Data Science

Dedman College is affiliated with three graduate programs in data science: the M.S. in applied economics and predictive analytics (offered on campus), the M.S. in applied statistics and data analytics (offered on campus) and the M.S. in data science (offered online).

Applied Economics and Predictive Analytics, M.S.A.E.P.A.

www.smu.edu/economics

The M.S. in applied economics and predictive analytics (MSAEPA) is a master’s program established by SMU’s Department of Economics in response to the burgeoning demand for analytical training from many elements of the business, government, and non-profit sectors of the economy. The program offers comprehensive and advanced training in quantitative analysis, including programming in statistical programming languages such as R. The program also includes training in economic theory and modeling as well as decision making skills grounded in that analytical framework. While there are many programs that provide training in quantitative analysis and other programs that provide training in economic modeling and decision making, this is one of the few programs that combines the two, providing a more comprehensive set of important job related skills.

The MSAEPA is a 30-credit-hour degree and requires successful completion of courses in a variety of categories such as core economics courses on theoretical economics and econometrics analysis, advanced analytics courses on data analysis and prediction, business intelligence courses on decision making, global perspective courses on issues related to international economics, as well as elective courses on topics including computation, statistical software, and financial economics. The program is designed to equip our graduates with solid economics and analytics skills for jobs both in the private and public sectors.

Refer to the MSAEPA section of the catalog  for admission requirements, courses, degree requirements and academic regulations.

Applied Statistics and Data Analytics, M.S.

www.smu.edu/statistics

SMU’s Department of Statistical Science offers a master’s degree in applied statistics and data analytics (also known as “MASDA”), in which students learn to apply advanced mathematical techniques in the areas of statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and data science.

This 12-course on-campus program requires each student to complete eight core classes and four elective classes. These include courses in statistical theory and methods as well as training in software, including SAS, R, and Python. Students may select electives in biostatistics or other specialized areas. A consulting course develops skills in writing and communication, as students gain experience working with a real client or a  large-scale collaborative project. The program aims to provide the necessary statistical training for graduates to have successful careers in a variety of fields.

Refer to the MASDA section of the catalog  for admission requirements, courses, degree requirements and academic regulations.

Data Science, M.S.

www.datascience.smu.edu

The MSDS degree is an interdisciplinary program that combines courses taught by professors from SMU’s Dedman College, Lyle School of Engineering and Meadows School of the Arts. The program is delivered online to provide access to working professionals and students located around the world.

The program gives students who are prospective data scientists an enriched background in computer science, statistics, strategic behavior and data visualization. Course instruction includes oral and written communication skills and the basics of database structure, including building, maintaining and securing databases. Graduates will be able to form relevant questions, collect and analyze appropriate data, and make informed decisions regarding the question of interest.

Refer to the MSDS section of the catalog  for admission requirements, courses, degree requirements, academic regulations and the calendar.