UMD Launches Science Academy With Professional STEM Programs

Sep 25, 2019

The University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) has launched the Science Academy to provide graduate education programs for working professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills in key areas like data science and machine learning.

With courses taught by faculty members in CMNS and the A. James Clark School of Engineering.who are leading experts in their fields, the Science Academy is designed to meet a regional demand for a modern workforce with expertise in specialized areas of science and mathematics.

“Working professionals in nearly every field need data-related skills to stay current and advance in their careers,” said CMNS Dean Amitabh Varshney. “Science Academy programs cater to a workforce that recognizes the need for the knowledge and expertise that are required to compete in the 21st-century global economy.”

The Science Academy will be led by Director Amy Chester, who joins UMD next month from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, where she is senior assistant dean.

“We are excited to welcome Amy back to the University of Maryland, where she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees,” Varshney said. “Amy brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in higher education and professional training. In her new role, Amy will be instrumental in growing our portfolio of Science Academy programs to meet the needs of working professionals and lifelong learners.”

Science Academy programs include:

Data Science—Master of Professional Studies (30 credits) or graduate certificate (12 credits): Students learn to design, conduct, interpret, and communicate data analysis tasks and studies using methods and tools of statistics, machine learning, computer science, and communications.
Machine Learning—Master of Professional Studies (30 credits): Students master the methods and techniques of creating models and algorithms that learn from and make decisions or predictions based on data. They also explore advanced topics such as deep learning, optimization, big data analysis and signal/image understanding.

All courses take place in the evenings on campus in College Park. They are taught on a 12-week term schedule, which means students can complete a Master of Professional Studies degree in as little as 15 months or a graduate certificate in six months, while also working.

Domestic students interested in enrolling in any of the Science Academy programs should apply by Oct. 1 for best consideration. Courses will begin in late November. International students should apply by March 13, 2020, to begin taking courses in August 2020.