CUNY School of Professional Studies - Online Master of Science in Data Science Program
The School of Professional Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY SPS) offers an online Master of Science in Data Science degree that targets the skills and technologies used to mine and synthesize big data. The program is classified as both a master’s in data analytics and a master’s in data science program, based on a careful examination of its curriculum. Students in the program develop hands-on programming proficiencies, build predictive and prescriptive models for data analyses, and learn how to draw and present compelling conclusions using analytics and data science tools.
CUNY SPS’s data science program is a 30-credit master’s program that does not require any campus visits and that is designed for students who have an academic background in statistics, mathematics, computer programing, and database systems. Students who enter the program with computer science proficiencies can expect to graduate in approximately three years provided they enroll in two courses per semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Students who do not have a strong computer science background may be eligible for a preparatory bridge program offered by CUNY SPS consisting of three courses in computer programming, database systems, and applied mathematics.
CUNY SPS uses an online learning platform that supports asynchronous instruction. This means that video lectures and other course materials are accessible on-demand to students from any location with an Internet connection. Students submit assignments and conduct research through the online learning platform as well, and can interact with instructors and classmates using designated discussion boards and blogs, and with email and instant messaging.
CUNY’s MS in Data Science curriculum is comprised of seven core requirements, which includes a master’s research project, and an additional three electives. Students earn 21 of the 30 credits required for graduation in the seven core courses, which include: Advanced Programming Techniques; Fundamentals of Computational Mathematics; Statistics and Probability for Data Analytics; Data Acquisition and Management; Knowledge and Visual Analytics; and Business Analytics and Data Mining. The three-credit final research project counts as a core requirement. To complete the crediting requirements, students take three electives in subjects like: Quantitative Finance; Web Analytics; Predictive Analytics; Machine Learning and Big Data; and Urban Society and Sustainability.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.