Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Applied Data Science (MADS) Program

The Master of Science in Applied Data Science (MADS) program at Carnegie Mellon University is a 9-month, two-semester professional master's degree that focuses on developing industry-valued competencies in students. The program emphasizes data analysis, statistical computing, and professional skills, with a small cohort size to facilitate a high-touch, engaging student experience.

Program Overview

The MADS program is designed for students who desire a career in a fast-paced, high-growth industry in the United States immediately following graduation. The program builds foundational skills in statistical computing and data analysis, and assists students in identifying and focusing on industries and positions relevant to their aptitudes and interests.

Program Goals

The MADS program prepares graduates to:

• Perform a complete and effective analysis of a real data set, choosing appropriate procedures and critically assessing the strengths/weaknesses at each step, and evaluating the validity of the results.
• Represent data, code algorithms, and competently use a sophisticated statistical computing framework.
• Use statistical theory to explain how a statistical methodology works, explain assumptions and limitations of a methodology, and to derive a reasonable statistical procedure that solves a statistical problem.
• Effectively and clearly communicate complex statistical ideas to a non-specialist -- orally and in writing, to adapt an analysis to their goals and to communicate results that address their questions.
• Combine all of the component skills to plan and carry out a complete client-oriented data analysis project.
• Develop skills needed to succeed on the job, such as managing your career, navigating performance cycles, scoping and building a business case, group work/collaboration skills and project management.

Career Opportunities

MADS graduates have successfully gained positions as data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers in diverse industries such as banking, sports, healthcare, government, and tech.

The MADS Experience

The MADS team commits to providing clarity, direction, transparency, and support as students embark on this next step in their life and career. The program aims to develop an environment of high achievement, thoughtful personal and professional development, and meaningful collaboration, with a culture of integrity and inclusiveness.

Before the Program

All students who accept the offer of admission have virtual sessions with the MADS team the summer prior to starting the program. The team answers questions, discusses the curriculum, and provides students with the tools needed for success in the courses.

During the Program

Students receive instruction from world-class faculty, and the program has an intentionally small cohort to focus on each student's success. The MADS team works with students to learn their career interests, help them navigate the career path, and ensure they receive any resources needed.

After the Program

Once students graduate from the program, they transition to one of the distinguished alumni. The MADS team continues to keep them informed about opportunities to connect with future MADS students, department and program updates, and career opportunities.

Meet the MADS Team

The MADS team includes:

• Jamie McGovern, Special Faculty, Director, Master of Science in Applied Data Science Program
• Teraya White, Academic Program Manager, Master of Science in Applied Data Science

MADS Student Spotlight

The MADS program has gained recognition as a finalist in the 2024 NFL Big Data Bowl. A team of students developed a metric to analyze the defensive strategy of "setting the edge," earning them a $12,500 prize and a chance to present at the NFL Scouting Combine.

MADS in the Community

The MADS team is committed to making a societal impact in the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania area. One of the community partners is AD99 Solutions Foundation, and the team has presented at the Pittsburgh Public Schools to discuss the importance of STEM education.

Academics

The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers various academic programs, including:

• Undergraduate Program
  • Majors/Minor
  • Prospective Students
  • Current Students
    • Advising
    • Study Abroad in Costa Rica
    • Undergraduate Research Showcase
    • Dietrich Honors Thesis Requirements
• Master of Science in Applied Data Science
  • Curriculum
  • How to Apply
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Alumni Destinations
• Ph.D. Programs
  • Research
  • Application Process
  • Core Ph.D. Requirements
  • Statistics/Machine Learning Joint Ph.D. Degree
  • Statistics/Public Policy Joint Ph.D. Degree
  • Statistics/Engineering and Public Policy Joint Ph.D. Degree
  • Statistics/Neural Computation Joint Ph.D. Degree
  • Master of Science in Statistics
  • Alumni Destinations
• Online Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Data Science

Research

The Statistics & Data Science department is involved in various research areas, including:

• AI-SDM
• Biostatistics & Epidemiology
• Causal Inference
• Computational Finance
• Computational Neuroscience
• CSAFE Lab Group
• DELPHI Lab Group
• Foundations of Inference
• Genomics & Genetics
• Graphical Models & Networks
• High-Dimensional Statistics
• Natural Language Processing & Large Language Models
• Nonparametric Methods
• Optimal Transport
• Optimization & Algorithms
• Public Policy & Social Sciences
• Sports Analytics/CMSAC
• STAMPS
• Statistical Machine Learning
• Statistical Pedagogy & Educational Research
• Time Series Forecasting

People

The Statistics & Data Science department consists of:

• Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Affiliated Faculty & Research Staff
• Staff
• Postdocs
• Ph.D. Students
• MADS Students

Resources

The department provides various resources, including:

• Teaching Assistant Handbook
  • Become a Teaching Assistant
  • Assignments
  • Responsibilities
  • Conduct
  • Communication
  • Academic Integrity
  • Compensation
• Business and Travel Expense Policy
• Travel and Non-Travel Expense Forms
• Reimbursement Procedures
• Visitor Reimbursement Info and Procedures

Engage with Us

The department offers opportunities for corporate partners and employers to engage with students, including:

• Sponsor a Capstone
• Continuing/Executive Education
  • Executive Education
  • Foundations of Data Science Graduate Certificate
• Sponsor Summer Research Experiences
• Alumni Engagement
  • Past Alumni Events
• Summer Programs
  • Stat & DS Camp for High School Students
  • Carnegie Mellon Sports Analytics Camp (CMSACamp)
  • Bridges to Healthcare Technology