Masters of Business Administration - Global Management
The MBA with a Global Management emphasis at City University of Seattle is structured f...
M.S. in Data Science
Seattle
INTAKE: Jan, April, July & Oct
Program Overview
The M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) at City University of Seattle is a 39-59 quarter-credit program, with the specific credit requirement dependent on the student's prior academic background. It is structured to provide a deep dive into data acquisition, management, mining, governance, analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and programming for big data systems. The program emphasizes the practical application of these concepts, focusing on helping students develop the experience and leadership identity necessary to influence how data science is implemented and consumed in any organization. It offers flexible study options, including in-person, online, and hybrid formats, to accommodate diverse student needs.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Master of Science in Data Science program at City University of Seattle is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it extends their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. The STEM OPT extension allows international graduates to work in their field for an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12-month OPT period, providing up to three years of valuable professional experience in the U.S.
Curriculum: The MSDS curriculum at City University of Seattle is comprehensive and aligned with the Body of Knowledge of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Data Science. Core requirements (24 credits) include courses such as Artificial Intelligence for Data Science, Data Science Overview, Data Mining, Data Acquisition and Analytics, Data Management and Governance, Machine Learning & Deep Learning, and Programming for Computing. Students also undertake a 6-credit "Depth of Study" in Data Science, which typically includes courses like Math & Statistics for Data Science and Big Data Architectures and Systems. Additionally, 6 elective credits allow students to explore other disciplines or pursue an internship. The program culminates in a 3-credit Capstone, which can be a project, research paper, thesis, or public presentation designed to demonstrate mastery of the program's learning outcomes. Preparatory courses may be required for students lacking sufficient background in programming, databases, networking, or operating systems.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Data Science at City University of Seattle places a strong emphasis on applied research through its practical, project-based learning approach. While not a traditional academic research master's, students are consistently engaged in problem-solving that requires investigation, analysis, and the application of cutting-edge data science methodologies. The capstone project serves as a key platform for this, allowing students to apply data science principles, tools, and techniques to specific real-world problems or research studies, often involving data acquisition, analysis, and the development of actionable insights.
Industry Engagement: City University of Seattle boasts robust industry engagement, which is central to its M.S. in Data Science program. The curriculum is developed with continuous input from industry professionals, ensuring its relevance to current market demands. The program strongly encourages and facilitates internships (DS 680 Data Science Internship) which provide invaluable hands-on experience in corporate or non-profit organizations. Students gain direct exposure to real-world data challenges and opportunities in Seattle's dynamic tech landscape, home to major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Faculty members often bring extensive industry experience into the classroom, further bridging the gap between academia and professional practice.
Global Perspective: City University of Seattle fosters a strong global perspective within its M.S. in Data Science program. The university welcomes a diverse international student population from over 40 countries, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and collaborative projects, exposing students to a wide array of cultural viewpoints and global approaches to data science challenges. The universal applicability of data science skills, coupled with the program's focus on industry-relevant technologies and methodologies, prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational corporations and contribute to data-driven innovations on a global scale. The International Student Office provides dedicated support to ensure international students have a smooth and successful academic journey.
Location
Seattle
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21092
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 68% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 87 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
City University of Seattle offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic and career goals. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable and accessible, recognizing the unique challenges faced by students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CityU awards merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. These scholarships can cover partial tuition fees and are typically awarded based on students’ prior academic records and application materials.
Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships: Both undergraduate and graduate international students are eligible to apply for scholarship programs tailored to their level of study. CityU encourages applications from high-achieving students in fields such as business, technology, education, and healthcare.
Need-Based Financial Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, City University provides limited need-based financial aid options for international students who demonstrate financial need. These awards help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with studying abroad.
Department-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at CityU offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in their disciplines. These scholarships support students who show exceptional promise and dedication in specific fields such as computer science, business administration, and education.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science from City University of Seattle is a highly sought-after qualification, especially given its location in a leading global tech hub. This STEM-designated program provides graduates with a comprehensive and applied understanding of data acquisition, management, analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum's strong emphasis on practical skills, real-world projects, and industry engagement prepares students to meet the significant demand for data science professionals across various sectors.
Data Scientist: The most direct and prominent career path, involving the entire data lifecycle. Graduates analyze large datasets, build predictive models using machine learning and deep learning, and communicate findings to inform business decisions across industries like tech, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.
Machine Learning Engineer: Specializing in the development and deployment of AI and machine learning algorithms, these engineers build intelligent systems for tasks such as personalized recommendations, fraud detection, and automated processes.
Data Engineer: These professionals are crucial for building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports data collection, storage, and processing. They design data pipelines, manage big data systems, and ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis.
Business Intelligence (BI) Developer/Analyst: Focusing on transforming raw data into actionable business insights, BI professionals design dashboards, create reports, and use data visualization tools to help organizations monitor performance, identify trends, and make informed strategic choices.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist/Developer: Beyond general machine learning, an AI specialist focuses on developing and implementing advanced AI solutions, including natural language processing (NLP) applications, computer vision systems, and expert systems.
Data Analyst: Often a starting point or a specialized role, Data Analysts interpret data to provide actionable insights. They work closely with business stakeholders to understand their needs and present data findings clearly, supporting various departments from marketing to operations.
Database Administrator/Architect: Graduates with strong data management skills can pursue roles in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust database systems. They ensure data integrity, security, and optimal performance for organizational data assets.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant) / Financial Data Scientist: In the financial sector, these professionals apply advanced statistical and computational methods to analyze financial data, develop trading strategies, manage risk, and price complex financial instruments.
Research Scientist (Applied Data Science): Graduates can work in corporate research and development departments, applying data science principles to explore new technologies, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex, cutting-edge problems.
Product Analyst (Data-Driven Product Development): Working within product teams, these analysts use data to understand user behavior, evaluate product features, and provide data-driven recommendations to inform product development roadmaps and enhance user experience.
