Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Data Science, M.S.D.S.

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The Master of Science in data science degree is an interdisciplinary program that combines courses from SMU’s Dedman College, Lyle School of Engineering and Meadows School of the Arts. The diploma is signed by the Dean of Graduate Research and Studies. The program is delivered online to provide access to working professionals and students located around the world. The program provides students who are prospective data scientists with an enriched background in computer science, statistics, strategic behavior and data visualization. Graduates will be able to form relevant questions, collect and analyze appropriate data, and make informed decisions regarding the question of interest. Course instruction includes oral and written communication skills and the basics of database structure, including building, maintaining and securing databases. The website (www.datascience.smu.edu) has additional information.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the M.S.D.S. program must hold a bachelor’s degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering or other quantitative discipline. An application fee is required. Additional requirements are as follows:

  1. A basic understanding of a programming language (R, JAVA, C++, Python or similar programming language).
  2. Calculus I and II. Business calculus does not meet this requirement.
  3. A completed online application, with the following:
  • One letter of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • All official academic transcripts.
  • An official GRE graduate school admission test score, which may be waived if a prospective student has five or more years of industry-related experience or has earned a master’s degree in a related field.

  4. A satisfactory TOEFL English language proficiency test score (minimum 90) is required for an applicant whose native language is not English. 

For policies specific to the M.S.D.S program, students should refer to the M.S.D.S. Enrollment and Academic Policies  section of this catalog. The M.S.D.S. Academic Calendar can be found here.

Degree Requirements

The minimum credit hour requirement for the M.S. in data science degree is 33.5 credit hours. These credit hours include 30 credit hours of coursework, a 2-credit hour capstone (a two consecutive course sequence), and a 1.5 credit hour conference immersion experience. All work attempted for the master’s degree must be completed with an overall GPA of 3.000 or better. A grade of D or F obtained by a student will be calculated in their overall GPA, but cannot be applied to their degree. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 3.000 GPA may be required to take additional courses to bring the GPA to 3.000 or better or may be asked to discontinue study in the program. Note: Students may have additional expenses related to the capstone and campus immersion courses.

Required Data Science Courses (21 Credit Hours)

Elective Data Science Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Three courses chosen from the following:

Required Capstone Project and Conference Immersion Courses (3.5 Credit Hours)

Total: 33.5 Credit Hours

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