Master of science: Data Science in Society
Employment prospects for students with degrees related to Data Science and other Analytics are highly promising at both the local and national level. The employment outlook for Data Science and Analytics graduates in Florida is strong with relevant occupations projected to grow at a rate of 23.8% through 2024, which is significantly faster than the aggregate rate of growth for all occupations in Florida (18.3%). The employment outlook for graduates with skills in Data Science/Data Analytics is similarly strong in Palm Beach County, with relevant occupations projected to grow at an above average 15.2% between 2016 and 2024.
The Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (Concentration in Data Science in Society) in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters is designed to provide students with interests in data science and data analytics with a unique and multifaceted educational opportunity within and across each of its areas of concentration. Students will emerge from the program with a broad understanding of data challenges and opportunities, along with the research and inquiry skills necessary to conduct independent research and answer questions within their area of specialization. Graduates will be well prepared with rich hands-on experience and data analytics skills to enter the high demand workforce in the era of big data and quantum information processing under exciting roles such as Data Curator, Data Analyst, Statistician, Data Scientist, and others.
With contributions from interdisciplinary research faculty, our program provides you with the opportunity to learn the hardware, software, algorithms, and mathematical and statistical approaches needed to develop the next generation of scalable techniques and technologies for complex networks. Our program in data science uses advanced approaches such as deep learning and transfer learning – which are valued across the industry. Integrating world-class research expertise from FAU’s Big Data Platform, FAU’s NSF Big Data Training and Research Laboratory, and FAU’s Center for Cryptology and Information Security (nationally recognized as CAE-R through DHS/NSA), students enjoy an abundance of data-driven research opportunities that will build the skills and expertise needed to prepare students for innovative careers in data science.
Course Requirements
Click here to download the course requirements.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the University and College admission requirements for graduate study, each applicant for the MS-DSA program must:
- Have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and possess a minimal background consisting of MAC 2233 (Method of Calculus) or equivalent, STA 2023 (Introductory Statistics) or equivalent, and computer programming COP 2220, MAD 2502, or equivalent. Knowledge of Python and statistical packages, such as R, as well as coursework in linear algebra are recommended.
- Have a minimum of 3.0 GPA (B or better average) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate credits and establish graduate level proficiency.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Have a minimum GRE score of 151 Verbal and 151 Quantitative for GREs taken after August 2014. GRE scores older than 5 years prior to admission will not accepted. The Data Science and Engineering concentration requires the submission of the GRE score (Verbal and Quantitative sections), but no minimum values are imposed.
For more information, please contact William Trapani, Director of School of Interdisciplinary Studies, wtrapan1@fau.edu
Apply
To be considered for admission, a completed Graduate College Admissions Application is required.