Southern Methodist University and 2U Partner to Deliver DataScience@SMU, an Online Master of Science in Data Science

DALLAS (SMU) and LANDOVER, Md., July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Methodist University (SMU) will offer a Master of Science in Data Science program designed to meet the growing demand for data scientists across many industries. DataScience@SMU is delivered in partnership with 2U, Inc., a leading provider of online education solutions for top-tier nonprofit colleges and universities.

DataScience@SMU features an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from three SMU schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Lyle School of Engineering, and Meadows School of the Arts. With classes and content designed and delivered by SMU faculty, DataScience@SMU includes 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 SMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul W. Ludden. "Our partnership with 2U will allow SMU to offer our top-tier academics to professionals working around the world."

DataScience@SMU is 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@SMU will 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@SMU students 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 SMU campus 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 http://2u.com/partners/smu.

About Southern Methodist University
SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today, SMU enrolls 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 2U.com.

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SOURCE 2U, Inc.