Program Overview

Data Science & Analytics (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics is a graduate program offered by Old Dominion University. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop statistical models using state-of-the-art programming tools and software packages.

About the Program

The program focuses on teaching students to leverage data to identify trends and patterns, communicate results, and recommend optimal solutions. Students will deepen their understanding of the discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to modern data science and analytics.

Program Highlights

• Five data science concentration options: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Engineering and Big Data Analytics, Geospatial Analytics, or Physics.
• Capstone project: Apply data skills to real-world practice.
• Project-based learning: Use data from different areas to solve real-world problems.
• Build marketable expertise: Develop statistical models to detect trends, organize and manage data, and lead teams in retrieving, cleaning data, and modeling data.
• Two program formats: Study on campus in Norfolk, Virginia, or online.

Featured Courses

Introduction to Data Science and Analytics

This course explores data science as a burgeoning field, covering fundamental principles and techniques that data scientists employ to mine data.

Data Visualization

This course covers the theory and application of data visualization, including issues in data cleaning, visual analytics, and tools used for data analysis and visualization.

Statistical/Probability Models for Data Science and Analytics

This course serves as an introduction to modeling data using probability and statistical methods, covering basic concepts of probability, Bayes theorem, and statistical inference.

Careers

Data science professionals are needed in various sectors, including tech, finance, healthcare, government, and business. Potential career paths include:

• Data Scientists: Develop and implement analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information.
• Business Intelligence Analysts: Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports.
• Computer and Information Research Scientists: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors.

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Data Science & Analytics program, students must meet the minimum university admission requirements for graduate admission, including:

• A completed online application and associated application fee.
• A baccalaureate degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Official copies of transcripts of all regionally accredited institutions attended.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A current resume.
• A statement of professional goals.
• International students must submit their current Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Cost of Attendance

The estimated tuition rates for the academic year are subject to change. Costs include:

• Virginia Resident: $486 per credit.
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $649 per credit.
• Non-Resident: $1,334.50 per credit.

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are several ways to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. Prospective master's students can look forward to funding opportunities such as the Graduate School and Office of Research summer research awards and the Dr. Hussein Abdel-Wahab Memorial Graduate Fellowship.