Data Science, M.P.S.

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 and data management. 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.

Required Courses (21 Credits)

Pathways (select one pathway)

Advanced Computing and Analytics (Main Campus)

In collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering:

CMSC 615 - Introduction to Systems Engineering and Systems Architecting
CMSC 625 - Modeling and Simulation of Computer Systems
CMSC 627 - Wearable Computing
CMSC 628 - Introduction to Mobile Computing
CMSC 636 - Data Visualization
CMSC 653 - Coding Theory and Applications
CMSC 655 - Numerical Computations
CMSC 661 - Principles of Database Systems
CMSC 668 - Service Oriented Computing
CMSC 671 - Principles of Artificial Intelligence
CMSC 673 - Introduction to Natural Language Processing
CMSC 675 - Introduction to Neural Networks
CMSC 676 - Information Retrieval
CMSC 678 - Introduction to Machine Learning
CMSC 691 - Special Topics in Computer Science
Any other relevant graduate-level course in Computer Science with permission from the Graduate Program Director.

Aging Studies (Main Campus and Shady Grove)

In collaboration with the UMBC Erickson School of Aging

AGNG 600 - Social & Economic Context of Aging
AGNG 604 - Policy Foundations of Aging Services
Students who chose the “Aging Studies” pathway will take AGNG 600, AGNG 604, and one of the other courses listed below:
AGNG 620 - Overview of Dementia and Dementia Care Services
AGNG 621 - Policy Foundations in Dementia Care Services
AGNG 624 - Strategy, Marketing & Service Delivery
AGNG 632 - Diversity in Management of Aging Services
Read more about the aging studies pathway.

Bioinformatics (Shady Grove)

In partnership with Foundation for Advanced Education Services (FAES) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Students can transfer in coursework from FAES at NIH to serve as a nine-credit Bioinformatics pathway within the MPS. See more at professional.umbc.edu/faes.

Cybersecurity (Main Campus and Shady Grove)

In collaboration with the MPS Cybersecurity program.

Data Science Analytics (Main Campus)

In collaboration with the Department of Information Systems

Select three courses to fulfill the pathway requirement.
IS 661 - Biomedical Informatics Applications
IS 706 - Interfaces For Info. Visualization & Retrieval
IS 707 - Applications of Intelligent Technologies
IS 721 - Semi-Structured Data Management
IS 722 - Systems and Information Integration
IS 728 - Online Communities
IS 731 - Electronic Commerce
IS 733 - Data Mining
IS 777 - Statistical Learning for Data Analysis
Other courses may also qualify. Please consult the Program Director.

Click here to learn more about the data science analysis pathway.

Economics/Econometrics (Main Campus)

In collaboration with the Department of Economics.

Healthcare Analytics (Main Campus)

In collaboration with the MPS Health Information Technology program.

Management Science (Main Campus and Shady Grove)

In collaboration with the College of Engineering and Information Technology.

Policy Analysis (Main Campus)

In collaboration with the Department of Public Policy:

Project Management (Main Campus and Shady Grove)

In collaboration with the College of Engineering and Information Technology

ENMG 650 - Project Management Fundamentals
ENMG 661 - Leading Virtual Global Teams
ENMG 663 - Advanced Project Management
Note: Students pursuing the Project Management pathway are eligible for a certificate in Project Management upon completion.

Click here to learn more about the project management pathway here.