Applicants to the MS in Data Science may satisfy the prerequisite in one of three ways
Option 1: Possess a BS degree with a major in computer science or a MS degree in computer science.
Option 2: Complete a Python course from an accredited college or university within the past two years with a grade of B or higher.
Note: An online course will meet the prerequisite if the format is live-session instruction; a fully asynchronous course will not meet the prerequisite.
To meet the prerequisite for a python course you completed within the past two years, you will upload the course syllabus as part of the application to the MS in Data Science.
Course content should address the following topics:
- Interactions between code and hardware.
- System memory structure.
- Problem decomposition into computable parts.
- Data manipulation using arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators.
- Applying methods associated with data types such as strings, floats, integers, and Booleans.
- Accessing and modifying elements in arrays, dictionaries, sets, and tuples.
- Using computational expressions (such as slicing, concatenation, function calls, and mathematical operations) to manipulate data.
- Designing and employing custom functions.
- Applying control structures for program flow and decision-making.
- Brining in helper functions and modules to optimize computational procedures.
- Executing tasks involving file operations or file manipulation.
- Employing introductory object-oriented programming concepts.
Those who chose this option will be accepted under provisional status, followed by full admission status once they have completed the missing prerequisite.
If you plan to enroll in a python course at another college or university, please submit the course description and syllabus to Stuart Boyd, Assistant Director of Enrollment, at 303-871-4965 or stuart.boyd@du.edu, to confirm course content and modality meets requirements of the prerequisite.
Option 3: Complete the course "Introduction to Python for Data Scientists" at the University of Denver.
The data science program offers "Introduction to Python for Data Scientists (COMP 4401)," a course designed for applicants to the Master of Data Science program who have not previously completed a course, or need a refresher course, in Python. Delivered online over eight weeks, this instructor-led, two-credit, non-degree course is designed to help MS in Data Science applicants achieve proficiency in Python programming before entering the program.
To meet the prerequisite, students must earn a grade of B or higher in the course.
- Course tuition is $1,000 for applicants who have paid the application fee and submitted their personal statement and resume.
- Because the course does not count toward degree requirements, federal financial aid is not available.
- Those who choose to take 4401 or an equivalent course at another university will be accepted under provisional status, followed by full admission status once they have completed the missing prerequisite.
Note: Registering for the Python course at the University of Denver does not guarantee admission into the program.
To enroll in COMP 4401, please contact Stuart Boyd, Assistant Director of Enrollment, at 303-871-4965, stuart.boyd@du.edu, or schedule an appointment via Calendly.
