Data Science Master's Program
Expand Your Horizons as a Data Scientist
Our two-year, interdisciplinary program will prepare you to become a data scientist, one of the most sought after positions in all industries today. Working with faculty from Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Science, you’llÌýestablish a solid foundation in machine learning, AI tools, data analytics, big data and statistical modeling. Our graduates have gone on to work in some of the leading industries in the world, ourÌýcampus community is supportive and encouraging, and all courses emphasize practical, hands-on learning to help you achieve your goals.Ìý
Earn Your Master Entirely Online with Coursera
We’ve partnered with Coursera to offer a 100% online master degree in data science. This two-year, 30-credit program allows you to attend full- or part-time, and will provide you with the theory, methods, tools and programming languages you’ll need to succeed as a data scientist. This program is led by our world-renowned faculty and incorporates lecture videos, discussion forums and hands-on projects aligned with industry needs.
Start Your Graduate Journey
Fill out this form to learn more about this program.
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Career Outcomes
Our graduates are working at some of the leading tech, financial, healthcare and startup companies, with most earning over $100,000/year.
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Faculty
Our world-renowned faculty are some of the leading minds working in data science and have deep connections across industry.
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Real-World Datasets
Hands-on, practical learning oriented toward everyday applications.
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STEM-Designated Curriculum
Our STEM OPT status allows international students to work in the U.S. for three years after graduation.
Student Spotlights
ÌýÌýÌýA world of opportunities have opened for me since I successfully completed my master's in data science at ÀϾÅÆ·²è. I met some peers in the program, studied with great faculty and worked on some amazing projects. I’m hoping to exploreÌýgenerative AI and LLMs, and am excited to do something that interestsÌýme.ÌýÌý
ÌýÌýÌýI wanted to avoid a career gap, so Boulder flexibility was ideal. Its curriculum — blending math, data science, and computer science into practical skills — perfectly matched what I was looking for.ÌýÌý
ÌýÌýÌýThe MS-DS program fits into my life seamlessly due to its flexibility. This allows me to balance work, studies and personal life effectively. It's my first time studying with this online methodology, and I have found it to be excellent.ÌýÌý
ÌýÌýÌýMy fellow learners come from all over the world and span a wide range of ages. I was able to stay motivated by learning alongside such high-level peers, especially through activities like peer reviews of reports.ÌýÌý
Choose Your Pathway to Become a Data Scientist
We offer two exciting tracks to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.
Master's
On-campus
1 1/2 to 2 years
30 credits
Attend full- and part-time
Fall admission only
Professional internships available
MS from Coursera
100% online
2 years
30 credits
Attend full- and part-time
6 admissions periods/year
Professional internships not available
Not sure which path is right for you? Contact graduate advisors Mariah Alvarado (on-campus) or Victoria Tosca (Coursera) to discuss your career goals and determine the best fit.
Explore some of the amazing things you'll learn!
Our professional master is a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary program that will ground you in the fundamentals of machine learning, AI tools, data analytics, big data, statistical modeling and more. You’ll take core courses in data science, statistical methods and applications, machine learning, data structures and algorithms, information visualization, and more. Depending on your interests and career goals, you’ll be able to take electives in computer science, information science, geography and business.
We offer competitive faculty-led research opportunities plus a variety of ways to get involved with industry partners including capstone projects, hackathons, and internships. You’ll work on real-world data challenges aimed at solving complex business and scientific problems.
The 100% online master from Coursera is an interdisciplinary degree program that will provide you with the theory, methods, tools and programming languages needed to succeed in a variety of data scientist jobs. This program is ideal for those with a broad range of undergraduate education and experience in computer and information sciences, mathematics and statistics. There is no thesis requirement for this degree. Admissions are performance-based and available six times per year.
Faculty Spotlights
Costs & Financial Information
A masters degree from the College of Engineering and Applied Science represents a valuable investment in your career potential. While costs vary by program, residency status, and enrollment type, we're committed to transparency in helping you plan for this important step.
- Tuition structure: Engineering masters programs have different rate structures based on program type, delivery method, and course load
- ROI consideration: Most graduates recoup their educational investment within 2.5 years of completing their degree
- Flexible options: Many programs offer part-time enrollment, allowing you to distribute costs while maintaining employment
- Scholarships and fellowships: Program-specific opportunities are rare, and funding for master students is not guaranteed; master students should plan on providing their own resources to finance their education
- Assistantships: Professional master students are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships, but are eligible for on-campus hourly positions that do not include tuition remission
- Employer benefits: Many companies provide tuition assistance for job-relevant graduate education
- Military benefits: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can utilize GI Bill benefits for qualified programs
For detailed, current information about costs specific to your program of interest and payment options, we recommend visiting the ÀϾÅÆ·²è Bursar's Office.
Admissions Requirements & Application Information
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research, as judged by the student scholastic record.
- Adequate education or career preparation to enter graduate study in data science in both:
- Mathematics: Applicants should be familiar with differential calculus (including derivatives), integral calculus, linear algebra, and have some experience with infinite sequences and series. Multivariate calculus is preferred but not required, and
- Programming: Applicants should have some programming experience, whether it is formal, informal or on the job. Some advanced knowledge of R is also helpful before starting the program.
- Statement of purpose outlining your goals and interests.
- One letter of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
We offer two pathways for students to be admitted and complete the degree requirements.
- Students who already possess the mathematics and programming experience outlined in the admissions requirements above can complete the degree with 30 total credits.
- Students without the mathematics and programming experience outlined in the admissions requirements above can still apply and complete the degree after completing up to 7 additional credits of bridge courses in programming, data science fundamentals and statistical programming in R. The specific requirements for each student will be determined by a graduate committee upon a review of the student prior education and experience.
- Whether you’re a US citizen or international applicant, the Graduate School's admissions page contains all the relevant information and links you’ll need to submit your application electronically.
- All applications are evaluated by faculty and admissions decisions are released by the end of February for priority applicants (apply by December 15) and mid-April for regular applicants (apply by February 15).
- Fall admission: February 15
- We do not offer spring admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Related Programs
If you’re not sure this is the program for you, we offer several related degree options for you to consider:
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