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 (General Data Science Knowledge)
- Apply fundamental principles and practices of advanced data science (Data Science Principles and Practices)
- Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in advanced data science (Critical and Ethical Thinking)
- Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in advanced data science (Quantitative Literacy)
- Create the ability to develop and express ideas while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles (Communication)
- Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal (Collaboration)
Total Required Credits (39-59 Credits*)
For full course descriptions, please refer to the current catalog.
Preparatory Courses (20 Credits)
*These preparatory course may be required for students entering the MSDS degree program without sufficient related experience. Please see the program admissions criteria in the Academic Catalog for specific information.
- IS 201 Fundamentals of Computing (5)
- CS 330 Network Communications (5)
- CS 340 Operating Systems (5)
- IS 360 Database Technologies (5)
Pre-Entry Requirement (0 Credit)
Students must take this course in the first quarter of enrollment. Students may take another program requirement concurrently.
- CS 500 STC MS Orientation to Master's Programs (0)
Core Requirements (24 Credits)
- DS 510 Artificial Intelligence for Data Science (3)
- DS 515 Data Science Overview (3)
- DS 520 Data Mining (3)
- DS 522 Data Acquisition and Analytics (3)
- DS 524 Data Management and Governance (3)
- DS 620 Machine Learning & Deep Learning (3)
- CS 506 Programming for Computing (3)
- CS 622 Discrete Math and Algorithms for Computing (3)
Depth of Study: Data Science (6 Credits)
- DS 623 Math & Statistics for Data Science (3)
- DS 625 Big Data Architectures and Systems (3)
Elective (6 Credits)
Students may select two elective courses from any other disciplines within the School of Technology & Computing or complete the internship after taking three CS 650 seminar courses for their internship preparation if necessary for their skill advancement.
Seminar
Students can take three CS 650 seminar courses after taking 6 credit hours and before taking either DS 680 Data Science Internship or DS 687 Data Science Capstone. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
- CS 650A Master's Seminar I in Special Technology (1)
- CS 650B Master's Seminar II in Special Technology (1)
- CS 650C Master's Seminar III in Special Technology (1)
Internship
This internship is repeatable for credit. Each enrollment must be pre-approved by the Program Manager.
- DS 680 Data Science Internship (3)
Capstone (3 Credits)
- DS 687 Data Science Capstone (3)
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.
2023-24 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)
| Living with Parent | Not Living with Parent | High-Cost Regions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | See Tuition Chart | See Tuition Chart | See Tuition Chart |
| Books & Supplies | $254 | $254 | $254 |
| Housing & Food | $2,864 | $5,956 | $6,552 |
| Transportation | $600 | $646 | $711 |
| Misc./Personal | $650 | $650 | $650 |
| Total | $4,368 | $7,506 | $8,166 |
Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we are 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.
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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 will 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.
