Big data analytics refers to large and complex datasets that are difficult to process and manage. By definition, these sets of data are demanding to analyze, making the study of big data analytics extremely important. The study combines technology, business, engineering, science, and social sciences.
People with the skills to work with and analyze these complicated datasets are in high demand, so getting a degree in big data analytics from a program like the one at SDSU Global Campus is a smart investment in your future. But what exactly will you be learning in these degree programs?
Here are the main skillsets you can acquire when earning a masters in big data analytics:
Want to Improve Your Mathematical Skills?
Math is the core of big data analytics, specifically statistics. Probability theories and distributions are the foundation for analyzing any datasets. Learning all about how to use these, as well as hypothesis tests, regressions, and sampling techniques are vital skills in being able to summarize data and detect patterns.
Machine learning algorithms additionally require knowledge of linear algebra and multivariable calculus. Vectors and matrices can be used for representation and transformation of data in high dimensions. Calculus derivatives are less commonly used, but still are important for optimization problems. Really, an overall understanding of key math concepts is the foundation for working with data in any manner.
Do you Want to Learn Big Data Technologies?
Big data technologies are tools and systems that are used for processing, analyzing, and visualizing datasets. These technologies are specifically designed for the complexity of these large datasets. They’re extremely helpful in the practices of data storage, data mining, and especially data analytics.
An example of one of these tools is Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are used in the process of data visualization. This technology connects data to a map, integrating location data with descriptive information to create a foundation for analysis. This process is very helpful for seeing patterns and relationships, which can then be used to improve efficiency, management, and decision-making.
Are you Interested in Programming for Analytics?
A key part of learning to work with these datasets is learning the languages that are needed to understand them. Python is the most popular language for data science, while R is best for statistical analysis and visualization. There’s also SQL, Scala, and Java which all serve their own special purpose by being complements for certain big data tools.
These big data tools are equally important to become acquainted with. Apache Spark is a unified analytics engine that supports the fast distributed processing of data. Apache Hadoop is an open-source framework used for storing and processing datasets across several computers. All of these programming assets are crucial in the analysis process.
Want to Learn about Data Management?
Coursework in big data will likely touch on enterprise-level database management. Operations of organizations and companies run on data, so it’s crucial that it’s all accurate, secure, and accessible. Managing this high volume of data can be tedious, however the trends that they can reveal are invaluable for businesses.
Businesses can apply this knowledge for the analysis of consumer insights, compliance with industry regulations, and the reduction of data breaches. Some examples of common database systems you may learn are the Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and IBM Db2.
Does SDSU Offer an Online Masters in Big Data Analytics?
If you want to become a big data expert, SDSU Online offers a fully online Master of Science in Big Data Analytics that can be completed in just 16 months. This extremely flexible program makes it easy for you to gain all of these skills from anywhere, and apply them in your job the very next day.
Our program is headed up by SDSU professors who teach courses at the on-campus Center for Human Dynamics in the Mobile Age (HDMA), a research institution that’s a part of the SDSU College of Arts and Letters. SDSU Online students also have the opportunity to work on research studies through the HDMA, which focus on new developments in mobile technology and big data.
Come learn from these experts and join the rapidly growing field of big data analytics today!
