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Plan of Study
Admissions Guidelines

In a world that relies more and more on the collection and analysis of data to derive business value, an MS in Data Science from WPI is your foot in the door to careers in any industry.  Beginning in 2017, you can earn an MS in Data Science online, making it possible to advance your education wherever you live.

Our convenient online format is not the only benefit; we offer paths of study in Data Science that are tailored to your aspirations. In addition to the core courses that teach data-science essentials, you’ll choose from a variety of electives that will prepare you for a future in data science.

WPI also offers an Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science.

Program Highlights

By the time you earn your MS in Data Science, you will have mastered:

  • Database management: extracting and managing data using traditional and cutting-edge methods
  • Analysis techniques: machine learning and data-mining algorithms
  • A deeper knowledge of statistics and other applied mathematical foundations
  • Data-analysis software: a rich diversity of software tools used throughout the program
  • Essential management and leadership techniques: business courses provide a holistic approach to data science, developing interpersonal and story-telling skills alongside technical mastery

Interested applicants should have a working knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and basic programming in at least one language.

 

This degree is also offered on campus.
Learn more

Plan of Study

Graduate Course Catalog
How Online Learning Works
Admissions for Online Programs
Student Support
Tuition & Financial Aid
Meet the Team
eBook: Data Science, In Every Industry
More Digital Content

Online Course Demo

Have you wondered what it’s like to take an online course at WPI? You can now explore our Canvas platform. 
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Plan of Study (33 credits)

In order to earn a MS in Data Science, you are required to take DS 501—Introduction to Data Science—core coursework in four areas, and electives, totaling 30 credits.

Core areas of study:

  • Data Analytics and Mining 
  • Data Access and Management 
  • Mathematical Analytics 
  • Business Intelligence and Case Studies 

In addition, students will complete a three-credit graduate qualifying project (GQP). This practicum provides you with a strong capstone experience in which to integrate theory and practice as you apply your data science and analytics skills.

Thesis option: Currently, WPI’s online graduate programs do not offer a thesis option, as theses cannot be completed online. If you wish to pursue a thesis on campus, it is the student’s responsibility to find an advisor. Please note that depending on the project’s subject and timeframe, there might not be a faculty member willing or able to advise.

Curriculum Overview

I.  Core requirements in the 5 categories as detailed below – 15 credits / 5 courses

II.  Electives – 15 credits / 5 courses

III.  Graduate Qualifying Project – 3 credits

TOTAL 33 credits

NOTE: All curriculum plans must be approved by the student’s academic advisor
NOTE: A maximum of 16 credits are allowed from School of Business coursework within the M.S.DS

Students in the online M.S. Program must include appropriate course selections from the following five categories and complete the credit requirement with electives:

  • Integrative Data Science  (Required)
  • Mathematical Analytics (3 credits)
  • Data Access and Management (3 credits)
  • Data Analytics and Mining (3 credits)
  • Business Intelligence and Case Studies (3 credits)
  • Electives (5 courses / 15 credits) 

Course Schedule

FALL TERM
  • DS 501. Introduction to Data Science
  • DS 504. Big Data Analytics
  • CS 573. Data Visualization
  • ​ECE 502. Analysis of Probabilistic Signals and Systems
  • BUS 546. Managing Technological Innovation

  • FIN 500. Financial Information and Management

  • OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making
EARLY SPRING TERM
  • DS 501. Introduction to Data Science
  • DS 503. Big Data Management
  • MIS 576. Project Management
  • OBC 505. Teaming and Organizing for Innovation 
LATE SPRING TERM
  • DS 502. Statistical Methods for Data Science
  • MIS 584.  Business Intelligence 
  • OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making
SUMMER TERM
  • DS 501. Introduction to Data Science
  • CS 548. Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
  • CS 5007. Intro to Applications of CS with Data Structures and Algorithms
  • MA 511. Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
  • ECE 504. Analysis of Deterministic Signals and Systems

A complete listing of all courses applicable to the Data Science program may be found in the WPI Graduate Catalog under Data Science. Please note that only the courses shown above are offered in online sections.  Additional electives are offered on-campus.

Software used in this program: R, Python, R Studio

Course Offerings are subject to change. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact us for the most up-to-date information.

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What our students have to say

“The online graduate program through WPI has been a fantastic experience. I transferred to WPI from another school and am glad I did.  The online classes through WPI are much smoother and the Student Success Manager is very helpful.  I highly recommend this program to anyone considering an online Graduate program”

– Jon S. (student)

“The certificate program was a perfect follow-up to help hone my skills in Data Science; specifically I was able to learn a lot about cutting edge technologies like Spark (in DS503), and how to apply them in real-world scenarios. The info I learned was also invaluable in the hiring process for my new job and helped to make me an impressive candidate. I really look forward to the GQP and finishing out the Master's program."

– Ian D. (student)

Technological advances in devices, software, networking, and other technologies have given rise to digital data rich in variety, volume, velocity, and complexity.
Elke Rundensteiner
Professor, Computer Science
Director of the Data Science Graduate Program

Admissions Guidelines

Admissions Guidelines

Students applying to the M.S. Degree program in Data Science (DS) are expected to have a bachelor's degree with a strong quantitative and computational background including coursework in programming, data structures, algorithms, calculus, linear algebra and introductory statistics. Students with bachelor's degrees in computer science, mathematics,  business, engineering and quantitative sciences would typically qualify, if they meet the above background requirements. A strong applicant who is missing background coursework may be provisionally admitted, with the expectation that he or she will take and pass one or more courses in this area of deficiency either during the summer prior to admission or within the first semester after admission. Remedial courses at the undergraduate level would not count towards meeting the M.S. degree requirements. The determination of what course or courses will satisfy this provision will be made by the DS Steering Committee, which consists of faculty members from the participating departments at WPI. Students applying to the certificate in Data Science are expected to meet the same qualifications described above. GRE or GMAT scores are required for International Students Only.

After Graduation

As a graduate from WPI’s Data Science Program, you have the prestige, the skills and the solid education to tackle any career path you choose.

Career Outlook

Webinar: Open House

View our on-demand webinar to be introduced to our Data Science online graduate program. Get an overview of program logistics, what online learning looks like, the application process, and more!

VIEW NOW
Data Science Department at: https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/data-science