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The online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) provides an opportunity for working professionals to gain a mastery of data science concepts along with practical, hands-on experience in using data science methods in their areas of expertise. Coursework provides deep engagement with data modeling, collection, analysis (including statistical, machine learning, and deep learning AI approaches), computation, and integration. To ensure the program is accessible to all learners who want to apply the methods and practices of Data Science to their professions, it was designed to require no prerequisites.

Participants learn how to present data-driven discoveries and craft data-intensive solutions to real-world problems while understanding the legal and ethical contexts of their work. A final practicum course provides experience in the complete data science lifecycle applied to a real-world problem in the learner’s field of choice.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $581.00
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Structure

This 30-credit hour degree program comprises courses in programming, data wrangling, and visualization skills and includes an applied student capstone project. Throughout the coursework, students will build a literature review to gain familiarity with the important discussions within the field of data science. The final literature review evaluation will occur in tandem with the final project review.

Major Required Courses (30 Hours)

Course Number Title Credit Hours
DSCI 8133 Foundations of Applied Data Science I 3
DSCI 6113 Programming for Applied Data Science 3
DSCI 8143 Foundations of Applied Data Science II 3
DSCI 6122 R Lab for Applied Data Science 2
DSCI 6204 Applied Statistical Methods for Data Science 4
DSCI 6301 Data Science Project Management 1
DSCI 6214 Applied Machine Learning for Data Science 4
DSCI 6133 Applied Data Visualization 3
DSCI 8224 Applied Neural Networks and Deep Learning for Data Science 4
DSCI 8413 Applied Graduate Data Science Practicum 3

Admissions Requirements

Applications for the MADS program are reviewed twice a year. Application deadlines are as follows:

  • Spring Semester - December 1
  • Fall Semester - August 1

Students seeking full admission into the Master of Applied Data Science should apply as classified students. Non-degree-seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the online program should apply as an unclassified student.

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution with unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. The applicant must also meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Applied Data Science program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the cited criteria, the student's application may nevertheless be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are NOT required to enter this program.

 

Admission Options

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Applied Data Science as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  5. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  6. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  7. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Accessing Online Courses

Accessing Course Videos

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.

View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Prospective students should contact ETS (TOEFL) or IELTS for testing information. The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English Language test score requirements.

English Language Test Score Requirements

TOEFL Essentials TOEFL iBT IELTS Admission Eligibility Outcome
9 and above 79 and above 6.5 and above Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship Considered proficient in English. Applicant is not required to enroll in an ESL course unless his/her academic program requires a higher test score.
8.0-8.5 69-78 6.0-6.4 Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship. Scores indicate a need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Applicant must enroll in EAP 5323 Academic Research and Writing. Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program.
7.0-7.5 61-68 5.5-5.9 Eligible for admission for the Fall & Spring terms only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met. Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
6.0-6.5 54-60 4.6-5.4 Eligible for admission for the Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met. Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5110, an intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student cannot enroll in courses in his/her program until ESL 5110 and ESL 5120 have been successfully completed. The student must then complete ESL 5120 before proceeding to enroll in EAP 5323.
5.5 and below 53 and below 4.5 and below Not eligible for admission to the Graduate School. Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your assigned advisor to determine the courses most appropriate to take. Approximately two months prior to the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services.

Lynn Taylor Headshot

Lynn Taylor

Data Science

  • Academic Coordinator
662-325-3168

Contact Information

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Catrinia Anthony

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  •   
  • General Program Questions
  •   
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
662-325-1742
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Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
662-325-8876
Headshot of Taylor Lynn

Lynn Taylor

Data Science

  • Academic Coordinator
662-325-3168
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Mimmo Parisi, PhD

Senior Advisor for European Initiatives and Data Science

  • Executive Director, Data Science
  • Professor of Sociology
662-325-6586