Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate 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 program is delivered online to provide access to working professionals and students located around the world.

This program provides students who are prospective data scientists with an enriched background in computer science, machine learning, statistics, artificial intelligence, 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 and storytelling with respect to various audiences including client, technical audiences, and the C-suite. 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. 

The M.S.D.S. Academic Calendar can be found here.

Degree Requirements


The M.S. in data science requires a minimum of 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. Note: Students may have additional expenses related to the capstone and campus immersion courses.

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