FOCUS ON FACULTY: MSE-DS Online Program Director James Gee
On Tuesday, January 28, 2026, we were joined by Dr. James Gee for a webinar as part of our Focus on Faculty webinar series. The Focus on Faculty series was designed to offer prospective students opportunities to hear directly from members of our world-class faculty while gaining valuable insights into our online graduate programs.
Dr. James Gee serves as Program Director for the online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science (MSE-DS Online) degree. In addition to leading the program, he is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Department of Computer and Information Science in Penn Engineering. Dr. Gee also directs the Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory, serves as Co-Director of the Translational Biomedical Imaging Center, and leads the Interfaces Program in Biomedical Imaging and Informational Sciences.
The MSE-DS Online degree is designed for individuals with a foundational background in computer science, comparable to a CS minor, who are looking to deepen their expertise in data-driven technologies. The program provides a strong technical foundation in data science essentials, including big data analytics, databases, applied machine learning, and statistics, along with opportunities to explore application areas such as computer vision and natural language processing. Graduates of the program are well prepared for roles such as data scientist, data engineer, or software engineer specializing in data systems.
During the webinar, Dr. Gee introduced participants to the vision behind the MSE-DS Online program and shared insights into the rapidly expanding role of data science across industries. He discussed the program’s rigorous curriculum, career outcomes, and the collaborative learning experience that defines Penn Engineering Online. Attendees also learned about the course experience, the global Penn Engineering Online community, and how students engage with faculty and peers in a flexible online environment.
Dr. Gee also emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the field and how the program helps students connect their interests to meaningful technical training.
“Identify your interests, and we will help find the appropriate training pathway for you,” he said. “The wonderful thing is that the field we are working in entertains all interests. I can’t think of anything these days that is not touched by data. Bring your interests to us, and we will be happy to help cultivate them through our program.”
In discussing the growing importance of data science in today’s technological landscape, Dr. Gee emphasized how central data has become to modern innovation and research. He highlighted the ways in which advances in artificial intelligence and computing are increasingly driven by the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret large volumes of data.
“This modern era of AI is completely data driven and has made data science front and center in terms of its importance,” Dr. Gee explained, highlighting the growing demand for professionals with advanced data science expertise.
The webinar also featured guidance from the Penn Engineering Online Admissions Team, who shared best practices for crafting a strong MSE-DS Online application. Participants received helpful advice on preparing their application materials, understanding the program’s admissions expectations, and demonstrating readiness for the rigorous coursework. Additional topics included tuition, financial aid, and key application details, followed by a live Q&A session with Dr. Gee and the admissions team.
As data continues to drive innovation across nearly every sector, the MSE-DS Online program equips students with the technical expertise and analytical mindset needed to transform complex data into meaningful insight—preparing graduates to lead in an increasingly data-driven world.
Missed the webinar? We invite you to explore the MSE-DS Online program and connect with our admissions team to learn more about how this program prepares engineers to transform complex data into meaningful insights.
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