School of Data Science and Analytics Established at KSU

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 15, 2021

Kennesaw State University has announced the establishment of the School of Data Science and Analytics, building on the institution’s rich history of industry research and academic programs related to one of the fastest growing disciplines in higher education.

Data Science
Housed within the College of Computing and Software Engineering, the school unites the resources of the former Analytics and Data Science Institute and the Department of Statistics and Analytical Sciences under one banner, serving more than 4,200 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The School of Data Science and Analytics will be home to the Center for Statistics and Analytical Research (CSAR), which has received more than $2 million in research funding through partnerships with 20 different organizations representing government, financial technology, manufacturing and healthcare industries.

“KSU has seen tremendous growth in data science over the years and more students than ever seek to take advantage of promising careers across this sector,” said Kat Schwaig, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The School of Data Science and Analytics reaffirms our commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the ever-changing world of data and cement our place as a leader in groundbreaking research.”

In addition to CSAR, the School of Data Science and Analytics is one of few in the country to offer a full stack of academic programs, including the country’s first Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science. The school also offers a master’s degree and minor in applied statistics and analytics, and three online certificates. The school will have 22 full-time and 16 part-time faculty, including those who have joint-appointments in KSU’s Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis and the Department of Computer Science.

The school is also home to eight labs sponsored by industry leaders such as Equifax, Home Depot and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. It will also house the Human Studies Lab, funded by the Gerber Foundation and Wellstar, and the Diplomacy Lab, a university-wide partnership supporting the U.S. State Department. The labs have generated three patents and hundreds of peer reviewed research publications and proceedings.

“With world class faculty, top-notch facilities and a deep history in the field of data science, KSU is uniquely positioned to make a lasting mark on industries across the region,” said Sherrill Hayes, director of the School of Data Science and Analytics. “By transitioning into a school, we are enhancing the opportunities for our students and will continue to serve as a strong industry ally and good steward to our surrounding communities. Moving forward, we hope the name Kennesaw State becomes synonymous with data science in Georgia.”

– Travis Highfield

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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.