College of Science & Engineering Master of Science in Data Science

About the Data Science Program

Program Details

Seattle University’s Master of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program. It combines the developmental aspects of statistics and computer science with real-world problem solving to create a complete methodology for data-driven decision making. The program trains professionals to work with large data sets: from conceptualizing a question, to data collection, cleaning, and storage, to analysis, and finally to communication. The program also has an intentional emphasis on ethics of data science.

The degree requires the completion of 45 credits. This consists of 36 credits of required courses (including two 3-credit capstone courses) and 9 credits of electives. One elective must be chosen from a list of “Advanced Foundations of Data Science” topics. See the Course Catalog for more detail.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply appropriate analytical and computational methods to solve real-world problems effectively.
2. Communicate technical information effectively to a specific audience via speech, writing, and data visualization.
3. Identify and propose well-reasoned means of addressing moral or ethical challenges in the practice of data science.
4. Exhibit constructive and inclusive collaboration and teamwork skills.
5. Demonstrate (by means of a capstone project) deep contextual experience of goal-setting and delivery of recommendations in at least one specific domain.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Admissions Requirements page for complete details. Applications to the MSDS program include:

• Completed Application for Graduate Admission
• Official transcripts of all post-secondary education institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree. This includes any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate coursework
• A 300-word essay on one of the following topics:
  • The job you would like to have after graduating
  • A problem you would like to solve, or have already solved, using analytical skills
• Current Resume

Successful applicants can come from all backgrounds, but typically have completed the following undergraduate courses:

• Elementary Probability and Statistics (such as MATH 2310)
• Programming course in Python (such as CPSC 1220)
• Integral Calculus (such as MATH 1335)

 Please contact datascience@seattleu.edu for further information.

Capstone Project

The degree culminates in a two-quarter capstone experience. Students will integrate lessons from multiple courses to solve a problem for a real-world enterprise.

Students will work in small teams to define and carry out a data science project from beginning to end. This will require the planning and execution of a real-world application of data science for an industry partner. Key steps may include:

• Formalizing a question
• Finding data sources
• Determining the method of analysis
• Implementing the analytical procedure
• Communicating the results to the client

Industry Advisory Board

Seattle University works with local and national tech and business partners to develop curriculums relevant to changing job markets. The MS in Data Science consults with an external Industry Advisory Board that includes representatives from: The Allen Institute, Amazon, Boeing, Facebook, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Microsoft, Tableau, and many other companies and organizations in the Seattle area. 

Tuition and Fees

The MSDS program is priced on a per-credit model to allow students to arrange their schedules to their convenience. The MSDS program is 45 credits and the 2021-22 cost of the program is $913/credit. There are also Graduate Scholarships available.

Please visit the Graduate Tuition page for complete information on tuition and fees.