Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Data Science

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to harness the power of data for informed decision-making has become a critical skill. As organizations across industries increasingly rely on data to drive innovation and stay competitive, the demand for professionals with expertise in Data Science has surged. The master’s degree in applied data science is a comprehensive and advanced program designed to equip students, especially working professionals, with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to excel in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

The Online master’s in applied data science is an interdisciplinary program offered by UGA’s Franklin College Department of Statistics. The program requires completion of 30 credit hours. It is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s data-driven world. The program begins with an introduction to Python programming and a wide variety of data science techniques, alongside foundational statistical methods for data science using R programming. Students gain hands-on experience with Python and R, learning how to manage, analyze, and visualize data effectively.  As students progress, they delve into clustering and classification algorithms, while simultaneously advancing their knowledge of Python and data structures, establishing a strong foundation in computing. The program then provides a solid grounding in statistical modeling for data science, followed by advanced topics such as data management and SQL. Students will also master advanced R programming for data science, advanced machine learning and deep learning, advanced statistical modeling, and natural language processing.

The curriculum equips professionals with applied data science skills through a comprehensive blend of statistics, computer science, data science, linguistics, and management information systems. Emphasizing real-world applications, it prepares graduates to tackle complex challenges in data science across industries by combining theoretical foundations with practical problem-solving. The program’s flexible online delivery enables career advancement while meeting the demands of a data-driven economy. Graduates will master software development, database design and management, distributed data processing, statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, data visualization, and provide decision-making support.

Undergraduate degree: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution. While a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, economics) can be a plus, applicants from other disciplines who demonstrate quantitative skills are strongly encouraged to apply to the program.

GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from undergraduate studies.
Flexibility can be provided if the applicant has strong professional experience or other compensatory qualifications.

Quantitative Coursework: Completion of at least one introductory course in probability and statistics and some working knowledge of calculus and linear algebra is preferred. 

Programming skills: Basic proficiency in a programming language is preferred. This can be demonstrated through coursework, professional experience, or online courses/certifications.

Professional Experience: Since the program is designed for working professionals, relevant work experience in a related field is preferred. This shows the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges