Data Science Master of Science Degree Program

About the Program

The M.S. in Data Science degree program provides graduates with a wide variety of courses that allows students without a computer science background to develop the necessary skills for data science jobs in business, engineering, healthcare, and science settings.

It is intended to give those who successfully complete it:

• The acumen needed to draw insights from data.
• The ability to make sound decisions using data.
• The ability to effectively communicate about data-driven findings and decisions.

The M.S. in Data Science requires 30 hours and can generally be completed in two years.

• Core (18 hours)
• Electives (9 hours)
• Capstone (3 hours)

Candidate selection for the M.S. in Data Science program is a competitive process, considering GPA, TOEFL or IELTS (for non-English speaking candidates), GRE, reputation of the university where you did your undergraduate studies, and performance in the following classes:

• Programming
• Applied Mathematics

Note: If you would like to request a GRE waiver, please review the requirements outlined in the UTA Catalog and contact the MSDS graduate advisor at MSDS@uta.edu.

Meeting the Growing Need for Data Science Professionals in STEM

UTA’s Master of Science degree in Data Science helps meet the growing need for data science professionals in STEM, health-related and other fields, expanding students’ marketable skills and preparing them to enter a fast-growing job field.

The program is unique for its breadth, offering a widely encompassing set of courses that allows students without a computer science background to develop the necessary skills for data science jobs in business, engineering, healthcare and science settings. It aims to instill the acumen needed to draw insights from data, to make sound decisions using data, and to effectively communicate about data-driven findings and decisions.

Students will use real-world problems, methods and data in instruction materials through collaboration with community partners; problem-based, experiential learning which emphasizes hands-on coding exercises; service learning in which students learn while doing for social good; and inclusive learning to broaden student participation and strengthen student retention in data science education.

The degree requires 30 course hours and can be completed in two years. After completion of a set of core courses, students choose to pursue a specialty in either the engineering track (computer science or industrial engineering) or the science track (biology, geology, mathematics, or psychology). They will participate in a required capstone experience which can be integrated with workplace projects. Elective options offer additional flexibility to craft a degree that fits his or her specific situation.

Students will come from different backgrounds, but the most important factor for their growth and success will be a keen interest in learning the powerful ways in which data can be applied in various fields.

MS in Data Science in the Catalog   Apply Today   Data Science Degree Map Email Us

Notes:

• In general, an applicant who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or ABET institution within the last three years with a GPA of 3.2 or better on a 4.0 scale and who is currently conducting professional work in related fields should contact the MSDS graduate advisor about the possibility of GRE wavier. Such waivers are not offered by all graduate programs.
• Applications with significant deficiencies in college-level mathematics may be deferred/denied as determined by the MSDS program advisors.
• If an applicant has a degree from a U.S. institution, the English Proficiency requirement on TOEFL/IELTS is waived. However, it is waived for admission purposes only. If the applicant wishes to be considered for possible funding as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or have any teaching responsibility, the applicant must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a TOEFL speaking score of at least 23, or an IELTS speaking score of at least 7. A master’s degree from a U.S. institution does not suffice for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement for international applicants desiring consideration for GTA support. An applicant who does not achieve the stated English proficiency standards may be required to take the Graduate English Skills Program (GESP) qualifying exam upon arrival at UTA to determine the need for additional English language courses after admission.
• Only the following application documents are required: application, fee, transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, and GRE and TOEFL scores unless they are waived. The MSDS program neither requires nor reviews letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, or any other supplemental materials from applicants.

Requirements for Licensure or Certification

All discipline specific programs in the College of Engineering meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.