Studying Big Data Online at The University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus appears in our ranking of the 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Data Science Online.
The Master of Science in Data Analytics offered through the University of Maryland Global Campus was created by leading employers in order to provide students with an edge in a competitive market. The program combines study in technical and business analytics to create strong data analysts who are able to manage and manipulate data. Students also learn how to create data visualizations and make recommendations based on the information obtained from data. Courses required for the program include:
- Big Data Analytics
- Decision Management and Visualization
- Machine Learning
- Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMGC
- Predictive Modeling
Students must also complete a Data Analytics Capstone.
The Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Informatics helps students develop advanced skills in security, networking, software development, databases and more. Students gain a strong understanding of quantitative and managerial skills along with information theory and the best practices used for developing products and systems. Students learn to design information systems, determine system requirements and understand modeling. They use these skills to make decisions as well as develop and implement proposals. Students are able to write system and software requirements, spec analyses, description reasoning, models of standard paradigms as well as how to translate formal notations. Students gain an understanding of cloud computing, BYOD, virtualization, Java and CGI scripts. Courses required for the program include:
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Foundations of Information Security and Assurance
- Information Systems Analysis, Modeling and Design
- Information Systems Infrastructure
- Information Technology Project Management
- Internet Multimedia Application
- IT Acquisitions Management
- Modern Software Methodologies
- Orientation to Graduate Studies
- Relational Database Systems
- Software Requirements
Students must also complete a Capstone Course in Contemporary Topics in Informatics.
A biotechnology master’s degree with bioinformatics specialization is also available at UMGC and can be completed 100% online.
About University of Maryland Global Campus
Since the school opened in the 1920s, it has focused on providing education for working adults, one of the first schools to offer evening classes. In 1947, the school became the College of Special and Continuation Studies and in 1952, the University of Maryland University College. It became an independent institution in 1970, and in July 2019 the name was changed to University of Maryland Global Campus. UMGC is an independent institution under the University System of Maryland, but is not connected to the University of Maryland, College Park.
Today, University of Maryland Global Campus continues its focus to provide career-relevant education at the post-secondary level with schedule formats designed for working adults. The school currently has an enrollment above 80,000.
University of Maryland Global Campus Accreditation Details
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Regional accreditation indicates that the university undergoes periodic review by the accrediting agency to confirm that students are receiving a quality education. During the review, the Commission also confirms that the university has the resources to meet its goals and identifies anything that needs improvement. The university agrees to address any of those issues in order to continue providing an outstanding education.
Health information and information management programs are accredited by the Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Education and project management programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. The school is also accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development-Technology-Enhanced Learning.
University of Maryland Global Campus Application Requirements
Students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation are admitted as freshmen. They must provide an official high school diploma. Students who have earned a General Education Diploma (GED) must score a minimum total score of 600 and a minimum section score of 125.
Students who have earned college credit after high school graduation are admitted as transfer students. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on all courses. Students may also be required to submit official high school transcripts.
In order to apply for graduate programs at UMGC, students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, but GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Programs may have specific admissions requirements, so students are encouraged to speak to a graduate admissions counselor before applying.
University of Maryland Global Campus College Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for Maryland residents is $294 per credit hour and for non-residents $499 per credit hour. Tuition for undergraduate military members, spouses, and dependents is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate programs. On-site tuition for out-of-state residents at the Hagerstown campus is $418 per credit hour. Graduate tuition for standard master’s level degrees is $458 per credit hour for Maryland residents and $659 per credit hour for non-residents. Standard master’s degrees for military members, spouses and dependents are $458 per credit hour. Tuition for specialty master’s programs is $694 per credit and doctoral programs are $1,087 per credit for both residents and non-residents.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid, as well as loans, which must be repaid upon graduation. Military and veteran benefits, as well as employer-funded tuition, are accepted by UMGC. Students may also take advantage of an interest-free monthly payment plan. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for assistance and the FAFSA must be renewed on an annual basis.
Working adults need flexible options in order to achieve higher education goals so that they can continue to meet work, family and social obligations. The University of Maryland Global Campus offers online, on-campus and hybrid programs that fit the needs of working adults, allowing them to move into a new career or advance in a current career.
Related Resources:
- Are Data Science Degrees Expensive?
- How Do I Know if Data Science is a Good Degree Path for Me?
- How Useful is a Data Science Degree?
- 5 Signs of an Innovative Data Science Degree Program
- 20 Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- 30 Best Master’s in Data Science Online Degree Programs