Program Overview
Master of Science in Data Science
About M.S. in Data Science
The M.S. in Data Science program helps students identify and formulate key business challenges, collect and manage data from a variety of sources, select effective analytical techniques to identify solutions, and communicate results in a clear and creative way, harnessing the power of data in decision making. Students interested in the master's in data science may choose from two different pathways:
- One-Year Accelerated, Coursework Only Pathway : Students may complete their full 30 credit hour master’s degree in one academic year, or three total semesters – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Two-Year Thesis Pathway: With a heavy emphasis on research in your chosen area of study, the two-year thesis pathway of our graduate program is designed for students with an area of interest that can benefit from extensive study both inside the classroom and out.
Careers in Data Science
Data scientists are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including information technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
Job Growth
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 17,700 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Salary Ranges
The median annual wage for data scientists was $108,020 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $184,090.
Career Opportunities
- Data Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Machine Learning Specialist
- Project Consultant
- Research and Development Manager
- Data Scientist
- Research Analyst
- Developer
Admissions Requirements
One-Year, Coursework-Only Pathway:
- A baccalaureate degree in a field related to your intended graduate major.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in degree-specific courses (2.75 for FPU students / alumni).
- Transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended (*Waived for FPU students / alumni – the university has access to your transcripts).
- International applicants: If your postsecondary institution(s) was located outside of the US, please provide a course by course evaluation of your transcripts for US equivalency, with GPA calculation, by an evaluator such as WES, Josef Silny, or AES.
- A Statement of Purpose (a brief summary of your interest in the degree, as well as how it may impact your academic and professional goals).
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professional supervisor (*Letters of rec are waived for FPU students / alumni).
- International applicants: Please provide proof of English literacy by meeting the requirements listed here.
*Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program. Additional documentation may be required at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
Two Year Thesis Pathway:
Students seeking consideration to the two year thesis pathway should meet the same minimum requirements listed above for the one-year, coursework-only pathway in addition to the following:
- An interview with the Faculty Chair of the department to which you’re seeking admission (or their designees).
- A statement outlining any previous research, completed or ongoing projects, publications, etc.
- Additional documentation at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
Meet the Faculty
- Shahram Taj Chair & Professor Data Science & Business Analytics
- James Dewey Associate Professor
- Parisa Hajibabaee Assistant Professor
- Susan LeFrancois Associate Professor
- Artem Malinin Assistant Professor
- Bijun Wang Assistant Professor
Interested in our other Graduate Degrees?
- M.S. in Computer Science Florida Poly offers a broadly based and customizable Masters of Science in Computer Science program that provides students with an advanced computer science education — with a focus in general computer science or analytics — leading to careers across a fast-growing sensor, data analytics, and computation-based economy.
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering Our M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares students for careers that are in high demand in the state of Florida, and of high wage. Graduates of this program contribute to specialized industries such as cyber physical security, autonomous and hybrid vehicles and associated supporting technologies, robotics and automation, and many facets of the aerospace industry. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral programs after graduation, particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and supports student research.
- M.S. in Engineering Management The M.S. in Engineering Management is designed for individuals with technical and engineering backgrounds to gain advanced engineering education from a managerial perspective. As one of the most affordable high-quality degrees in the state of Florida, the M.S. in Engineering Management at Florida Poly provides students with the necessary skills for advancing their careers across a range of industry applications.
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical engineers are in high demand. Our M.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree allows for job progress and specialization, preparing students to contribute to specialized industries. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral programs after graduation, particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and supports student research.
- 4+1 Master's Degree “Level Up” and earn your master’s degree in just one year, plus maximize your time during your senior year and save nearly $10,000. The 4+1 is an opportunity for academically talented undergraduate Florida Poly students to “level up” in their academic career by enrolling in two graduate- level courses in their senior year. The two graduate-level courses taken in senior year are billed at a discounted rate.