KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 31, 2017

Analytics and Data Science Program to advance cutting-edge technologies

Kennesaw State University has announced a collaboration with GE Digital to provide students in the Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science program the opportunity to explore cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and advanced data science technologies.

“Collaborative, practical research is the foundation of our Ph.D. program in Analytics and Data Science,” said Jennifer Lewis Priestley, associate dean of the Graduate College. “Our students are working with real data, to solve real problems. They are trained in theory, but applying those concepts to real business challenges is the hallmark of the 21st century Ph.D. degree.”

The Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science at Kennesaw State University was one of the first of its kind in the nation. It is designed to train individuals to translate large, structured and unstructured, complex data into information to improve decision-making. The four-year program emphasizes courses in statistical modeling, machine learning, programming, optimization and text analytics.

“We have chosen to partner with the Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science at KSU because the students and associated faculty have the demonstrated ability to integrate leading edge research in data science with practical application to real business problems,” said Girish Modgil, Sr. Director Data & Analytics at GE Digital. 

Kennesaw State’s decision to develop a program in analytics and data science stemmed from the success of the University’s existing Master of Science in Applied Statistics — where graduates are in great demand and continue to have a 100 percent placement — and by the minor in applied statistics and data analysis with undergraduate demand from every college across the University, and similarly strong placement.

“As a public university, we have a fiduciary responsibility to be contributing to the economic competitiveness of the state,” said Priestley. “This collaboration with GE Digital is a great example of how a university/private sector partnership creates value for the company, the students, and the state of Georgia.”

General Electric (GE) is defining what it means to be a ‘Digital Industrial’ company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. With Predix, GE’s platform for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), GE Digital is paving the way for this digital transformation across GE’s own businesses and helping customers transform their own businesses through software, industrial apps and analytics. Data Science and Machine Learning are critical to this transformation and a key ingredient to GE’s continued success.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.