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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 $558.50
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 - November 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.


Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog. Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at gradapps@grad.msstate.edu.

  • ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

 

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.


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

Contact Information

Photo of Mindy Wolfe

Mindy Wolfe

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Headshot of Taylor Lynn

Lynn Taylor

Data Science

  • Academic Coordinator
Headshot of Dr. Parisi

Mimmo Parisi, PhD

Senior Advisor for European Initiatives and Data Science

  • Executive Director, Data Science
  • Professor of Sociology