The Data Science MS program is designed with a 32-credit curriculum. Students will engage in an extensive core curriculum intended to develop depth in all the core concepts that build a foundation for Data Science theory and practice. Students also will be given the opportunity to build on the core knowledge of big data analysis by taking a variety of elective courses to explore key contextual areas, or more complex technical Data Science applications, in various domains including high-tech, manufacturing, automotive industry and beyond. Program graduates will be well-positioned to attain data scientist positions in industry or research and development positions in this rapidly growing field, or to progress into Ph.D. degrees in related fields.
Admission Information
The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process. Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.
Fast Track Options
Students with undergraduate degrees in non-technical fields may need to demonstrate proficiency with algorithms, object-oriented programming, and data structures to qualify for admission to a computing related MS program. The following two options are in place to qualify for admission to UM-Flint graduate programs in CIT:
Non-Credit Certificates
CIT offers a non-credit certificates in three areas of preparation: Algorithms, Programming, and Data Structures. Students must pass the certificate tests with scores of 85% or better, and provide proof of successful completion to the Graduate Programs office. Each of these guided self-study certificates are not for academic non-credit, are guided self-study of the topics, and takes approximately 4 weeks to complete per certificate.
Undergraduate Courses
For students with bachelor’s degrees in non-computing disciplines, the department offers an accelerated “Fast Track” program consisting of one or more of the courses listed below depending on transcript evaluation. This allows students from any background to prepare themselves for success in the MS DSC program. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each individual Fast Track course and must maintain a B (3.0) or better cumulative grade point average in all Fast Track courses.
Course Delivery
The program offers a truly unique and exciting educational experience through a newly developed multi-media cyber-classroom which captures the entire classroom experience. Coupled with Canvas® on-line content management software, students can tailor their own education anywhere from a completely virtual, on-line learning experience to a completely in-class, on-campus experience.
Transfer of Credit
With approval of the DS Graduate Committee, students may transfer in, or elect as a graduate non-candidate for degree (NCFD), up to six credits of graduate-level courses in computer science and information systems. See Transfer of Credit in the Graduate Study section for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies regarding the transfer of graduate credit.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
All requirements must be completed within six calendar years of initial enrollment in the program.
Academic Rules and Regulations
See the College of Innovation and Technology (CIT) , College of Innovation and Technology Graduate Programs and Graduate Study sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all Innovation & Technology graduate programs.
