Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Data Science Program

The Master of Science in Data Science program aims to stimulate research activities in the field of computer science, statistics, and their applications. This will enrich the undergraduate and graduate programs in both the College of Computing and Informatics and the College of Science. Faculty members and researchers from both the Computer Science and Mathematics departments will contribute to teaching and joint supervision of program students. Additionally, the program aims to engage students in achieving interdisciplinary research project collaborations with other departments at Sharjah University.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Apply computational models to innovate solutions for data science tasks.
2. Integrate theory and application in computer science and applied mathematics to analyze and handle large-scale data sets.
3. Transform information to discover relationships and understand complex data sets.
4. Communicate data science information effectively in both written and oral forms.
5. Create models using appropriate techniques and methodologies that can be automated to solve real-world problems.
6. Evaluate the ethical use of data in all aspects of the data science profession.

Program Requirements

• The program consists of 33 credited hours, including 24 hours of coursework and 9 hours for a thesis.
• The duration of the program is 2-4 years for full-time students and 4-6 years for part-time students.
• The program is offered in the English language.
• The study system includes both coursework and a thesis.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a relevant field, such as computer science or mathematics, from a recognized university, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
2. Students with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may be conditionally accepted.
3. Students must register for remedial courses (foundation courses not studied in their previous university) as deemed necessary by the Graduate Studies Committee in the department, with the approval of the college and university.
4. These remedial courses must be completed within the first year of study for full-time students and do not count towards the credited hours required for the degree.
5. English language proficiency is required, with a minimum score of 1400 in the EmSAT exam or 550 in the TOEFL (ITP) exam, or 6.0 in the IELTS exam.

Program Structure

The program includes:

• 5 compulsory courses (15 credited hours)
• 3 elective courses (9 credited hours)
• 1 thesis (9 credited hours) Total credited hours: 33

Research Areas

The program focuses on interdisciplinary research collaborations with other departments at Sharjah University, covering a wide range of topics in data science, computer science, and applied mathematics.

Conclusion

The Master of Science in Data Science program at Sharjah University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in data science, preparing them for careers in this rapidly evolving field. With its strong focus on research and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in innovative projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in data science.