51³Ô¹ÏÍø

DALLAS (SMU) and LANDOVER, Md. — 51³Ô¹ÏÍøwill offer a Master of Science in Data Science program designed to meet the growing demand for data scientists across many industries.

DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøis delivered in partnership with 2U, Inc., a leading provider of online education solutions for top-tier nonprofit colleges and universities.

DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøfeatures an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from three 51³Ô¹ÏÍøschools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Lyle School of Engineering, and Meadows School of the Arts. With classes and content designed and delivered by 51³Ô¹ÏÍøfaculty, DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøincludes coursework in computer science, statistics, strategic behavior, and data visualization.

The first classes for this online degree program are scheduled to begin in January 2015.

“We look forward to building an innovative online data science program that will prepare students to effectively manage and analyze data as well as communicate and visualize findings,” said 51³Ô¹ÏÍøProvost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul W. Ludden. “Our partnership with 2U will allow 51³Ô¹ÏÍøto offer our top-tier academics to professionals working around the world.”

DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøis designed with working professionals in mind. Live classes will be held weekly in a virtual classroom and will be kept small to facilitate group work and collaborative discussion. Coursework and lectures will be available 24/7 and accessible to enrolled students no matter where they are located. As with all 2U-powered programs, DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøwill feature faculty-designed coursework, including hands-on, project-based assignments and highly produced recorded lectures.

“There is no question that the field of data science has emerged rapidly and that it continues to evolve. New technologies and vast amounts of data are shifting the way organizations operate, and there is more need than ever for professionals who can work with that data to solve problems,” said Chip Paucek, 2U CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to support SMU’s commitment to the field of data science and to serve their students through our technology and dedicated support wherever they may be located.”

DataScience@51³Ô¹ÏÍøstudents will complete a total of 30 credits of core coursework in statistics, data mining and data visualization, and a 1-credit, hands-on, in-person immersion experience on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcampus in Dallas.

SMU’s online Master of Science in Data Science program will begin accepting applications late summer 2014 for classes beginning in January 2015. For more information, visit .

About 51³Ô¹ÏÍøMethodist University

is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøenrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.

About 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality education to qualified students anywhere. Our cloud-based software-as-a-service platform provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate their students. Our mission is to enable the education our clients provide to reach its highest potential so students can reach theirs. To learn more, go to .

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