An Expert Interview with Data Scientist: Tony Johnson
Dr. Tony Johnson
The Program Manager for Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Engineering, Data Science, and Applied Artificial Intelligence at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Johnson also acts as a Academic Program Adviser.
Tell me about your current role at Johns Hopkins University? What are some of your favorite aspects of your job?
I serve as Program Manager for Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Engineering, Data Science, and Applied Artificial Intelligence. My job is to help students in the various programs to achieve their academic goals by providing them excellent administrative faculty staff support. I accomplish this by hiring talented professors who are knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge through excellence in teaching.
Can you provide an overview of Johns Hopkins online masters of science in data science program in terms of the design and structure?
The Data Science program focuses on the fundamentals of computer science, statistics, and applied mathematics, while incorporating real-world examples. With options to study online and on-site in state-of-the-art facilities at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, students learn from practicing engineers and data scientists.
For students uncertain if an online program is a good fit, what are some of the pros and cons of an online masters in data science?
Our online program is great if you are looking for an ivy league graduate experience on your own time. Our courses run in 14 one-week modules where the expectations are given at the beginning of the week. You choose, based on your schedule, when you plan to complete the requirements. Our talented faculty is available via web chat nearly 24-hours a day. Of course, the drawback is if you are not self-motivated, you could find yourself falling behind. To address this tendency, we offer chat rooms and online forums to keep students engaged with one another so that the experience mirror that of taking a face to face class.
What resources and/or support does Johns Hopkins offer that help set apart the online data science masters program?
Many of our lectures are recorded in special lightboard studios so the experience is more than voice over slides, but actual professors teaching directly to the students. This enhancement provides a richer experience and improves the student’s ability to comprehend complex concepts easier than audio and slides.
How is the curriculum kept up to date as the field of data science continues to rapidly evolve?
Curriculum is constantly evolving. We routinely redevelop our courses as well as solicit industry leaders to join our faculty and create new courses.
Is the capstone project required for online students?
Not required but encouraged.
What attributes do you look for in applicants to the online data science masters program? What advice do you have for potential applications to help them submit a competitive application?
We look for students that work well with others, are independent contributors to their own learning experiences, demonstrate an inquisitiveness about the subject matter that moves outside the material covered. Basically, we are looking for students that want to own their education, and not simply be given their education. Competitive applications will demonstrate this by their GPA, rigor of classes completed, and the types of courses they chose in undergraduate school.
