Master of Science degree in Data Science

The master of science degree in data science is an interdisciplinary program that brings together faculty from cu boulder’s applied mathematics, computer science, information science, and other departments. You will gain a deep understanding of data science through statistics, computer science, and information science and will apply these skills to domains in geospatial analytics, natural language processing, business analytics, and more. 

The last decade has witnessed an explosion of data generated by individuals, companies, and organizations worldwide. As society places an increased emphasis on the importance of data processing and analysis, the need for data scientists continues to grow across job sectors, including healthcare, information technology, climate science, media and entertainment, financial services, and other professional fields.

Your Degree, Your Way

• The Master of Science degree in Data Science is offered both online and in-person at the University of Colorado Boulder.

MS-DS on Campus

• Come learn data science on CU Boulder's beautiful campus at the base of the Flatirons. The on-campus degree uses the same rigorous curriculum as the online degree and includes semester-based terms and more direct interaction with peers and faculty. The in-person program is STEM eligible, offering an Optional Practical Training STEM Extension benefit.

On-Campus Overview

• The on-campus Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) is an interdisciplinary degree program offered through CU Boulder’s departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Science, and others. This program is ideal for individuals looking for a more traditional learning experience with semester-based courses and in-person instruction.
• Work closely alongside faculty- Connect directly with CU Boulder’s award-winning faculty
• Engage with real-world datasets- Gain hands-on experience using professional applications
• Study a STEM-designated curriculum- Earn a quality education offering an OPT STEM Extension benefit
• Network with industry experts- Meet leaders shaping the future of data science while training for a career in this high-demand field

Program Details

• The on-campus Master of Science in Data Science program focuses on developing knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary and collaborative data science competencies including statistical analysis, data structures and algorithms, data mining, machine learning, big data architecture, and data visualization.
• You will work closely with CU Boulder’s faculty and will have the opportunity to utilize the same real-world big data sets currently being used to carry out research within the university’s nationally-ranked applied mathematics, computer science, business, and geography programs. 
• As a graduate of the program, you will be well-prepared to apply data science skills and competencies across a wide range of industries and disciplines. You will also learn about ethical decision-making and how to effectively communicate your findings to diverse stakeholders.
• STEM-Eligible: The on-campus Data Science program is STEM eligible via the U.S. Department of Education, offering an Optional Practical Training STEM Extension benefit.

Career Outlook

• Data scientist ranks as the  number 3 top job in America by both Glassdoor and Quanthub
• It is estimated that 70% of U.S. business leaders will prefer job applicants with data skills by 2021
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of data scientist jobs is expected to grow by 19% over the next two decades—almost three times as fast as the average growth rate for all jobs