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Become a Data Scientist

M.S. in Data Science

Earn your M.S. in Data Science

The data landscape is quickly changing, and our master's in data science will give you the theoretical, practical, and comprehensive knowledge you need to pursue or advance your career in the emerging and high-growth fields of data science and big data.

Recognized in the top five 'Best Master's in Data Science Programs' in the nation by Fortune magazine, we are one of the most comprehensive and largest Data Science program preparing students to pursue careers in this high-growth field.

Why choose Data Science at the University of St. Thomas?

Join a leader in software education, with our nationally ranked program recognized as a top five 'Best Master's in Data Science Programs' in the nation by Fortune magazine.
Learn state-of-the-art technology skills, rooted in real-world applicability. With our program, you can apply what you learn immediately.
Our innovative curriculum is continually updated, based on the changing needs of the industry, and taught by faculty with extensive industry experience.
We offer countless opportunities for research, networking, and job placement. St. Thomas has deep connections with the software and technology community, as well as over 4,000 alumni from 39 states and 14 countries
Built for working professionals, meaning you can earn your degree at your own pace. We offer in-person, online, and hybrid courses, evening classes, and three start times a year - spring, summer, and fall.
Our program accepts students at all levels of experience; no matter your previous experience, we an help you build the technical skills you need to be a software expert. Initial coursework will depend on your experience level and background.

Contact

Graduate Student Services

gradsoftware@stthomas.edu

Phone Number

651-962-5500

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 Stores and Feature Design
SEIS 745 Data Lake Engineering
SEIS 763 Machine Learning or SEIS 639 Machine Learning for Healthcare
SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence or SEIS 735 AI Case Study for Healthcare

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 (or SEIS 639)
Semester 5: SEIS 764 (or SEIS 735) 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 (or SEIS 639) and SEIS elective
Semester 5: SEIS 764 (or SEIS 735) and SEIS elective

Graduate Degrees and Certificates that Work for You

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

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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

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

Carmen Olsen

Ms. Olsen has worked in the data warehousing and business intelligence field for over 20 years, as both an employee and consultant, developing business intelligence content as well as taking on a solution architecting role and technology implementation and training role for multiple Fortune 100 and 500 companies.

CARMEN OLSEN

See All Faculty in this Department

Data Science Career Outlook

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 Information Session

Attend an online information session to learn program details. Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. Set your own pace and start fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. We look forward to meeting you.