New College to offer Big data master's degree

SARASOTA — New College of Florida, a nationally ranked public undergraduate liberal arts college based in Sarasota, will offer its first master's degree program beginning in the fall 2015 semester.

The master's will be in data science, according to a release. The program, approved by the State University System of Florida board, will meet demand for workers trained in data analytics, school officials say.

“This program will strengthen the link between a liberal arts education and the world of work, while enhancing our undergraduate program and raising New College's national profile,” New College President Don O'Shea says in the release. “We're pleased that the board of governors understands the tremendous value of this master's degree program, both to our students and to employers in Florida and nationwide.”

Around 30 faculty members worked on the program in collaboration with officials from a host of companies that rely on data analytics, including Google, Gallup and Manatee County-based Star2Star. Students will study mathematics and computer science tools used for data analysis in the first year, the release states. Students will also work on real-world data projects and participate in paid internships. The school plans to hire four new faculty members for the program, who will teach classes along with several current faculty members.