M.S. in Data Science

Entry Requirements for postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement for postgraduate admission is typically a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 60% or above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 is required with no individual band score below 6.0

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): The minimum overall score required is 71.  

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Kent State University accepts the DET, with a minimum score of 100.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum overall score of 50 is required.

Kent State University offers a range of scholarships to international students to help them manage the cost of tuition and make their education more affordable. 

1. Global Scholarship: The Global Scholarship is a merit-based award for undergraduate international students. It ranges from $2,000 to $7,500 per year and is renewable based on academic performance. Applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission.

2. International Freshman Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for first-time, incoming international undergraduate students. It provides awards ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.

3. International Transfer Student Scholarship: Transfer students from international institutions are eligible for this scholarship, which offers awards from $4,000 to $9,500 per year. The scholarship is based on academic merit, and applicants are considered upon admission.

4. Kent State University Honors College Scholarship: Exceptional international undergraduate students may apply for the Honors College Scholarship. It covers in-state tuition and offers additional funding for research and study abroad opportunities.

5. Graduate Assistantships: Kent State University offers graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships provide a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable professional experience.

6. Graduate Dean's Award for Excellence: This award is for outstanding international graduate students and covers partial tuition costs. Eligibility and application details vary by department and program.

7. Global Diversity Scholarship: Kent State recognizes the value of diversity on campus. This scholarship, awarded to incoming undergraduate international students, provides $4,000 per year for up to four years.

8. Other Scholarships: Kent State University also offers various department-specific scholarships and awards. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so students should check with their academic departments.

9. External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities, such as government scholarships, private foundation scholarships, and international organizations' funding programs.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science program at Kent State University equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of data science and analytics. This program opens doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in various sectors, given the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across industries.

1. Data Scientist: Data scientists are in high demand across industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and retail. They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data to inform strategic decisions, optimize processes, and drive innovation.

2. Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers design, develop, and implement machine learning algorithms and models. They work on projects such as recommendation systems, natural language processing, and image recognition.

3. Business Intelligence Analyst: Business intelligence analysts transform data into actionable insights for organizations. They create dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to help businesses make informed decisions.

4. Data Analyst: Data analysts focus on collecting, cleaning, and organizing data. They perform statistical analyses to identify trends, patterns, and correlations, helping organizations improve efficiency and performance.

5. Big Data Engineer: Big data engineers manage and optimize large-scale data infrastructure. They work with tools like Hadoop and Spark to process, store, and analyze massive datasets.

6. Data Consultant: Data consultants work as independent contractors or with consulting firms. They provide expertise on data-related projects, offering solutions and strategies for clients.

7. Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants are typically employed in finance, where they use mathematical models and statistical techniques to inform investment decisions and manage risk.

8. Healthcare Data Analyst: In the healthcare sector, data analysts focus on clinical data, patient outcomes, and healthcare processes to improve patient care, reduce costs, and enhance the healthcare system's overall efficiency.

9. Industry Demand: The demand for data science professionals continues to surge as organizations recognize the importance of data-driven decision-making. The versatility of data science skills allows graduates to explore opportunities in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, marketing, and more.

10. Research Scientist: Research scientists in data science often work in academia or research institutions, conducting studies and experiments to advance the field's knowledge and methodologies.