Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Data Science

The MSCS with a specialization in Data Science (MSCS-DS) program provides the skills to develop computer solutions that require expertise in data science. This program is unique in that students who complete the program receive both an MSCS degree and a specialization within data science. This combination is very attractive as technology companies are looking for developers that have experience in data science. Students complete both a set of core courses that part of all MSCS degrees at Seattle University plus a set of data science courses. The program culminates in a real-world capstone data science project.

Preparatory Courses

Completion of the following preparatory courses or the equivalent are required, including:

CPSC 5005 - Data Structures, CPSC 5011 - Object-Oriented Concepts, CPSC 5021 - Database Systems, CPSC 5031 - Algorithms, CPSC 5041 - Computing Systems Principles I, CPSC 5042 - Computing Systems Principles II

Degree Requirements

Minimum requirements for the degree are 49 graduate credits. A maximum of 12 credits taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to this program. All degree requirements must be completed within six years after coursework has begun.

II. Required Courses

22 credits, including:

CPSC 5800 - Ethics and Professional Issues in Computing 2 credit hours

NOTE:

* Students without prior software engineering experience take CPSC 5110. Students with software engineering experience take CPSC 5200.

III. Data Science Specialization Courses

27 credits, including:

MATH 5315 - Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 3 credit hours ¹
CPSC 5305 - Introduction to Data Science 3 credit hours
CPSC 5310 - Machine Learning 5 credit hours
CPSC 5320 - Visual Analytics 3 credit hours
CPSC 5330 - Big Data Analytics 3 credit hours

Choose one of the following two data science electives (5 credits):

CPSC 5340 - Text Processing and Search 5 credit hours
CPSC 5350 - Social Media Analytics 5 credit hours

Capstone project (5 credits):

CPSC 5830 - Data Science Capstone Project 5 credit hours ²

NOTES:

Students with previous comparable coursework can waive MATH 5315 and reduce the overall required credits for the degree to 46.
Satisfactory performance (B- or better) in CPSC 5830 is required.
With departmental approval, a graduate research project (CPSC 5990) consisting of at least 5 credits on a topic related to data science can be used in lieu of a data science elective.

Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Data Science

Preparatory Courses

Degree Requirements

II. Required Courses

Choose one of the following software engineering* courses:

Applied algorithms course:

Systems course:

Choose one of the following six software development courses (5 credits):

NOTE:

III. Data Science Specialization Courses

Choose one of the following two data science electives (5 credits):

Capstone project (5 credits):

NOTES:

Minimum credits required for degree: (49)