MS in Data Science

About the Program

Data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses techniques and theories from mathematics, statistics, computer science, domain knowledge, and information science. It was considered as the fourth (after empirical, theoretical, and computational) paradigm of science by Turing award winner, Jim Gray. A report from McKinsey Global Institute indicates that data scientist is one of the best jobs in U.S. and various industries demand a staggering number of data scientists in the next 10 years.

The Data Science master's degree program is designed as a 30-credit hour interdisciplinary graduate program. The curriculum consists of required core courses and technical electives, providing opportunities to build knowledge and professional skills in various Data Science areas that are highly demanded in the current job market. Four specializations are recommended (not mandatory) for students with different interests in Data Science:

  • Computational Intelligence Specialization
  • Applications Specialization
  • Business Analytics Specialization
  • Big Data Informatics Specialization.

This program provides students with opportunities to choose from a variety of courses offered by relevant departments from all four colleges at UM-Dearborn to fulfill students' specific career objectives in Data Science. These courses have access to a wide variety of computing and other resources across different units at the university. 

The department schedules all DS courses during late afternoons or evenings to enable students to earn their master's degree through part-time study. The program may be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses.

 For general program information and questions please contact the Program Coordinator: Sherry Boyd ([email protected]). For specific curriculum questions, please contact the program director: Dr. Jie Shen ([email protected]). If you have questions about the application process, deadlines, tuition, scholarships and assistantships, and other questions please contact the Office of Graduate Studies ([email protected] ).

Program Details

Curriculum

To satisfy the requirements for the MS degree in Data Science, all students admitted to the program are expected to complete 30 credit hours of approved graduate coursework, with a cumulative grade point average of B or better.                                                                                                                                                      

Please contact the Computer and Information Science Department about the policy on the minimum grade for a course to satisfy graduation requirements.

The 30 semester hours of required coursework are distributed as follows: 

Computer and Information Science

105 - Computer and Information Science Building
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
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Phone: 313-436-9145
Fax: 313-593-4256

Office Hours

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: Closed