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Data Science, M.S.

Turn Data Into Information, and Information Into Insight
  • 70% +

    Students Have Obtained Summer Internships Between First & Second Year

  • #2

    Glassdoor: 50 Best Jobs in America for 2021

Alumni go on to careers as:

Data scientists collect, analyze and interpret data. Using scientific methods, processes and algorithms, they extract knowledge and insights from noisy, structured and unstructured data.

Data analysts are responsible for visualizing, transforming and manipulating data. Sometimes they are also responsible for web analytics tracking and A/B testing analysis.

Statistical programmers specialize in creating computer code that can collect, analyze and report information from large databases. Statistical programmers work in a number of fields, from biotech and pharmaceutical research to corporate offices.

program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn TO

Develop proficiency in both a general-purpose programming language and a statistical programming language

Advance skills to build appropriate statistical models to solve real-world analytics problems

Enhance the ability to communicate analytical information effectively that solves data interpretation problems

Be immersed in a team based, 6 month, real world project with an industry or government sponsor

“ UNCW’s data science program is the best decision I have made for my career. ... I attribute landing my dream job at SAP to the hands-on experience and mentorship I gained throughout the program. ”
Samantha Combs Class of 2019, SAP©
Samantha Combs, Class of 2019, SAP©
Data Science, M.S. Program Overview

Accelerated

The Master of Data Science is a professional interdisciplinary program that emphasizes computational-based applications of traditional data analysis methods and current trends in data mining and machine learning to turn data into information, and information into insight.

Accelerated Master's Degree

UNCW offers a 16-month, accelerated master's degree in data science.

The program is a collaborative effort between departments, the larger academic community and the business community that emphasizes computational-based applications.

Practicum

A key component of the program is the six-month practicum with a partner organization or institution. All UNCW M.S. Data Science students complete a practicum in data science.

The program strives to train students in technical proficiency as well as business acumen.

While course work and research projects are sufficient to satisfy the first goal, a team-based professional experience, with organizations external to the university, is preferred to meet the second goal.

In order to achieve this, the program forms partnerships with industry, non-profits, and other groups to provide such an experience in the form of a practicum.

Previous partner institutions have included Live Oak Bank (banking), Prometrics (Healthcare Analytics), nCino (Financial Tech) and UNCW’s Office of Institutional Research (Higher Educational Research).

Sample Courses

Table lists sample courses for this program
DSC 501 Computational Data Science
DSC 511 Fundamentals of Statistics
DSC 512 Linear Methods
DSC 521 Machine Learning
DSC 532 Categorical Data Analysis
DSC 551 Spatial-Temporal Analysis
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply to the Program?

Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

A complete application consists of:

  • An application for graduate admission submitted online through the Graduate School website.
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields.
  • Each applicant also must have a strong overall academic record and have passed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent: an introductory statistics course, a course in linear algebra, and a programming course.
  • No GRE Required
  • Admissions decisions are based upon the examination of several factors and, where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criterion in one of the areas may be considered for admission. Such individuals may be required to take additional course work to remove deficiencies or may be required to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas.

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Data Science

Apply Now

  • Spring Term - Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.  Fall Term - Complete applications are reviewed for admission as a group, after the published deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.
  • Applications received on or before the priority deadline will receive priority review. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed through the space available deadline if unfilled positions remain. Please submit your application prior to the priority deadline as cohorts fill quickly.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025: 
    • Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 
  • Fall 2025: 
    • Visa Sponsorship & Priority Consideration Deadline: February 15, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields.

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  2. Prerequisites: Have a strong overall academic record and have passed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent: an introductory statistics course, a course in linear algebra, and a programming course.
  3. Full-Time: This program is not currently designed for working professionals and is only offered as full-time.
  4. Differential Tuition: Differential tuition applies to this program.
    Tuition & Fees

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M.S. Data Science

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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