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University of Colorado Boulder - Online Master of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Data Science and Engineering

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master of Science in Computer Science degree program with an emphasis in Data Science and Engineering. The program focuses on proficiencies in the computer programming knowledge and information technologies used to build and manage advanced databases and knowledge-management systems. This is a 30-credit master’s program that can be completed by full-time students in 16 months, or four semesters. Those who opt for part-time enrollment have up to four years to complete the requirements. The program is 100% online and does not require any campus visits.

(Note: The University of Colorado Boulder is planning to launch a new online Master of Science in Data Science program in January of 2021. While the school continues to offer its Master of Science in Computer Science program in an online format, potential applicants should contact a program representative regarding the continued availability of the program’s Data Science and Engineering concentration.)

The online programs at the University of Colorado Boulder are offered through Boulder Connect, which uses a learning management system (LMS) that supports asynchronous instruction. This means that all lectures and course materials are accessible to students on-demand, 24-7. In some courses, students may also have the option of streaming live video lectures through the LMS. Interactions between students and with instructors are conducted through the LMS using discussion forums and email.

Students in the Data Science and Engineering emphasis must take one core course in Data Science, one core course in Data Engineering, and two additional elective courses in Data Science and Engineering. This core coursework may include classes in the following subject areas: Machine Learning, Data Mining, Linear Programming; Data Engineering; Datacenter Scale Computing; Computer Storage Systems; and Big Data Architecture. The Computer Science department also has a breadth requirement for master’s programs that requires students to successfully complete at least one course from three of the department’s nine areas of research and training. These include: Artificial Intelligence; Computational Biology; Human-Centered Computing; Numerical & Scientific Computing; Programming Languages; Software Engineering, Database Systems; Systems & Networking; and Theory of Computing. An additional three or four courses can then be selected as general electives in areas like: High Performance Computing; HCC Big Data Computing; and Big Data Analytics: Systems, Algorithms, and Applications.

The University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Colorado Boulder: Department of Computer Science

Programs Offered: Data Science (Master of Science in Computer Science)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction but students have the option to view live lectures as well. Lectures are recorded and made available to online students for viewing.
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter

Online Master of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Data Science and Engineering

Program Overview
Program Type: Data Science
Degree Conferred: Masters
Program Structure: Online instruction with no campus visits required
Example Courses: Machine Learning, Data Mining, Data Engineering, Big Data Analytics: Systems, Algorithms, and Applications
Program Website: www.colorado.edu
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum Options: Full-time and Part-time
Length of Program: Full-time: program can be completed in 16 months (4 semesters); Part-time: students have up to 4 years to complete the program depending on how many classes they take per semester
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
Degree Required for Admission: Bachelor's Degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: Not required
Work Experience: Applicants must have programming experience and have completed at least five courses in computer science to be eligible for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$23,490 + fees (in-state); ~$52,080 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $783 per credit hour (in-state); $1,736 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Eligibility Information: Program currently accepts students from all 50 states

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