The accelerated M.S. in data science and applied statistics (MDSAS) is a pathway for selected SMU undergraduates to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time than earning the two degrees separately. While working on their undergraduate degrees, current students may opt to take an accelerated path toward obtaining the M.S. in data science and applied statistics. Once accepted, the accelerated pathway will allow for such students to receive both a B.S. in statistical science and an M.S. in data science and applied statistics in potentially five years after entering the university.
Admission Requirements
SMU undergraduates majoring in statistical science who wish to pursue the accelerated MDSAS program should consult with the program director for approval. Application to this program can occur, at the earliest, two calendar years prior to an applicant’s undergraduate graduation date. At the latest, a student must apply before the end of the academic year prior to the taking the first graduate course.
Approved candidates should work with the MDSAS program director to plan their undergraduate curricula. To become a candidate for the accelerated master’s program, the student must:
- Be enrolled and declared as a B.S. in statistical science major at SMU.
- Apply to the MDSAS program according to the timeline stated above.
- Satisfy the admission conditions of the MDSAS program as stated on the MDSAS catalog page.
SMU Degree Requirements for Accelerated Pathways
An SMU undergraduate degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and must include completing the University’s Common Curriculum , one major and a combination of electives and/or other majors or minors. A master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 additional credit hours at the graduate level (6000 and above), none of which may be applied toward the undergraduate degree. The total unique credit hours for both the undergraduate and graduate degree must be at least 150. Only a maximum of 6 credit hours above 150 may be applied toward both degrees. For additional applicable policies, refer to the Accelerated Pathways section of the Enrollment and Academic Records catalog page.
Degree Requirements for the B.S.
Students should refer to the Statistics and Data Science section of the Undergraduate Catalog for the B.S. degree requirements:
Degree Requirements for the MDSAS
Students should refer to the Statistics and Data Science section of the Graduate Catalog for the MDSAS degree requirements: