Central Connecticut State University Unveils Online Master's Program in Data Mining; Unique Degree Program Leverages SPSS Data Mining Technology for Educating Students Worldwide

Business Wire, March 21, 2002

Business/Technology Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2002

Recognizing the competitive advantage data mining provides to companies that need to hire information technology specialists, Central Connecticut State University has introduced the first ever online master's degree program in data mining. Aimed at meeting a growing international need for skilled IT professionals who analyze database information crucial for business decision makers, the curriculum was introduced in January 2002.

"Ours is the first such program in the world to be offered completely online," said Dr. Daniel Larose, data mining program director at CCSU. "Its concentration on case studies and real-world problems and its use of state-of-the-art data mining technology like SPSS Inc.'s Clementine further distinguish CCSU's extraordinary new program."

The online master's program was developed by CCSU faculty under the direction of Dr. Larose. The curriculum, featuring practical hands-on training using Clementine, is offered through the Connecticut State University's virtual classroom system, OnlineCSU.

"The flood of information has made data mining increasingly important to business and industry. By developing and offering a data mining program online, CCSU is responding to the needs of businesses, students and individuals seeking to advance their careers in Connecticut and beyond," said Dr. William J. Cibes, Jr., chancellor of the CSU system. "Clearly, this program places Connecticut and CCSU in the forefront of information technology education."

"Central Connecticut State University's Data Mining Program is educating tomorrow's business leaders by utilizing leading-edge technology to provide students with marketable job skills," said Courtney Hye, SPSS director, higher education sales and marketing. "Since data mining is used to solve complex problems that traditionally were too time-consuming for companies to decipher, students not only learn to identify patterns and trends with Clementine, but they also gain insight into data mining's importance to timely decision-making in the corporate world."

CCSU offers both a Master of Science in Data Mining degree as well as a Certificate in Data Mining. On average, students who have taken two statistics classes can complete the Certificate in three semesters. The Master of Science degree can be completed in four semesters but has increased prerequisites, including background courses in calculus and computer science.

Students from around the world are realizing the benefits of the online program. "I wish a program like this was in existence five years ago," said Magnus Jansson of Stockholm, Sweden. "I find Clementine extremely helpful, in that I can design very complex projects that manage large datasets and still maintain a simple overview, a function that would prove much more difficult with other data mining software."

Dr. Larose expects CCSU's program to attract students and employees from across the state, nation and around the world. "Clearly the need for this online master's program is strong and widespread," he said. "Thanks to online technologies, students are able to 'attend class' at their convenience. We will help them overcome the barriers of space and time to deliver our expertise to them."

For additional information about the program, please contact Professor Daniel Larose at 860-832-2862 or larosed@ccsu.edu or visit the website at www.ccsu.edu/datamining.

About the SPSS Business Intelligence division

The SPSS Business Intelligence division helps people solve business problems using statistics and data mining. This predictive technology enables our customers in the commercial, higher education and public sectors to make better decisions and improve results. The SPSS Business Intelligence division software and services are used successfully in a wide range of applications, including customer attraction and retention, cross-selling, survey research, fraud detection, enrollment management, Web site performance, forecasting and scientific research. The SPSS Business Intelligence division's market-leading products include SPSS(R), Clementine(R), AnswerTree(R), DecisionTime(R) and SigmaPlot(R). For more information, visit our Web site at www.spssbi.com.

About SPSS Inc.

SPSS Inc. (Nasdaq: SPSS) headquartered in Chicago, IL, USA, is a multinational computer software company providing technology that transforms data into insight through the use of predictive analytics and other data mining techniques. The company's solutions and products enable organizations to manage the future by learning from the past, understanding the present, as well as predicting potential problems and opportunities. For more information, visit www.spss.com.

About Central Connecticut State University

Founded in 1849, Central Connecticut State University is the oldest public institution of the higher education system within Connecticut. Central Connecticut State University is a community of learners dedicated to teaching and to scholarship, offering degree programs at the baccalaureate, master and doctoral levels. CCSU encourage the development and application of knowledge and ideas through research and outreach activities and prepares students to be thoughtful, responsible and successful citizens.