Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS)

This program enables students to pursue advanced careers in data science addressing state and national workforce shortages and supporting the growth of the local knowledge-based economy. 

• The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) enables students to pursue advanced careers in Data Science addressing state and national workforce shortages and supporting the growth of the local knowledge-based economy.
• The goal of the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program is to equips students with the knowledge and skills to advance their current careers in or perform a mid-career transition into data science fields, to work independently and collaboratively, and to pursue academic or professional careers in education and research, industry, business, or government.
• Graduate of this program will be able to 1) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of data science, 2) utilize advanced data science knowledge and skills to solve complex computing problems related to data science specialization, 3) identify and analyze user needs, and integrate data science-based solutions into user environment, and 4) possess skills in data science leadership and information management.
• The program offers two curricular tracks: a Research (Thesis) Track and an Applied (Project) Track. The research track facilitates students to advance careers in data science research, possibly continuing toward a doctoral degree. The applied project track maximizes the acquisition of advanced practical skills for professional placements in industry, business, or government. Within each track, there are three concentrations from which students may choose: Data Management and Intelligence, Knowledge and Information Systems, and Health Informatics.
• To earn the Master of Science in Data Science degree, a student must complete 30 credit hours including Data Science core courses, courses within the chosen concentration, and a project or a thesis plus a research techniques course.

Mission

• The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) enables students to pursue advanced careers in Data Science addressing state and national workforce shortages and supporting the growth of the local knowledge-based economy.

Goals

• The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to advance their current careers in or perform a mid-career transition into data science fields, to work independently and collaboratively, and to pursue academic or professional careers in education and research, industry, business, or government.
• The program offers two curricular tracks: a Research (Thesis) Track and an Applied (Project) Track. The research track facilitates students to advance careers in data science research, possibly continuing toward a doctoral degree. The applied project track maximizes the acquisition of advanced practical skills for professional placements in industry, business, or government.
• Within each track, there are three concentrations from which students may choose: Data Management and Intelligence, Knowledge and Information Systems, and Health Informatics. To earn the Master of Science in Data Science degree, a student must complete 30 credit hours including Data Science core courses, courses within the chosen concentration, and a project or a thesis plus a research techniques course.

Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of data science.
• Utilize advanced data science knowledge and skills to solve complex computing problems related to data science specialization.
• Identify and analyze user needs, and integrate data science-based solutions into user environment.
• Possess skills in data science leadership and information management.

General Requirements for Program Admission

• To be considered for MSDS admission, applicants must submit an application for admission to Graduate Studies at Clayton State University. Admission to the MSDS program requires an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

In addition to the general requirements as outlined in this catalog, applicants must have:

• Completed online application to the School of Graduate Studies
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA of undergraduate study from an accredited college or university
• Resume
• International students whose native language is not English are required to submit English Language Proficiency through one of the following options: TOEFL (minimum score of 78 total on the internet-based TOEFL), IELTS (minimum score of 6 total), Duolingo English Test (Minimum score of 100), or successful completion of an approved University System of Georgia (USG) intensive ESL program.
• If an applicant has completed any coursework, degree, or degrees from institutions outside of the United States, he or she must utilize a credential evaluation service. The School of Graduate Studies accepts an official course-by-course evaluation with a GPA that is prepared by either Josef Silney and Associates or World Education Services.

Program Requirements

• The program offers two (2) program tracks, Applied (Project) Track and Research (Thesis) Track. For each track, there are three concentrations for students to choose.
• Students must complete 30 credit hours of MSDS courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to earn the degree. All students must take the four (4) MSDS core courses with a minimum of grade of C. Students can transfer at most 6 credit hours of non-core courses from other colleges or universities.

Applied (Project) Track

• Four (4) data science core courses: 12 credit hours
• Four (4) concentration courses: 12 credit hours
• CSCI 6574 Research Techniques: 3 credit hours
• CSCI 6599 Special Project: 3 credit hours

Research (Thesis) Track

• Four (4) data science core courses: 12 credit hours
• Four (4) concentration courses: 12 credit hours
• CSCI 6574 Research Techniques: 3 credit hours
• CSCI 6600 Thesis: 3 credit hours

English Proficiency Requirement

Those applicants whose native language is not English or whose language of college instruction was not English are required to submit English Language proficiency scores.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 78 total on the internet-based TOEFL (ibT) or 550+ on the paper-based TOEFL
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum scores of 6 total
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 100

Applicants whose language of instruction was English should have the Registrar of their home institution submit a letter to Graduate Admissions attesting/certifying that the language of instruction for the baccalaureate degree was English. If this documentation is unavailable, applicants must submit the official acceptable scores on the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.