Master of Science in Data Science
Become a Leader in Data Science
The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) is an inherently interdisciplinary field that requires effective integration of a domain to provide data and a context for its exploration, statistics, and computer science.
Data science professionals are in high demand in nearly every field, from global businesses like Amazon to sectors like health care and government security. According to Glassdoor, data scientists and data engineers are two of the best jobs in the U.S., based on salary, job openings, and job satisfaction. With the hands-on experience and internship options our MSDS program provides, you are prepared for a myriad of opportunities to work in and advance your data science career.
Courses focus on data acquisition, data management, data mining, data governance, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, programming for computing, big data systems, and mathematics and statistics needed to deliver data science projects. You will also maintain the professional skills required to advance in the data science field.
This program will provide you with the experience and leadership identity required to influence the way that data science is implemented and consumed in any corporation or government organization.
The Master of Science in Data Science program is designed around the Body of Knowledge set forth by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which ensures students will be able to understand their data and know what they can expect to learn from the data. They will also be able to select the right tools and techniques to get the job done.
The Depth of Study (DOS) sequence prepares students to demonstrate expertise in a specific area. The Choice courses allow students to expand their interests in other disciplines. The internship provides students a vehicle to apply what they have learned in the degree to real work problems at a for-profit or a nonprofit organization.
The capstone is the platform that exhibits the synthesis of the student’s academic accomplishments and experiential internship learnings. Under the guidance of an advisor, the capstone can be a project, research paper, thesis, or poster, and includes a public presentation designed to demonstrate mastery.
Learning Outcomes
The Master of Science in Data Science will prepare students to:
- Integrate a foundational knowledge of all areas of advanced data science
- Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced data science
- Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced data science
- Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced data science
- Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles
- Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal
For full course descriptions, please visit the 2020-2021 Course Catalog.
Program Requirements
Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)*
CS 132 Computer Science I: 5 credits
CS 330 Network Communications: 5 credits
IS 340 Operating Systems: 5 credits
IS 360 Database Technologies: 5 credits
Total Required Credits (39 Credits)
Core Requirements (24 Credits)
DS 515 Data Science Overview: 3 credits
DS 522 Data Acquisition & Analytics: 3 credits
DS 524 Data Management and Governance: 3 credits
DS 520 Data Mining: 3 credits
CS 506 Programming for Computing: 3 credits
CS 622 Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing: 3 credits
DS 510 Artificial Intelligence for Data Science: 3 credits
DS 620 Machine Learning & Deep Learning: 3 credits
Depth of Study: Data Science (6 Credits)
DS 623 Math and Statistics for Data Science: 3 credits
DS 625 Big Data Architectures and Systems: 3 credits
Choice (6 credits)
Computer Science
CS 519 Cloud Computing Overview: 3 credits
CS 504 Software Engineering: 3 credits
Cybersecurity
ISEC 500 Cybersecurity Overview: 3 credits
ISEC 545 Data Privacy and Security: 3 credits
IT Management
ITMGMT 510 Managing the Technology Project: 3 credits
ITMGMT 570 Maintaining the Technology Infrastructure: 3 credits
ITMGMT 575 Technology Implementation and Change: 3 credits
Internship
DS 680** Data Science Internship (repeatable): 3 credits
Capstone (3 Credits)
DS 687 Data Science Capstone: 3 credits
*Preparatory courses may be required for students entering the MSDS degree program without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the City University of Seattle catalog for specific information.
**This course is repeatable for credit. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
The Master of Science in Data Science program will prepare you for a career in the growing field of data science, including:
- Data scientist
- Business intelligence developer
- Statistician
- Computer systems analyst
- Data manager
- Machine learning engineer
- Software developer
- Data engineer
- Applications architect
- Database administrator
- Computer network analyst
- Data analyst
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we’re committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.
Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or finaid@cityu.edu.
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance.
Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.
REQUEST INFORMATION
“My education from CityU has helped advance my business. I’m able to build my brand and conduct business to a higher level.”
- Vaneisa G., Class of 2019
“The professors I had were in the workforce doing the type of work I wanted to do. The experience they brought to the classroom was really beneficial.”
- Charles S., Class of 2021
“I wouldn’t have a job I love had I not started my program at CityU — nor would I have had the encouragement from my professor to see more of myself than I could.”
- Alissa F., Class of 2019
WHY CHOOSE CITYU?
Founded in 1973, City University of Seattle offers over 60 on-site and online programs designed for busy working adults like you. When you enroll at CityU, you’ll have the support of a community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are dedicated to helping you finish your degree and reach your goals.
HIGHLY RANKED
CityU is recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide.1 In fact, students complete their degrees at twice the national rate.2
IN-DEMAND SKILLS
Develop marketable, real-world skills in courses taught by faculty who are practitioners working in your field.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Expand your expertise and your global perspectives in on-site and online courses with students from around the world.
TOP EMPLOYERS
Network with alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies, including Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft.