Program Overview

MS in Data Intelligence

The Master of Science in Data Intelligence provides engineers, scientists, and professionals with the data synthesis, modeling, and computational skills necessary to extract intelligence and knowledge from data and utilize them in business decision-making. This program is offered fully online/primarily distance learning (PD) and in-person, as well as part-time and full-time.

Program Details

In this 30-credit program, all students will take the following 14 credits of core courses:

• Statistical Foundations of Data Intelligence (3 credits)
• Applied Data Intelligence (3 credits)
• Data Structure Essentials (2 credits)
• Data Mining (3 credits)
• Optimization Methods with Applications (3 credits)

For the remaining 16 credit hours, students can choose one of the two program specialization tracks offered or tailor the program based on their interests with the general data intelligence track, each one has different course requirements and learning formats:

Decision Intelligence Track

This track is for students interested in topics covering statistical and machine learning approaches to data-driven dynamic decision-making in areas including system design and optimization, supply chain and logistics, among others. This track is synchronous with primarily distance learning and in-person classes available.

Computational Intelligence Track

This track is for students interested in computing and learning how to effectively mine information from large databases and use them to learn trends and predict outcomes in business and industry. This track is asynchronous with online classes and has the same courses as the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence.

General Data Intelligence Track

Choose a combination of courses from the Decision Intelligence Track and Computational Intelligence Track. This track is synchronous with fully online, primarily distance learning (PD), and in-person classes available.

International applicants: Please note that to meet international student visa requirements, students must be enrolled full-time each semester (fall and spring), which is at least nine credit hours (only up to three of these credit hours can be online). Due to these restrictions, international students may only be able to select either the Decision Intelligence Track or the General Data Intelligence Track.

Admissions Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher
• Minimum GRE scores:
  • Analytical Writing 3.0 or higher
  • Combined Quantitative and Verbal 300 or higher
  • Quantitative 156 or higher
• Adequate background in mathematics and computer programming
• For international students: The equivalent undergraduate and/or graduate degrees from a foreign institution

Application Process

1. Submit a graduate application online with the application fee.
2. Upload the following to the application website:
3. One-page statement of purpose
4. Three professional and/or academic letters of recommendation
5. Resume or CV
6. Official GRE scores
7. Unofficial transcript
8. Send an official transcript from each institution of higher learning attended.
9. Submit official TOEFL scores directly from the testing agency (for international applicants only).

Application Deadline

• June 1 for a fall start
• October 15 for a spring start

Tuition Fees

• Tuition cost per credit hour: $650 x 30 credits
• Total program tuition cost: $19,500
• Note: Total program cost estimates do not include application fees, late fees, registration fees, educational resources, or the one-time new graduate student fee.

FAQs

• Who should enroll in this program?: This program is ideal for industry professionals engaged in implementing data intelligence in decision-making who want to further their careers, as well as students from a STEM background who want to earn a degree in data intelligence.
• My background is not in engineering or mathematics/statistics. Can I still apply for the MSDI degree?: A bachelor’s degree in STEM with basic foundations in calculus, statistics, and computer programming is required to apply, as well as hands-on computer programming experience.
• How can I estimate the cost of obtaining a master’s degree?: Visit the Office of Financial Aid.
• Can the department evaluate my chances of getting admitted before I submit an official application?: No, the department will only evaluate official applications submitted through the USF Office of Admissions.
• I have questions about supporting documents (e.g., resume, recommendations, etc.). Who should I contact?: Please contact the program Admissions Recruiter Advisor for information on how to apply, admission requirements, and supporting documents needed.
• I am an international student. Am I required to send documents proving my financial status at the time of application?: Financial documents are not required at the time of application but might be needed after admission. For additional details about international student admission into the Master’s in Data Intelligence, please contact the program Admissions Recruiter Advisor.