Istinye University Master’s Program with Thesis in Data Science is structured with a vision that treats data not merely as a tool, but as the most strategic raw material of the modern world and as an independent branch of science. Opening its doors as of the 2022-2023 academic year, our program trains expert researchers with Turkish as the language of instruction, synthesizing technical competence, managerial skills, and a sense of ethical responsibility.

When the reasons for the failure of today's artificial intelligence investments are analyzed, it is observed that ignoring data-driven processes is the fundamental factor. The fact that "Data Science" professions outrank artificial intelligence in terms of strategic importance in World Economic Forum reports proves the dimensions of the human resource bottleneck in the sector. Our program aims to build visionary leaders in line with the targets of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Document, capable of anticipating not only data processing but also its projections in business, law, economics, and social fields.

Technical Expertise and Analytical Depth:
The technical leg of the program focuses on training experts who can build data pipelines, master mathematical modeling and coding disciplines, and possess both theorist and developer identities. The technical expertise fields deepened during the educational process are as follows:

  • Data Engineering and Modeling: Advanced command over data preprocessing, feature engineering, and automated machine learning (AutoML) processes.
  • Advanced Algorithmic Applications: Design of machine and deep learning models, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and expert systems.
  • Critical Technical Approaches: Bias mitigation (clearing of prejudices and deviations) and analysis of deepfake technologies.

Social, Managerial, and Ethical Perspective:
In order to transform technical strength into social and corporate benefit, our program offers a theoretical depth in critical fields such as "Explainable Artificial Intelligence" (XAI) and data privacy. Our students acquire the ability to conduct process-outcome analyses in the following areas:

  • Law and Privacy: Protection of personal data, legal dimensions of data science, and establishing ethical usage standards.
  • Corporate and Global Governance: Data-driven process transformation in enterprises, sustainability-oriented data analysis, and data-based decentralization issues in international relations.
  • Digital Future and Threat Perception: Metaverse data valuation and developing defense mechanisms against the manipulative use of data in the context of social engineering.

Meeting the criteria of Istinye University Postgraduate Education and Training Regulations, our graduates who successfully complete their courses and academic thesis process become ready to make a difference in both the scientific world and global industry with the title of "Science Expert" under a Master of Science in Data Science (with Thesis) degree.