn the fundamentals of data science. The University of Delaware’s Analytics: Optimizing Big Data Certificate is a four-month program available in Fall and Spring semesters. The certificate trains students on the finer points of regression analysis, measurement system analysis, and experiment design. Students complete capstone projects that test their ability to turn classroom lessons on big data into real-world situations. CIO named the program as one of the 26 best data certifications available in the United States.
Additionally, you don’t need to be a stats wiz or computer expert to participate in this program. The university recommends that students enter with basic knowledge of statistics, data management, and analysis software. Participants in the program also need laptops and copies of software used in each course by the first day of class. By completing all assignments with at least a C grade, you get a head start in data science with a project in your portfolio. The course fee for the Spring 2022 semester is $2,895.
Students looking to go the more traditional route of a four-year degree can pursue UD’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. The B.S. in computer science degree features multiple options for specialization, including concentrations in artificial intelligence and robotics, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, data science, systems and networks, and more.
If none of these degrees seem like a good fit, you also have the option of joining any degree you’d like to pursue with the Cybersecurity Scholars Program. This program (available only to first-year students at the University of Delaware) integrates specialized Cybersecurity coursework with any degree the school offers. As a result, students are able to grapple with the intersection of cybersecurity and data science early in their academic careers.
Delaware State University
Students at Delaware State University (DSU) can earn their B.S. in computer science as well. Students in DSU’s program design and integrate networks, hardware, and software, learn to program in multiple languages using multiple paradigms, explore cutting-edge areas such as data mining, digital compression, and virtual machine migration and much more.
On-Campus Graduate Data Science Programs in Delaware
After completing an undergraduate program or certificate in Delaware, you may feel the need to strengthen your credentials. A graduate degree can boost your potential earnings and open new career opportunities.
On-Campus Master’s in Data Science Programs in Delaware
One of the top colleges in Delaware, the University of Delaware is the center of the data science universe in the state thanks to its M.S. in data science program. This program first offered classes in Fall 2018 and draws on faculty members from the University of Delaware computer science, math, and statistics programs. Graduate students can take advantage of the program’s diverse faculty to pursue career tracks in data analysis, data engineering, or data science.
Like most data science graduate programs, the University of Delaware requires applicants to hold bachelor’s degrees in computer science, engineering, math or stats. The program’s admissions committee looks for students with at least two semesters of computer programming courses along with courses in algebra, calculus, and statistics. The tuition rate for each data science credit during the 2021-2022 school year is $950.
Each application also needs three letters of recommendation, a written statement of professional goals, and a transcript proving a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants are required to select the analysis, engineering, or science tracks when submitting their applications. This career track allows the student’s advisor to select appropriate courses from the first semester. The rigorous application process means that a data science M.S. from the University of Delaware is worthwhile.
Students in University of Delaware graduate programs can cut down on education costs with scholarships and fellowships. The university’s fellowship program pays tuition and stipends to promising students recommended by their departments. Graduate departments also nominate high-potential students for scholarships that cover tuition. Graduate, research, and teaching assistantships also cover tuition with stipends in exchange for classroom and other academic work.
The University of Delaware is not the only game in town when it comes to on-campus graduate degrees, however. An M.S. in Computer Science is also available from Delaware State University in the state’s capital of Dover. DSU’s M.S. degree is designed to prepare its graduates students for career opportunities in research and technology leadership. DSU’s program provides rigorous training in computer science as well as an opportunity for experimentation and inquiry. DSU’s program features an in-state tuition fee of only $430 for the 2021-2022 school year, though this rises to $948 for students outside of Delaware.
On-Campus Data Science Ph.D. Programs in Delaware
Delaware does not feature any on-campus Ph.D. programs dealing with data science or related topics. You can learn about data science Ph.D. programs throughout the country by clicking here.
On-Campus Graduate Certificate Programs in Delaware
There are no on-campus graduate certificate programs for Delaware data science professionals. If you want to learn more about data science, however, you have a few virtual options to expand your horizons.
Online Data Science Degree Programs in Delaware
Online degree programs and data science fit well together due to their common focus on technology. A quick search for data science and online degree programs in Delaware does not turn up much useful information. After digging deeper, it is clear that online data science courses in Delaware are aimed at specific industries or specializations rather than data generalists.
University of Delaware Online Master of Science in Applied Statistics
As the state’s largest university, the University of Delaware provides myriad data science programs. Students looking to advance their data analytics careers need not walk into classrooms with the virtual Master of Science in Applied Statistics program. The program was born out of a partnership with online course management company All Campus, which recruited students and promoted courses starting in 2017.
This stats-focused graduate program requires completion of 30 credits split between core and elective options. The core elements of the program include courses on regression analysis, applied multivariate methods, and stat analysis. Students also choose five courses from electives like survival analysis, biostatistics, and logistic regression.
To apply for the applied statistics online program, you need a four-year degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants also need to demonstrate familiarity with algebra, calculus, and statistics through past classes. The admissions department also looks for computer programming experience from accepted students. Each application needs to include an undergraduate transcript, GRE score, three recommendation letters, a resume, a personal essay, and $75 application fee. During the 2021-2022 school year, each credit cost $950.
University of Delaware Graduate Certificate in Applied Bioinformatics
The field of bioinformatics is increasingly important due to the technical challenges of medical research. The University of Delaware helps biologists, geneticists, and pharmaceutical researchers learn about bioinformatics through the online graduate certificate it offers. This certificate program is designed for working professionals and provides students credits that are applicable toward graduate programs. The core courses in the applied bioinformatics certificate include bioinformatics, databases for bioinformatics, programming, and systems biology.
Participants in the certificate program do not need programming experience to dive into the material. Since the courses deal with biological data, familiarity with molecular biology theory is ideal. The university encourages students to complete certificates in one year by offering all four courses across fall and spring semesters. Certificate recipients leave the program with technical tools and skills necessary for data-focused jobs in the medical field.
University of Delaware Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated The University of Delaware a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, making it the ideal place to earn your M.S. in Cybersecurity. Become a specialist in this rapidly growing industry with an online 30-credit degree that can be completed in as little as two years. The program’s flexibility makes it ideal for working professionals, and the program boasts expert faculty members who have vast experience across the government, military and corporate sectors.
Data Science Networking Opportunities in Delaware
As you enter the data science field, it’s important to stay current with the latest developments in the field. Events and groups related to data science also provide invaluable opportunities to network with future employers and colleagues. There is also the opportunity to develop new ideas and collaborate outside of the workplace or the classroom. The following groups and events in Delaware help both new and veteran members of the field connect with each other.
Open Data Delaware is a Meetup group of data professionals and enthusiasts who meet at least once per week in Wilmington. This group focuses on using data to improve the local community. The weekly Code & Coffee event takes place on Saturdays with participating members learning new skills through a civic data project. Open Data Delaware also invites new members to attend the weekly Newark Codes event on Wednesdays. Newark Codes acts as a brainstorming and planning sessions for members searching for new data projects. With over 1,000 members, Open Data Delaware presents a great opportunity for data scientists to meet and share ideas.
The Data Lab is another Meetup data science group based in Wilmington. Data Lab participants meet at the end of each month for discussions about the data analytics industry. Past events focused on getting started on artificial intelligence and machine learning, business intelligence expertise, and data visualization. The group invites groups like Open Data Delaware and experts from area organizations to bring current knowledge to events. With hundreds of active members, the Data Lab is a good place to network and learn.
The University of Delaware’s Data Science Institute hosts events throughout the year that inform data scientists about the latest research in the field. In May 2017, the institute invited professors, graduate students, and researchers to discuss the university’s data science goals at the Delaware Data Science Symposium. The institute hosts a regular seminar series on topics including finite time analysis, machine learning for large-scale projects, and geospatial data science.
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2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for data scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.
