Designing at Scale

See Data Differently

Preparing professionals to translate data into action, insight, and meaningful human impact.

When people think of data science, they often imagine rows of servers and complex mathematical proofs. But for Christopher Brooks, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program, the true power of the field isn’t in the raw horsepower of the models, it’s in the application.

"We see news every day about a great new AI model," Chris shares. "But there’s a huge question as to how we make that AI useful. How do we take that opportunity and apply it to improve the human experience? That is the special sauce of MADS."

MADS sits in a unique niche within the University of Michigan School of Information. Unlike traditional data science degrees that often cater to those with deep computer science backgrounds, MADS is designed for a broad range of professionals who want to affect change.

"It’s not a program for people who already have a data science degree," Chris explains. "It’s for people who want to apply data science in the world." To ensure students are ready to lead, the 38-credit curriculum is punctuated by two milestones and a final capstone project. These aren't just academic exercises; they are hands-on opportunities to solve real-world problems for actual clients, ensuring that theory never exists in a vacuum.

In a rapidly shifting landscape of "vibe coding" and generative AI, Chris emphasizes that the most durable skills are problem decomposition and communicating results. To support this, the program has recently shifted its skills-based admissions model into a placement-driven approach. While students still need some technical knowledge to enter the program, technical tests in MADS are evolving into diagnostic aids to ensure student success rather than just gatekeeping tools.  

For those who need to bolster their technical foundation, a new four-credit onboarding course, developed by faculty including Kevyn Collins-Thompson, provides the mentorship and programming confidence needed to thrive in the more advanced sections of the degree.

Despite being an online program with a global reach, the MADS community has a surprisingly local heart. "Our largest identifiable group by geography is right here in Michigan," says Chris. This local concentration has turned MADS into a vital engine for upskilling and reskilling within the state’s workforce, particularly in sectors like automotive and civic tech.

By the time MADS students reach their capstone, they have evolved from data analysts into information orchestrators. They aren't just running scripts; they are talking to stakeholders, identifying SMART goals, and ensuring that the AI tools of tomorrow are used ethically and effectively to solve the problems of today.

As the program expands its electives, including a new course in Geospatial Data Science launching next fall, the goal remains the same: preparing leaders who can look at a mountain of data and see the human story waiting to be told.