M.S. in Data Science

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0 is often required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is typically required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 58 or higher.

Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT):

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A  GRE score of around 290 is accepted.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

Pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science from Wichita State University opens up a world of exciting career prospects in the rapidly evolving field of data science and analytics. With an ever-increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making across industries, data scientists are in high demand.

1. Data Scientist: As data becomes the lifeblood of organizations, data scientists are the key to unlocking valuable insights. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform business strategies, optimize operations, and solve complex problems. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as data scientists in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology.

2. Machine Learning Engineer: In the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, machine learning engineers are in high demand. They design and build machine learning models and algorithms that power intelligent systems, predictive analytics, and automation. Graduates with expertise in machine learning can explore opportunities in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and recommendation systems.

3. Business Intelligence Analyst: Business intelligence analysts transform raw data into actionable insights that drive business decisions. They develop data visualization dashboards, conduct market research, and provide valuable reports to help organizations gain a competitive edge. Graduates with strong data analytics skills are well-suited for these roles.

4. Big Data Engineer: Managing and processing massive datasets is a critical challenge for organizations. Big data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure required for data storage, processing, and retrieval. They work with technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases. Graduates can contribute to optimizing data pipelines and ensuring data availability.

5. Quantitative Analyst (Quant): The finance industry relies heavily on quantitative analysis to inform investment decisions and manage risk. Quantitative analysts use advanced mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. Graduates interested in finance can pursue roles in financial institutions, hedge funds, and investment firms.

6. Research Scientist: For those inclined toward research and academia, pursuing a career as a research scientist is a viable option. Research scientists work in universities, research institutions, or think tanks, conducting groundbreaking research in data science, machine learning, and related fields. They contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation.

7. Data Consultant: Data consultants work with a variety of clients to solve data-related challenges. They may be employed by consulting firms or work independently. Consultants help organizations formulate data strategies, implement data analytics solutions, and derive actionable insights from their data.

8. Chief Data Officer (CDO): In large organizations, the role of the Chief Data Officer is crucial. CDOs are responsible for overseeing data governance, ensuring data compliance, and leveraging data assets to drive business growth. Graduates with leadership skills and a deep understanding of data can aspire to become CDOs.

9. Start-up Entrepreneur: Armed with the skills to extract insights from data, some graduates may choose to venture into entrepreneurship. They can develop data-driven products or services, create innovative solutions, and launch their startups in various industries.