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UNIVERSITY
ATALBANY
State University of New York
Senlor Vice President for Academie Affairs & Provost
March 8, 2016
Dr, Alexander Cartwright
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
State University of New York
System Administration
State University Plaza
Albany, New York 12246
Dear Dr. Cartwright:
On behalf of the faculty at the University at Albany, I am pleased to transmit the attached
Letter of Intent to establish a Master of Science (M.S.) program in Data Science
This Letter of Intent has been considered and approved through our school and campus
governance bodies. We are appreciative for anticipated efforts by staff in your Office of
Program Review for its posting for review by other SUNY units and consideration of it
thereafter, Should there be any technical questions or the need for additional materials,
please have inquiries directed to Jonathan Bartow, Vice Dean for Graduate Education
(jbartow@albany.edu) at our campus. As always, we thank you for your on-going
support.
Sincerely,
James R, Stellar
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Enclosures
e, Dean Kevin Williams
Dean Edelgard Wulfert
Professor Mark Steinberger, Mathematics Graduate Director
Vice Dean Jon Bartow
University Tall, 308
}400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222
px, 518-956-8030 Fx: $18-956-8043
wwwalbany.edu
fin Sieliediy Letter of Intent:
ds
ioeee Graduate Degree Program
Forn 1B
Before submitting a proposal for a new program leading to a graduate degree, a SUNY catipus must submit a cover letfer
signed by the Chief Executive or Chief Academic Officer and a completed Lettor of Intent (LI) form to the SUNY Provost
at program review@,suny.cdu, The LI procedure is described at the oud of this form,
List each campus (and its 6-digit SED Institution Cods) where the entire program will be offered:
: University at Albany, SUNY - 210500 -
List the name and address of each off-campus location (@.g., extension site or extension center) where
courses (but not an entire program) will offered, or check here [ x ] if not applicable.
Tf applicable, send documentation to show that SL olicy on off-campus locations has been followed.
"| Will 50% or more of the program be offered at a distance? [ ]Yes [ ]No
Program Title; | Data Science
Award(s) (0.g, M.S, Ph.D,): |MLS,
Number of Required Credits:| Minimum [36 J If tracks or options, largest minimum [ J
Proposed Program Codes: |HBGIS Code [1703.00] 6-digit CIP 2010 Code [27,0301]
if the program will be acoredited, list the acerediting agency and expected date of accteditation:
Tf applicable, list the New York State certificate title(s) and type(s) to which the program leads:
If applicable, list the New York State professional licensure title(s) to which the program leads;
Name and title:
. Mark Steinberger, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
iniversity at Albany-
‘elephone: 318-442-4600, 518-257-0951 E-mail: mark@albany.edu, nylmed@gmail. com
‘Name and title: James R. Stellar, Provost & Senior Vice President
Email for Beye an
Date:
‘jointly with’Oné Or moré other Institutions, provide the’
Partner’ institution’ 's name, CEO’s name and tit!
Version 2013-10-15
Powerful new mathematical methods of data analysis have been developed over the last 10 years,
incorporating algebraic, topological and function analytical tools (arising from corresponding areas of "pure"
mathematics) along with traditional statistical methods. The resulting new fields of Topological Data
Analysis, Computational Algebraic Geometry, and Machine Learning have developed techniques to reveal the
internal stracture of large data sets, resulting in striking new findings such as distinguishing between different i
types of breast cancer. :
[Section 2, ‘Program Summary pe ee re eee tee BO a ee i
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Only three mathematics departments in the country, Bowling Green State University, South Dakota State
University and University Nebraska al Omaha curently have Data Science Master’s degrees. None of them \ i
incorporate either the topological methods or the reproducing kernel techniques that have become valuable in ;
machine learning, :
We currently have experts in Topological Data Analysis, Machine Learning and Statistics on our faculty, and
are uniquely positioned to produce rigorously trained work force in these dynamic new STEM fields.
The program will contain three clusters: Topological Data Analysis and Computational Geometry, Machine
Learning, and Statistical Methods, Each cluster contains a “practicum”, in which students analyze real world
data sets, :
Students will take 36 oredits, including Applied Linear Algebra, along with courses in Topological Data
Analysis and Computational Geometry, Machine Learning, Statistical Methods, and at least one of the three |
practicums. They should be expected to complete the program in two years. i
[Section 3, Tistitutional Mission and Planning
a. Explain the program’s relationship te the strategic plan of the institution and of SUNY. f
This program will help attract and retain outstanding graduate students and prepare them for being able to tackle
complicated problems in Data Analysis using the most contemporary mathematical methods, It also addresses the ;
need for more STEM workers,
b. Describe the program's relationship fo existing or planned programs in the same or related disciplines and
expeeted Impact on them,
This program complements existing programs in Statistics, Actuarial Scicnce, Mathematics and Computer i
Science, providing rigorous mathematical training in valuable new methods of analyzing big data sets. ]
c. Summtarize proposed arrangements for required external instyuction.(e.g., clinical instruction, agency
placement, interuships) and how those. arrangements would affect other programs in the same facilities,
Attest to the sufficiency of proposed off-campus external instruction for anticipated enrollment,
Internships are strongly encouraged for students in this program, We are working to cultivate relationships with
potentiat employers in both the public and private sectors. We have already received letters of intent to hire
interns from both the New York State Department of Health and from a large local medical practice (Community
Care Physicians), Faculty and graduate students on campus working in various fields of sclenee might be
potentially interested in applications of these new powerful methods in their work as well,
[Section 4: Market Need.and Demand
a. Explain the potential need for this program in terms of the educational and/or economic needs of the
aren(s) in which iC is to be located, New York State at large and, particularly for doctoral progranis, the |
nation. i
2 Pod
‘The need in information processing is traditional for many industrial areas such as Health, bio-medical, insurance
and actuavial, financial, ete. Over years a number of our Ph.D. students chase careers in industry. Their work
involved an analysis of big data sets. Mostly they worked (and are still working) in big actuarial firms, New York
State Departments of Health and Labor and in the financial industry, Their experience shaws that the volume of
information flows is constantly increasing and demands more and more sophisticated methods of processing.
Accordingly the need for specialists proficient with contemporary analytical tools is constantly increasing as well.
New York State Departments, notably Departments of Health and Labor, financlal institutions such as banks, and
investment companies, insurance companies and actuarial firms predominantly located in metropolitan areas are
among the most natural employers for those with the MS in Data Science.
Explain the need for the program in terms of the availability and capacity of similar programs offered by
other SUNY campuses. If there could be a reasonable perception of duplication or redundancy, explain the
rationale for ndding this program.
As mentioned above, this program will-be unique nationally in providing Master's level training in these new
mathematical methods, Our graduates will be on the cutting edge of modern data analysis.
Identity similar programs at non-SUNY institutions, public and private, and what might be the potential
impact on them,
See part b).
If the program is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment, estimate employment
opportunities and explain how the estimates were made,
The May 201 report of the McKinsey Global Institute contained the following data on the demand for
specialists in data analysis: “By 2018, the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people
with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of
big data to make effective decisions.”
[Section 5. Resources and:Enrollment
a
Does the institution have existing faculty qualified for this program? Explain what additional faculty will
be hired?
The department recently hired two data analysis experts: one in the area of Topological Data Analysis and the
other in Machine Learning, With 10 new courses for the proposed program, some of them requiring multiple
sections, we will need at least three new hires,
What costs (in detail) ave estimated for the program, including financial nssistance for students? How will
existing and/or auticipnied resources address the costs?
We will need one time investment of $50,000 in course development funds and $5,000 per year to assist our
recruitment efforts for the first three years.
Complete the table below and explain how expected enrollments were determined, Since expected enrollment
may affect the future campus enrollment composition and totals, estimate the impact of the program on total
campus enrollment,
3
“Expected Enrollment.
When Program Begins
‘In Year's.
Full-time students
10
50
Part-time students
3
10
[Section-6. Curriculum Se eee
Provide a list of all courses in the curriculum to show the entire structure and content of the program. Expand or
duplicate the table as needed for tracks, concentrations and specializations.
“Course Title | Cred + a Course Title : | Credits :
See Bass pee its ~ : ene : : H
Linear Algebra for Applications 3 :
Statistlenl courses:
Introduction to theory of statistics 1 3
Introduction to theory of statistics 11 3 :
Introduction to stochastic processes 3 BG
‘Nonparametric methods of statistical inference 3 |
|
Applied computer intensive methods 3
Topological data analysis courses: i
Topological data analysis | 3
Topological data analysis U 3
Computational methods in topological data 3
analysts :
Machine learning courses:
i
Function theory and functional analysis for 3 :
Optimization methods and nonlinear 3
programming
Methods of machine learning 3
Numerical methods 3 /
|
Total required credits: 36
Optional, Llustrative Questions to Consider:
For other SUNY campuses responding to the Letter of Intent
¢@ Do you have a similar or related program? ¢@ What has been your experience with the program? ¢ Would the bq
introduction of this program have any effect, positive or negative, on your institution? Ifso, please specify, e Do you I 4
perceive a need for this kind of program? Does the program offer an opportunity for articulation or inter-institutional
cooperation?
Your response must be in writing, from your President, and addressed to the President of the proposing campus,
with a copy to the SUNY Provost at program. review@suny.cdu,
Procedure for Letters of Intent (LI)
L, SCOPE. A SUNY campus must send an Li to the SUNY Provost at program.review@suny.edu before submitting
a proposal for a new program leading to a graduate degree. Confirmation of submission will be an automated
response that it has been received, Unless requested by the SUNY Provost, an LT is not required for a program
leading to a graduate-level advanced certificate (also called a certificate of advanced study), for a new program
being created from existing registered programs (e¢.g., multi-award programs and/or multi-institution programs),
or for a new program being created from.a track, specialization, or concentration in a registered program.
2. SUNY PROVOST’S REVIEW. The SUNY Provost’s Office reviews each LI for accuracy and completeness as i
well as for substantive issues, such as alignment with campus mission and SUNY policy, and requests changes i
when needed.
3, PUBLICATION FOR COMMENTS, Once an LI is acceptable to the SUNY Provost, it is announced on the :
SUNY Program Review listserv in a weekly Program Review Update, which starts 9 30-day intra-SUNY i
comment period, The listserv includes all campus presidents, chief academic officers, and others upon request.
The Ll enables other SUNY campuses ~ particularly those with experience with related programs ~ to provide
information to the proposing campus that can be used to construct a sound program proposal,
4, COMMENTS FROM OTHER CAMPUSES, The President of each interested campus must send comments
within 30 days of an LI’s publication in the Program Review Update to the President of the proposing campus,
with a copy to the Provost at program.review@suny.edu, Comments may include advice and suggestions about
possible articulation opportunities, enrollment trends in related programs, and opportunities for cooperation, as
well as concerns or objections,
5. FOLLOWING THE COMMENT PERIOD, Once the 30-day comment period for an LI ends, and any concerns
and/or objections have been resolved, the campus must wait to receive a wri{ten approval letter from the SUNY
Provost (or a designee) that afso explains the selection pracess for external evaluators and/or other next steps,
6. EXPIRATION. An L1 expires two years after the date of the approval letter from the SUNY Provost's office. Tf
the proposing campus does not submit a program proposal to the SUNY Provost before an LI expires, the campus
must submit another LI to start the process again.
