The University of North Texas (UNT) officially launched the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science within the College of Information on 1 January 2025. The department was created in October 2024 with $3 million in funding from Vikas Sinha, a UNT College of Information alumnus and board member on the College of Information Leadership Board, and his wife, Anuradha. The department aims to advance data science education, research, and career development.
Operating under the leadership of UNT’s College of Information, the department is home to 15 full-time faculty members with expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, and offers academic programs at all levels, including bachelor's, master’s, and PhD tracks.
“The creation of the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science is a major milestone for the College of Information,” said Brandon Buzbee, UNT vice president for university advancement. “This gift will position UNT as a leader in the data science field and ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for data science professionals.”
UNT’s master of science in data science program ranked among the top five in the nation by Fortune magazine and is noted for its affordability.
The Sinha’s funding will create four initiatives within the department including:
- The Sinha Scholars Fund: A $1 million endowment dedicated to scholarships for data science students.
- The Sinha Professorships in Data Science: A $1 million fund to support top-tier faculty positions.
- The Sinha Research Fund: A $500,000 investment in groundbreaking research within the field of data science.
- The Sinha Special Initiatives Fund: A $500,000 fund for special projects and opportunities for career development and support.