Master's in Data Science

Program Overview

Executive Master's in Data Science

Expanding on the information taught in a data science bachelor’s degree, this master’s degree program prepares students as data experts, refining skills in information visualization, data integration, machine learning, graphic design, and communication.

Types

• Executive Master

Location

• Hybrid

Credits

• 31

Cost

• $549/credit hour

Overview

The Master of Science in Data Science from University of the Cumberlands will help you take your career to the next level. By offering the statistical, computer science, and data integration insights you need, you’ll be well prepared for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy. Curriculum for the executive master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields like statistics, mathematics, business, data integration, graphic design, and communication.

By the Numbers

• Average Salary: $100,090
• Industry Growth: 36%
• Accredited Programs: 100%
• National Distinctions: 5

Programs & Requirements

Executive Master's in Data Science

Intended for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are working in the data science field, this executive master’s degree in data science will help you boost your credentials and accomplish your professional goals. This program can be completed in as little as one year (3 semesters).

UC’s Executive Master's in Science in Data Science executive degree program will prepare you to:

• Format data for analysis
• Determine the algorithm used for the analysis
• Process the data
• Create a plan of action based on the analysis
• Present the results in an easy-to-understand format

Curriculum for the executive master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields, including statistics, mathematics, business, information science and visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication.

The 31-credit Master of Science in Data Science program requires 27 credit hours in core subjects such as Statistics for Data Science, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing and four credit hours for both theory and practicum Capstone courses. You will select a topic of interest for your project, collect data and prepare data sets, and use data processing models to report business results and insights. Alternatively, you could pursue an applied learning practicum or internship.

Course Requirements

• Core Courses (27 hours)
  • MSDS 530 - Fundamentals of Data Science
  • MSDS 531 - Statistics for Data Science
  • MSDS 532 - Data Science Programming with Python
  • MSDS 533 - Data Management for Data Science
  • MSDS 534 - Deep Learning
  • MSDS 535 - Data Mining
  • MSDS 630 - Natural Language Processing
  • MSDS 631 - R Programming
  • MSDS 632 - Big Data
• Capstones or Applied Learning Practicum (4 hours)
  • MSDS 690 - Data Science Capstone: Theory (2 cr. hrs.)
  • MSDS 699 - Data Science Capstone: Practicum (2 cr. hrs.) or INTR 599 Applied Learning Practicum

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

• What are the residency weekend dates?
  • Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.
• Will I attend residency sessions for the same amount of time?
  • Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.
• How do I know which residency to go to?
  • You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.
• Are all three days mandatory?
  • Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!
• What is UC's residency attendance policy?
  • Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.
• Make-up residency sessions – where are they?
  • Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.
• What if I can't be there all three days?
  • If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.
• When can I register for the next semester?
  • The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.

Mission & Goals

The School of Computer and Information Sciences strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in IT through comprehensive educational programs, research in collaboration with industry and government, and service.

Career Outcomes

• Data Scientist: $100,910
• Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
• Computer Systems Analyst: $99,270
• Economist: $105,630
• Actuary: $105,900
• Operations Research Analyst: $82,360

FAQs

• What is an executive master’s in data science?
  • An executive master’s in data science is an advanced degree program designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in data science. This program focuses on enhancing skills in areas such as information visualization, data integration, machine learning, graphic design, and communication, preparing students to become data experts.
• How long does an executive master’s in data science take?
  • The program typically takes about one year to complete, or three semesters, if pursued full-time. Part-time students may take longer to complete the degree, depending on their course load each semester.
• Can I get an executive master’s in data science online?
  • Yes, many institutions offer this degree in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person sessions. This format is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals.
• Is an executive master’s in data science worth it?
  • Yes, pursuing an executive master’s in data science can be highly beneficial for career advancement. It prepares professionals for high-demand roles in various sectors, offering opportunities for higher salaries and career growth due to the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in businesses.
• What can I do with an executive master’s in data science?
  • Graduates can pursue various roles such as data scientist, computer and information research scientist, computer systems analyst, economist, actuary, and operations research analyst. These positions involve analyzing data, creating predictive models, improving computer systems, and solving complex operational problems using data insights.

Executive Program Admission Requirements

All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.

Data Science Faculty Experts

Learn more about the data science professors you will interact with.

• Dr. Chris Ford
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Information Technology Sciences
  • Contact Information: Remote