Data Science, MS

Program Coordinator: Mark Hills (SZ C-110 Science and Technology Building; 252-328-9692; hillsma@ecu.edu)

The master of science in data science is designed to provide students with practical skills balanced with theoretical knowledge and professional practices needed to practice as data scientists. The program also prepares students to pursue further graduate work leading to a PhD degree.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions requirements and process as stated in the admission and retention section of the graduate catalog and the graduate admissions website. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a score of 30th percentile on the GRE General test are required. Applicants whose native language is not English must score 6.5 in the IELTS or 80 on the TOEFL (20 on each section) and must have met all other admission criteria prior to registering for the first semester courses.

Pathways for Entry into the Program

Two pathways are available for completing the data science program requirements. The appropriate pathway depends on the undergraduate major.

Traditional Pathway

The traditional entry pathway is for students whose bachelor’s degrees are in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, information technology, management information systems, or a similar computing discipline. Thirty (30) semester hours are required to earn the degree.

Nontraditional Pathway

The nontraditional entry pathway is for students whose bachelor’s degrees are in engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, or similar analytic and quantitative discipline. Students entering through this pathway are required to complete two specially designed courses during their first semester of study (SENG 5000 and SENG 5005). These two courses are designed to impart prerequisite knowledge and skills essential to succeed in the program. Thirty-eight (38) hours are required to earn the degree.

Plan of Study

Students are required to complete a Plan of Study Form in consultation with the graduate program director before they begin their graduate study. This is usually done during the week before the first day of classes of first semester.

Traditional Pathway Degree Requirements

Minimum degree requirement is 30 s.h. as follows:

Nontraditional Pathway Degree Requirements

Minimum degree requirements is 38 s.h. as follows:

Bridge courses - 8 s.h.

Core - 27 s.h.

Electives - 3 s.h.

Choose one elective course from the following:

Note:

For both traditional and nontraditional pathway students, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be earned for all graduate courses. No more than 6 s.h. of course work evaluated as a C may be counted toward the degree.