IIT-M launches new interdisciplinary online BS degree

Chennai: Indian institute of technology Madras (IIT-M) launched a new online BS degree in management and data science, an interdisciplinary undergraduate programme for working professionals and students.The programme, which is the 4th online degree offered by IIT-M, is designed to equip learners with expertise in business decision-making, quantitative thinking, and data-driven problem solving.
"The future managers need to be good at both technology and data. The course will give exposure to data-driven decision making. This will be helpful even to the senior managers and policy makers," IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said during the launch of the programme on Saturday."On the one side, we have data scientists who understand algorithms, but they do not understand business. On the other side, we have seasoned managers with long experience who understand business but are sometimes intimidated by data. These graduates will serve as a bridge. They can look at complex datasets and hopefully translate them into boardroom strategy," said Gangapriya Chakraverti, India site head and managing director of Ford Motor Company, during the launch.Rajiv C Lochan, managing director and chief executive officer of Sundaram Finance Limited, said that this degree programme gives an opportunity to a large number of people to get a degree from IIT Madras.This programme is open to anyone who completed Class XII or an equivalent qualification, including diploma holders."Learners can pursue the programme as a standalone degree or alongside another academic programme, or while being employed," said professor Prathap Haridoss, dean (academic courses), IIT Madras.The course will be delivered through recorded lectures by IIT Madras faculty, enabling learners to study at their own pace. There will be live interactions, case discussions, and continuous academic support through online forums.