About
Dr. Thomas Gardos is an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University, where he also serves as the Director of the Master of Science in Data Science program. Prior to joining BU, Dr. Gardos had a distinguished 30-year career at Intel. Dr. Gardos received his Masters and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, in the concentration of Digital Signal and Image Processing, and his BSEE with Thesis from the University of Delaware.
What is your involvement with the MSDS program?
As the Director of the MS in Data Science program, I oversee the program’s strategic direction and curriculum development. I am also an associate professor who teaches DS701: Tools for Data Science every fall semester and DS 542: Deep Learning for Data Science. I particularly enjoy teaching DS701 because it is mandatory for all incoming students to take, so I get to meet everyone.
What are the core pillars or guiding principles of the MSDS curriculum?
Our program is built upon five key competencies: modeling, Data-centric Computing, Machine Learning and AI, Social Impact, and Security and Privacy. These competencies ensure that students receive a comprehensive education, balancing theoretical foundations with practical applications. We want to ensure that students get a breadth across these areas to foster a holistic understanding of the data science world.
What sets MS in the Data Science program apart from other data science programs?
Our one theme with the MSDS program is the attention towards ethics and social values. We prioritize teaching students about the ethical considerations and societal impact of data science, including issues of fairness, bias, and privacy.
Another defining feature of our MSDS program at BU is its high-touch, high-contact approach. We emphasize close faculty-student engagement to ensure students receive personalized support throughout their journey. Students who are interested in particular areas in the industry are welcome to collaborate with faculty to pursue their interests.
Also, unlike many other data science programs, we offer a thesis option for those interested in conducting research, providing a different pathway for our students. Especially for students considering doctoral studies, the thesis option provides a strong research foundation and makes them competitive applicants for top PhD programs.
How does the MSDS program contribute to solving real-world challenges in data science?
We want to equip students with a strong foundation and the ability to think critically. To achieve this, we balance theoretical instructions with practical application. DS701 is a great example where we partner with BU Spark!, an experiential learning program that connects students with real-world clients facing actual data challenges. These projects allow students to apply their skills to pressing issues and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
