Data Science, MS

Description of Program

The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) focuses on data analytics, technical communication, and business leadership skills. The data science life cycle involves gathering data and maintaining data, processing data, analyzing data, and communicating the results in a professional setting. The MSDS program will prepare you for a career in data science by exploring each stage of the data science life cycle in depth. Because data science is continually evolving, you will also study the scope and impact of emerging trends.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MSDS.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate an organization’s potential for improvement in data management
• Explain concepts and arguments associated with data science
• Manage legal, ethical, and security risks in information systems
• Evaluate scope and impact of emerging data science concepts on a local and global scale
• Formulate solutions to practical problems in data management

Basis for Admissions

Admission to an NCU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Data Science is a 30 credit program comprised of 12 core credits, 15 specialization credits and 3 capstone credits.

Students assume full responsibility for understanding both the foundational, specialization and capstone requirements of the program. Switching programs after completing coursework may result in reevaluation, monetary loss, loss of credit hours and/or the need to take additional credit hours. Students’ Academic and Finance Advisors can assist with any questions related to program requirements.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Science in Data Science for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. Courses considered for transfer must mirror courses in the program. The Dean of the School Technology must approve any courses considered for transfer. See the

Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.

Time to Completion

NCU allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 22 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 16 months.

Course Sequence

• TIM-6500 - Principles of Data Science
• TIM-5020 - Databases & Business Intelligence
• TIM-6130 - Data Mining
• TIM-6501 - Quantitative Methods for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• TIM-6520 - Inferential Statistics and Predictive Analysis
• TIM-6540 - Critical Analysis, Interpreting and Reporting Data
• TIM-6530 - Big Data Integration
• TIM-6510 - Data Visualization and Communication
• TIM-5221 - Quantitative Research Design for Technology Professionals
• TIM-6591 - Data Science Capstone: Lifecycle Application in Industry