On March 25, the Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE) Department announced the introduction of two new minors: Data Science and Cybersecurity during an alumni spotlight panel hosted each semester. Additionally, the department will offer several new summer courses to expand its curriculum.
As part of this initiative, the department hosted a panel discussion titled “Master of Science in Data Science: Your Gateway to a Data-Driven Future Starts Here.” The panel featured alumni working in the field, as well as current graduate and undergraduate students. Graduate students in the Data Science (DS) program shared insights into their learning experiences and how they plan to apply their skills in the workforce. Meanwhile, undergraduate students discussed their motivations for pursuing a fifth-year MSDS degree.
Dean of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, Joe Coyle, opened the event with remarks. Afterward, Nicholas Ziolkowski discussed AI and Data Science today. Following his presentation, Ziolkowski, Jonathan Williams, other former alumni, and Brooke Tortorelli, a current master’s student, discussed the Master’s in Data Science Program at Monmouth. Graduate students in the DS program shared insights into their learning experiences and how they plan to apply their skills in the workforce. Meanwhile, undergraduate students discussed their motivations for pursuing a fifth-year MSDS degree.
Arup Das, Specialist Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, stated, “Having the specialization in these upcoming technological fields brings the students a competitive edge.” He also explained that several of the classes are cross-listed between graduate and undergraduate levels. “Our hope is some students will leave and go get a job, and some students will stay for the graduate program,” he added.
According to the World Economic Forum, the top three fastest-growing skills by 2030 will be AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy, making these new courses highly relevant to future job markets.
Alumni Insights: Nicholas Ziolkowski and Jonathan Williams
Nicholas Ziolkowski, a Monmouth MSDS Data Science alumnus and Adjunct Professor, shared his experience in applying data science to his career. He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems and a certificate in Data Analysis from Temple University in 2020. He later pursued a Master of Science in Data Science at Monmouth University, where he gained expertise in machine learning and AI ethics, earning his degree along with an academic excellence award in Data Science in 2023.
Ziolkowski interned at Panasonic Connect of North America (PCONA) within the Master Data Administration team in 2021. After two months, he secured a full-time role as a Master Data Administrator, where he developed approval pipelines and automation processes for product management, accounting, and engineering teams. By 2023, he was promoted to Supervisor of the Master Data Team, leading digital transformation efforts and refining product master processes using Anaplan. His efforts in data-driven process improvements earned him recognition in Panasonic’s Presidents Club.
Ziolkowski also showcased his research analyzing student discussions about universities on Twitter, highlighting how data science can be applied to social media analysis.
Jonathan Williams, another data analyst alumnus, began his academic career at Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering with a concentration in Building Structures and a minor in Architectural Studies. He later completed a Master of Science in Structural Engineering at Lehigh University, where his research focused on advanced earthquake engineering topics. Seeking to integrate data science into his field, Williams pursued a Master’s in Computer Science at Monmouth University, specializing in machine learning and computer vision, which he will complete in Fall 2024.
Williams is a Licensed Professional Structural Engineer and Registered Architect who runs his own architecture and engineering business in Manasquan, New Jersey. His work spans new building design, structural evaluations, and post-disaster assessments, including post-Hurricane Sandy damage evaluations and seismic risk assessments across various regions. Williams has applied data science techniques to enhance structural analysis and decision-making processes. His experience in computer vision allows him to streamline building design and evaluation processes.
Program Availability
The CSSE Department is awaiting final approval from the Board of Trustees for the Data Science and Cybersecurity minors. However, undergraduate courses for these minors have already been approved and will be included in the course offerings for the upcoming academic year.
The application deadline for the Summer semester is May 1, the Fall semester is July 15, and the Spring semester is December 1.
The courses have already been approved by the dean and committees but are still waiting to be included in the updated version of the system.
Sushika Reddy Gade, a graduate student, has already taken the AI Ethics and Explainable AI course. “It was the best course I’ve ever taken,” she said.
