July 18, 2024

Ferris State Data Science and Analytics grads see strong demand for high salary positions in an increasingly high-tech economy

The first graduates of Ferris State University’s Data Science and Analytics master’s program are quickly drawing interest for executive and leadership positions in a growing and competitive field. 

Today’s high-tech economy increasingly places great value on the gathering and study of information resources. The master’s program, which launched in 2022, prepares students for the booming field of data science 

Professor Elies Kouider, Ferris State’s Data Science and Analytics program coordinator, said the industry-preparing curriculum in intended to be completed entirely online or in person on the Big Rapids campus.  

“We provide our students the knowledge to become certified in the software and applications for their fields but also build their skills in group dynamics, so they can speak and write about their work in a way that compliments their ability,” Kouider said. “Our curriculum is flexible, so those with Accountancy, Engineering, Pharmacy or Business degrees can grow and apply their quantitative skills, then work and succeed once they graduate.” 

A recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons forecasts a demand for data scientists growing by over 35 percent over 10 years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects annual salaries of $110,000 for people in the field. 

Ethan Pattison was a December 2023 Data Science and Analytics program graduate. A native of Toivola in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Pattison returned home after graduation and sees his opportunities and value in the nonprofit sector growing quickly.  

“I was wrapping up an internship as an artificial intelligence engineer with ClearSet.AI in Tampa and began a full-time job in March as IT and data team supervisor/lead for the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program, based in Louisville,” Pattison said. “I am very happy to be managing a 10-person team in data and IT and bringing along interns and federal work-study participants while reporting on all data-related aspects of the operation to the management team.”  

Pattison said his uncle and cousin, information management professionals, sparked his interest in data science.  

Pattison said the degree allowed him to begin and build on his career while returning to the Upper Peninsula.  

“Where I choose to live means remote opportunities are my best choice regarding meaningful employment,” Pattison said. “I am certainly well paid for a professional in the ‘U.P.,’ and proud to be heading up H.U.G.’s IT and Data team.”  

Pattison was among the first two graduates in Ferris State’s Data Science and Analytics program. He keeps in touch with his peer, Martin Kucharek, who applied his degree to an engineering background and was recently promoted to a software engineer role with Gentex Corp. in Zeeland.  

Jan Koupil, an academic All-American on Ferris State’s men’s tennis team, anticipates completing his Data Science and Analytics studies in August 2024.  

Koupil graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ferris in Business Data Analytics with a 4.0 grade point average, with Data Processing concentrations. He focuses on Business Analytics for his Master of Science degree, with professional experience to offer along with his learning.  

“I have been doing data analysis in a continuing internship opportunity for a Grand Rapids-based freight brokerage firm,” Koupil said. “I have a unique set of circumstances and skills, having been a Ferris athlete, and I intend to use my analytical ability in sports science. I am not concerned about whether that happens as soon as I graduate or down the line in my career, but it is my true focus.”  

Koupil said data collection, as it relates to sports, for teams or individual athletes, is taking off.  

“This would allow me to make use of both my skill sets,” he said. “I was so excited when it became clear I could mesh the concepts, and Professional Tennis Management alumni have been helping me identify and connect with some professionals working in areas I might join or emulate in my career.”  

Kouider said students can complete the master’s program on a one or two-year track, which suits the intentions of various student groups.  

“The majority of our two-year students are adding a specific concentration to their degree; many also work full time or are raising families, so they follow the curriculum at a pace where they can be successful,” Kouider said. “International students also seek this degree through online studies.”  

Mohamed Abusharkh, a faculty member of Ferris State’s Digital Media Software Engineering program, is also a Data Science and Analytics faculty member.  

Abusharkh said this Master of Science program affords students with greater professional or educational aspirations an excellent foundation for success.  

“Data scientists are among the top three or four positions in ‘best careers’ rankings. Recent market demand for that talent has brought Ferris and many other universities to develop and offer graduate programs,” Abusharkh said. “We are proud of our concentrations in autonomous vehicle technology, business intelligence and project management, which are valuable to professionals hoping to become administrators or those who seek doctoral degrees.”  

He is excited about the potential.  

“It is proving to be a great learning area for those looking to become an expert in their chosen field or to establish themselves in consultancy,” Abusharkh said.  

Ferris State University offers over 180 in-demand degree programs, with over 20 at the post-graduate and doctoral levels.