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Become a Data Scientist

M.S. in Data Science

Advance Your Career with an Master of Science in Data Science

In today’s fast-paced data landscape, a Master of Science in Data Science provides the essential skills and knowledge to excel in one of the most in-demand fields. This program prepares you to tackle real-world challenges by blending theory with hands-on experience in data analysis, machine learning, and big data technologies.

Why choose the M.S. in Data Science at St. Thomas?

Top-Ranked Master’s Program in Data Science: Our professional master’s program is designed for individuals looking to start or advance their careers in data science. Recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the "Best Master's in Data Science Programs," our comprehensive curriculum equips you with the data analytic skills needed for high-growth careers in the field.
Built for Working Professionals: We offer flexible full-time and part-time options, with three start terms—fall, spring, or summer. Evening classes are available in-person or online, providing convenience for busy professionals.
Practical Application: Learn to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and make data-driven decisions that drive organizational success.
Relevant Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to be immediately applicable, ensuring you’re prepared to make a valuable contribution in your role.
Learn from Industry Leaders: Gain valuable insights and practical knowledge from experienced professionals, equipping you with the skills to thrive in today's competitive software landscape.
Inclusive for All Experience Levels: Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to enhance your skills, our program is tailored to meet your needs. Your initial coursework will be customized based on your background and experience level.
STEM-approved: All our graduate programs are STEM-approved.

Ready to take the next step? Explore your future in data science at the University of St. Thomas!

Contact

Graduate Student Services

gradsoftware@stthomas.edu

Phone Number

651-962-5500

Why I Chose St. Thomas

“Before beginning my master's program, I aspired to enhance my ability to address complex real-world challenges and develop a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. UST's curriculum was instrumental in this regard. Each course was structured with practical project work, allowing me to hone this skillset. Without a doubt, this has been the most valuable takeaway and has immensely benefitted my career thus far,” said Akhil Ambekar '20, M.S. in Data Science alumnus. Akhil is currently employed as a Medical Image Scientist at Brown University.

Akhil Ambekar - MS in Data Science alumnus

Coursework and Degree Requirements

Effective Spring 2023, the M.S. in Data Science requires 10 courses (30 credits)., students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

STEM Approved Program

Nine Required Courses:

SEIS 603 Foundations of Python I
SEIS 615 Cloud Computing
SEIS 630 Database Management Systems and Design
SEIS 631 Data Preparation and Analysis
SEIS 632 Data Analytics and Visualization
SEIS 732 Data Warehousing
SEIS 745 Data Lake Engineering
SEIS 763 Machine Learning
SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence

One Elective: Choose one SEIS elective from any course listed in the Graduate Programs in Software course catalog.

Please note suggested course sequences assume a fall semester start. Please talk with your advisor if you have questions or starting in other semesters.

Suggested course sequence with SEIS 603 required:

Semester 1: SEIS 603 and SEIS 630
Semester 2: SEIS 615 and SEIS 631
Semester 3: SEIS 632 and SEIS 732
Semester 4: SEIS 745 and SEIS 763
Semester 5: SEIS 764 and SEIS elective

Suggested course sequence with SEIS 603 waived:

Semester 1: SEIS 630 and SEIS 615
Semester 2: SEIS 631 and SEIS 632
Semester 3: SEIS 745 and SEIS 732
Semester 4: SEIS 763 and SEIS elective
Semester 5: SEIS 764 and SEIS elective

Flexible Graduate Programs To Help You Meet Your Educational Goals

Entrance Requirements

A bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) and a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required. The GRE/GMAT is not required.

See requirements for International Students.

Learn More About Applying

Convenient Schedule

Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

View Our Course Schedule

Course Delivery Mode

All programs in the Software Engineering and Data Science department at the University of St. Thomas are offered in CoFlex mode, i.e. the student has the flexibility to attend classes either in-person or online.

Inclusions and restrictions:

CoFlex course delivery mode is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and students on work visas.
International students or students receiving certain scholarship benefits are ineligible to take the online option and must attend classes in-person.

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Focused on Critical Business Decisions

Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence

Where industry professionals partner with St. Thomas faculty and graduate students to foster collaboration between companies and organizations to solve real-world problems.

CENTER FOR APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Learn from Expert Faculty

Our full-time tenured faculty, all hold Ph.D. degrees and extensive industrial experience. Adjunct faculty are selected for professional experience and educational credentials.

Dr. Manjeet Rege

Dr. Manjeet Rege is a Professor of Graduate Programs in Software and Data Science and Director for the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence. He is also the co-host of the "All Things Data" podcast, interviewing data scientists, technologists, business experts and futurists which averages over 60,000 listeners.

DR. MANJEET REGE

Dr. Chih Lai

Before joining the faculty at St. Thomas, Dr. Chih Lai was a principal software engineer, working on a collision avoidance system. Lai holds three U.S patents and three European patents. Lai also worked with Medtronic and has pending patents on monitoring and evaluating Parkinson patients.

DR. CHIH LAI

Paul Kaefer

Paul Kaefer's career is in data science and engineering, primarily in healthcare analytics. He currently works as Senior Data Engineer at Unite Us. Paul is a co-author of Introduction to Python Programming for Business and Social Science Applications (SAGE, 2020).

PAUL KAEFER

See All Faculty in this Department

Advance Your Career with a Data Science Master of Science

A Data Science career is in high demand and continued to grow over the next five to ten years.

Most of our St. Thomas career changers transition successfully after 2 to 3 semesters
Data Science is a Top 3 Best Jobs in America, earning a median base salary of $120,000*
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations**

*Glassdoor.com Economic Research: "Looking to Upgrade? These are the Best Jobs for 2022.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientists (May 2023).

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Get the Facts

Attend an Online Information Session

Learn about the M.S. in Data Science program and discover how it can fit into your busy life. You’ll learn about program details and curriculum, opportunities for working professionals and how to balance coursework with your schedule.