Data Science, M.S.

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The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at University of the Cumberlands in its School of Computer and Information Sciences provides a practical understanding of data science through a hands-on approach that includes working on major end-to-end projects and exercises.

Data science is an interdisciplinary field focused on extracting knowledge from large data sets and applying the knowledge to provide insight in a wide variety of disciplines. Data Science is composed of formatting data for analysis, determining the algorithm used for the analysis, processing the data, creating a plan of action based on the analysis, and presenting the results in an easy-to-understand format. Data Science integrates skills from statistics, computer science, business, mathematics, information science, information visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication.

Students can earn the MSDS in either a fully online format or an executive format combining online and on-site study. The Executive format program requires attendance at weekend residency classes. Further, the Executive MSDS program meets the needs of international graduate students. This program provides both hybrid and online coursework. Graduate students joining the Executive MSDS program will be employed or conduct projects in discipline-related positions and participate in Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their program to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Program Goals:

Students will use data analysis tools to analyze issues involving big-data and develop in-depth understanding of the key technologies in data science and business analytics.
Students will use Data Science, which involves effective management skills and practice problem analysis and decision-making.
Students will use Data Science tools to gain practical, hands-on experience with data science programming languages, coursework, and applied research experiences.

Course Requirements: 31 Credit Hours

MSDS 530 - Fundamentals of Data Science Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 531 - Statistics for Data Science Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 532 - Data Science Programming with Python Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 533 - Data Management for Data Science Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 534 - Deep Learning Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 535 - Data Mining Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 630 - Natural Language Processing Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 631 - R Programming Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 632 - Big Data Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 690 - Data Science Capstone: Theory Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDS 699 - Data Science Capstone: Practicum Credit(s): 1 hours *
OR
INTR 599 - Applied Learning Practicum Credit(s): 1 hour **

Notes:

*All online students who are seeking to earn this degree must take this course in lieu of INTR 599, in addition to meeting all program degree requirements. Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of this course as part of their program degree requirements.

** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.