Austin Peay State University - Online Master of Science and Professional Science Masters in Analytics Programs
The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at Austin Peay State University offers Master of Science (MS) and Professional Science Masters (PSM) programs that both have two Analytics concentrations: Data Management and Analysis, and Predictive Analytics. These programs are offered through the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the university.
The MS and PSM degrees provide similar types of training with some curricular variations. For example, the PSM program features several courses in organizational leadership and communication, while the MS program focuses more narrowly on technical and scientific proficiencies. The Data Management and Analysis concentration features coursework devoted to database applications, and the Predictive Analytics concentration focuses more heavily on mathematical and statistical analysis skills. The PSM program requires students to complete 30 to 39 credit hours of coursework, depending on the concentration, while the MS program’s credit hours range from 33 to 39. Both programs are comprised of the equivalent of roughly 12 courses, but the PSM degree culminates with an internship and the MS program has a final capstone project or thesis. Both programs are offered part-time, require no campus visits, and can be completed in roughly two years.
The Department of Distance Education at Austin Peay State utilizes the Desire2Learn (D2L) online learning platform. This allows for interactive asynchronous instruction. Courses are not self-paced, but students have on-demand access to videotaped lectures, online exam proctoring services, and an array of multimedia course materials. Live lecture/discussion sessions may be scheduled from time to time at the discretion of instructors, and most coursework must be submitted by assigned due dates through the D2L platform.
The Data Management and Analysis concentration curriculum offered by Austin Peay encompasses three broad areas of coursework. Students complete a general core of three courses in leadership, communication, and statistical reasoning, followed by major field core courses in web programming, database management, data mining, and SAS or Python programing. The final portion of the curriculum includes a Data Management Applications course and a Data Mining project. Students in the PSM program finish their degree with an internship, while MS program candidates choose between a research project and a thesis.
The Predictive Analytics concentration begins with the same general core of courses in leadership, communication, and statistical reasoning as the Data Management and Analysis concentration. The major field core courses in the Predictive Analytics concentration include SAS Programming, Database Management Concepts, and Data Mining Applications. Students then complete Predictive Analytics major concentration courses, including Finite Mathematics, Regression Analysis, and Time Series Analysis. The PSM program concludes with an internship, while students in the MS program choose between a research project and a thesis.
Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).