Data is shaping nearly every industry, from healthcare and business to technology, education, and public service. But succeeding in today’s data-driven world requires more than learning a few tools or coding languages. It requires the ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate insights that drive decisions.
That’s the philosophy behind Ball State University’s Master of Science in Data Science, offered on Coursera. Designed and led by Ball State faculty, the program combines strong academic foundations with practical, career-relevant learning that students can apply immediately in the workplace.
For Dr. Munni Begum and Dr. Drew Lazar, two of the program’s faculty leaders, data science education should be both rigorous and supportive. Their goal is to prepare students not only to work with data, but to lead with it.
Whether students are advancing in their careers, transitioning into data-focused roles, or building technical expertise for the first time, the program is designed to help them move forward with confidence.
A faculty-led program built for real-world impact
One of the defining features of Ball State’s online Master of Science in Data Science is that it is faculty-driven. The curriculum was designed collaboratively by Ball State faculty across statistics, mathematics, and computer science to balance theory with practical application.
“What truly distinguishes Ball State’s program is that it is faculty-driven and faculty-led,” says Dr. Munni Begum. “Faculty played a central role in designing the curriculum, defining learning outcomes, and continuously assessing and refining the program.”
Throughout the program, students develop in-demand skills in:
- Python, R, SQL, and SAS programming
- Statistical modeling and machine learning
- Data visualization and communication
- Predictive analytics and computational statistics
- Ethical and responsible data practice
Rather than focusing only on tools, the program emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation, and problem-solving skills employers increasingly value across industries.
Flexible online learning without compromising quality
The online experience is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining the same academic rigor and faculty engagement as the on-campus program.
Students complete coursework asynchronously on Coursera, allowing them to balance graduate study with work and personal responsibilities. At the same time, courses remain highly interactive through programming assignments, applied projects, discussion boards, detailed instructor feedback, and virtual office hours.
“Online delivery is a different medium, not a lower standard,” says Dr. Lazar.
Faculty stay actively involved throughout the student experience, providing personalized support and mentorship along the way.
“When I teach a course, I try to treat each student as an individual rather than as a name on a roster,” Dr. Lazar explains. “I read their submitted work carefully, leave specific feedback, and make myself available for one-on-one video calls when a student wants to talk through a concept or get help with a project.”
Dr. Begum also emphasizes creating an online environment where students feel supported and connected.
“My engagement with online students is caring, proactive, and student-centered,” she says. “By combining clear structure, regular interaction, personalized feedback, and mentorship, I strive to create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and connected.”
Expanding access through performance-based admission
Ball State’s program was intentionally designed to expand access to graduate education for learners from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.
Through the performance-based admissions process, students can begin taking courses without GRE scores, application fees, or a traditional admissions process upfront. Instead, students demonstrate their readiness through their performance in three designated courses.
The program also offers pay-as-you-go tuition, helping learners manage costs more flexibly while continuing to work. Eligible students may also transfer up to nine credits from approved industry content from organizations such as Google and IBM.
Combined with a curriculum aligned to workforce needs, these features help students build practical skills they can apply immediately in their current or future roles.
“The curriculum is designed so that the skills students learn in class are the same ones they can put to use the next day at work,” says Dr. Lazar.
Helping students grow into data science leaders
The Ball State University Master of Science in Data Science on Coursera offers more than technical training. It offers a flexible, faculty-led graduate education designed to prepare students for long-term success in a rapidly changing field.
Students learn from experienced faculty who are active researchers, dedicated mentors, and leaders in statistics, machine learning, and applied analytics. They graduate with both technical expertise and the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve real-world problems with data.
Whether you are looking to transition into data science, deepen your analytical expertise, or advance your career, Ball State’s program provides the support, flexibility, and academic foundation to help you move forward with confidence.
Learn more about the Ball State University Master of Science in Data Science on Coursera.
