Data Science

Details about the MS in Data Science

• Curriculum

  Not only will you learn how to use existing statistical and analytical tools necessary for evaluating and interpreting data, you will also learn how to build new tools that facilitate the use of data in making critical decisions. 

  Your learning will be reinforced with practical, hands-on team projects, giving you several opportunities to apply your skills to real world problems. 

• Career

  As organizations seek to build new tools that capture and make sense of tremendous amounts of data, data scientists are in high demand across all sectors and industries of the economy, commanding an average annual salary of $126,000 (Glassdoor).

  With an MS in Data Science from the University of Denver, you’ll be ready to assume roles as a Data Scientist, Statistician, Data Engineer, or Analytics Officer. Your work will include data mining, processing, data visualization, programming, and technical work that contributes to decision-making.

• Tuition & Financial Aid

  Tuition for all students in the MS in Data Science degree is reduced from full tuition rates and is calculated on a per credit hour basis.

  For the 2023-2024 academic year, the cost per credit hour for the MS in Data Science is $1,178. Total tuition for the full MS in Data Science degree (48 credit hours) is roughly $56,544. Find out additional costs outside of tuition. 

  Federal student loans are available for domestic students. As tuition is already reduced on a per credit hour basis for all admitted students, we do not provide additional departmental scholarships, graduate teaching or graduate research assistantships.

FAQ's about the MS in Data Science

General

• When does the program start? Can I begin anytime?

  The on-campus MS in Data Science program starts in the fall quarter. Students can start the online MS in Data Science program at the beginning of every quarter.

• Are classes offered online?

  The MS in Data Science program offers both an online and on-campus option. Students enrolled in the on-campus MS in Data Science program can take up to three online courses and vice versa. Students interested in the online MS in Data Science program can find more information here.

• When are classes held? Are there weekend classes?

  The program is designed for working professionals with all classes being held after 5:00 p.m. MT Monday-Thursday. We do not offer classes on the weekends.

• What is the average class size?

  The average class size for the on-campus program is 20-25 students and 15 students for the online program.

• What makes the Ritchie School’s MS in Data Science program different?

  Our program reinforces core computation and mathematical skills that are important to a successful career in data science. In our program, students learn how to build these tools. These skills are in high demand because they are harder to learn on the job and are less common.

  Second, our program trains students to think strategically about data challenges and devise innovative solutions, regardless of the context. Many programs only teach students technical skills. However, these skills will likely become obsolete as technology evolves. Our program not only prepares students with the technical fundamentals they need but also gives them the ability to think strategically about data and ask the right questions, even as the technology changes.

• What kind of job opportunities will be available to me with an MS in Data Science degree?

  The MS in Data Science degree would qualify most individuals for the role of data scientist across a broad range of industries. Additional titles may include Data Scientist, Statistician, Data Engineer, or Analytics Officer.

  Job duties for these roles may include data mining, predictive and exploratory modeling, model deployment and management, data visualization and communication, and application development using AI.

Program

• How long does it take to complete the program?

  Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 18 months.

• How many credit hours are required to earn the MS in Data Science program?

  The degree is 48 credit hours.

• How many credits do I need to be considered full-time? Can I enroll part-time?

  Students have the option of enrolling full or part-time. Students need to take 8 credit hours per quarter to be considered full-time. 

• Is it possible to work while enrolled in the master’s programs?

  Yes. The program is designed to accommodate working professionals. Many of our students maintain a full-time profession while enrolled in the program.  

• What if I did not major in Computer Science or a STEM field?

  An instructor led, non-degree course, is offered with scholarship to help admitted students meet their Python programming prerequisite.

• How do I meet the Python programming prerequisite?

  Starting fall 2023, students can meet the Python prerequisite required via the following options: This prerequisite can be met via. the following: 

  • Completion of COMP4401, ‘Introduction to Python for Data Scientists’, with a B or higher. This is an instructor-led, 8-week, 2-credit, course offered online by the University of Denver for DS graduate students who have submitted their deposit.
    • Cost to student: $1000 (with a data science scholarship)
    • Financial aid eligible for students taking 4-credits or more this summer only. 
  • Completion of a college-level programming course in Python with a final grade of 3.0 or higher in the past 2 years (transcript). Best for a comprehensive introduction to programming.
• Will I be required to take the pre-assessment?

  We no longer offer a pre-assessment. Students in the 2023 Fall cohort must meet a curricular prerequisite in Python programming prior to the start of classes or before the start of the winter term.

Applications and Admissions

• Do you require the GRE or GMAT for admission?

  The GRE or GMAT are not required for the application. 

• Is there an application deadline?

  The priority deadline for Fall 2022-2023 enrollment is May 15th, 2023. The final deadline to apply is August 15th, 2023. 

• Is there a minimum GPA?

  The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

• From whom should I get letters of recommendation?

  Letters of recommendation can come from an applicant's professional or academic background. For recent graduates, ask for recommendation letters from former professors who can speak to your academic abilities as well as your character. For individuals entering the program with years of work experience, letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or supervisors.

  Applicants do not provide the actual letters of recommendation. Applicants will list their references' contact information and we will send the references a form to fill out.

• Can I defer my admission if necessary?

  Deposited students can request a one-time deferment to the following start term.

  For more information about the deferment process, contact Kevin Alt at kevin.alt@du.edu. 

• What is the application fee?

  There is a $65 application fee.

• Do you grant application fee waivers?

  We can grant application fee waivers to current DU alumni, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.

• What if I do not have a bachelor’s degree?

  Applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. Applicants who are in the process of completing their degree are eligible for admission so long as their bachelor’s degree is conferred prior to the start of the master’s program.