MS in Data Science
The master of science (MS) in data science program at the University of Rochester provides students with a strong background in the fundamentals and applications of data science, and is accredited by New York State.
The 30 credit program is designed for students with a background in any field of science, engineering, mathematics, or business, and can be completed in two to three semesters of full-time study.
Program Outcomes
Our alumni have found rewarding careers in small and large tech, healthcare, academia, research, finance, and manufacturing and services. See our program outcomes page to learn more about the career opportunities for data science graduates.
Program Components
The optional summer bridging course is designed for students who matriculate without a strong computer science background.
- DSCC 462: Computational Introduction to Statistics (fall)
- DSCC 465: Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning (formerly Intermediate Statistical and Computational Methods) (spring; prerequisite: DSCC 462 or equivalent)
- DSCC 440: Data Mining (fall/spring)
- DSCC 461: Introduction to Databases (formerly Database Systems) (fall/spring)
Practicum students work in teams of three to four to understand a sponsoring organization's business problem, clean and analyze data, and devise an appropriate solution. Students also explore ethical issues related to the use of data science, and give a final presentation to the sponsor and the class. Two faculty members from within the Goergen Institute evaluate the final presentation, which serves as the master’s degree exit exam.
- DSCC 483: Data Science Practicum (taken final semester; fall/spring)
Students must to take three courses, for a minimum of 10 credits, from the following application areas:
- Business and social science
- Computational methods
- Genomics
- Health and biomedical sciences
- Statistical methodology
Students have the option of exploring data science broadly or earning a concentration by taking eight or more credits in a single application area.
They can also substitute an independent study, independent research and/or one to two internship credits for up to six application area credits.
University of Rochester students are eligible for paid, summer internships through the New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science (CoE).
The CoE internship program partners with small businesses and startups in New York State to fund internship opportunities that help companies achieve their data science business objectives.
For more information, visit the CoE student internships page.