Data Science

About This Degree

The master's in Data Science is a unique, technical, research-based degree. This program offers special topics classes in Data Science based on advancements in technology, specific research interests of faculty and perceived need.

It will prepare students through cross-disciplinary training to do the following:

Develop innovative software solutions that improve the efficiency and scope of data science tools
Apply existing programming tools, languages, and algorithms to build, clean, and process large datasets as efficiently as possible
Identify and construct computational solutions to solve problems from a diversity of domains
Expand the functionality of state-of-the-art, high-performance data science software

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At a Glance

College: College of Science

Department: Computer Science Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a master's degree in Data Science, students may pursue a career as a data scientist, data analyst, data engineer, machine learning scientist or machine learning engineer.

Job Outlook

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Advising

Caitlin Thaxton

Email: caitlin.thaxton@usu.edu
Office: Main 421
Phone: 435-797-0778

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I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students from any undergraduate background are welcome to apply; however, to be considered, applicants must have::

Extensive experience in computing and programming
Completed a course in data structures and algorithms. You will need to show a B- or better in CS 2420 (Algorithms) or an equivalent class.
A working grasp of calculus and statistics.
The Data Science MS program is primarily a computer science focused plan. Some students are interested in Math or Data analytics instead. f this is you, consider these other areas of study, Data Science Maths and Statistics and Data Analytics and Information Systems.

All these requirements ensure your preparation for your upcoming degree. Make sure you are prepared before you apply.

These are in addition to the graduate schools requirements.

Admission Requirements

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is optional but if you submit it, the minimum requirements are as follows: score at or above the 80th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE. Not submitting a GRE score will not lower your chances of acceptance.
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits for MS applicants.
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5 on each subscale.
Applicants who have completed two years of college in one of the countries listed on the graduate school website, and the primary language of instruction is in English, are considered proficient in the English language and will not be required to provide additional evidence of English language proficiency.
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation from former instructors, or employers.
All applicants should list their area of interest and which faculty member they are interested in working with for their research. Consider contacting this faculty member before you complete your application.
No late submissions accepted.

If you do not meet these minimum requirements, it is unlikely that your application will be viewed favorably by the admission committee. Consider waiting to apply until you have achieved at least the minimum requirements.

Deadlines

MS/Data Science:

Fall Semester: Nov. 1
No spring admission
No summer admission

If you miss the deadline, please apply for the following year.

Plan Options

Data science- MS in Computer Science plan A.

Financial Aid

Graduate Research assistantships (GRA) are decided on by faculty members seeking highly qualified applicants to fill certain research and/or lab positions.
Interested students should contact the faculty member of their choice to ask about a possible GRA before submitting their graduate application.
There is no other funding offered to incoming MS-DS students

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.