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ANUPAM JOSHI, Ph.D., Chair
ERGUN SIMSEK, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
MURAT GUNER, Ph.D., Assistant Graduate Program Director

Degrees Offered

M.P.S., P.B.C. (Degree Types )

Faculty

Data Science Faculty:

Program Description

M.P.S.: Data Science

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Science program prepares students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds for careers in data science. In the core courses, students get a fundamental understanding of data science through classes that highlight machine learning, data analysis, data management, and tools used for big data. The core courses also introduce students to ethical and legal implications surrounding data science. Beyond the core courses, students take three courses in domain specific pathways developed in collaboration with academic departments across the university.  Through these pathways, students utilize the skills and techniques they learned in the core courses within their own field or area of expertise.

Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Data Science

This four-course graduate certificate is for students seeking exposure to data science skills, knowledge, and tools. Students may choose to just take this certificate or to continue on to the complete M.P.S. program. All four certificate courses count toward the M.P.S. in Data Science.

Program Admission Requirements

• GRE scores are not required for admission
• Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in any subject with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the program with relevant professional or academic experience.)
• Applicant’s prior coursework should include college-level math, statistics, and programming
• Official Transcripts
• Goal statement outlining the students goals and expectations in the program
• Resume or CV
• Recommendation letters (not mandatory but recommended)

Note that:

• Work experience that demonstrates the applicant’s programming and quantitative abilities might be considered as a substitute for meeting the aforementioned requirements. 
• Applicants who do not have prior coursework or industrial experience should take online courses in statistics, linear algebra, and programming.

In addition, for International Student Applicants:

Applicants to the MPS degree program are expected to have current IT knowledge and solid academic background.

• TOEFL Scores: 90iBT
• IELTS scores: minimum score 6.5
• PTE Scores: 61
• Two (2) letters of recommendation

International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information

*If you have a three-year degree versus a four-year degree your transcript will be reviewed to determine whether you have met the necessary pre-requisites for the master’s program. Eligibility for admission can only be determined upon receipt of a complete application.

Financial Assistance

Because this program is designed primarily for working professionals, graduate assistantships are not available. However, students are eligible to apply for non-research based graduate assistantships offered through other academic departments. International students must provide their own support for full-time enrollment in this program. For details on international student financial requirements, see the International Student and Scholar Services Web Site at www.umbc.edu/ies.

Programs

• Data Science, M.P.S.

• Data Science, P.B.C.

Courses

• DATA 601 - Introduction to Data Science
• DATA 602 - Introduction to Data Analysis and Machine Learning
• DATA 603 - Platforms for Big Data Processing
• DATA 604 - Data Management
• DATA 605 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Data Science
• DATA 606 - Capstone in Data Science
• DATA 690 - Special Topics in Data Science

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