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Master of Science in

Data Science

About M.S. in Data Science

The M.S. in Data Science program helps students identify and formulate key business challenges, collect and manage data from a variety of sources, select effective analytical techniques to identify solutions, and communicate results in a clear and creative way, harnessing the power of data in decision making. The Master of Science in Data Science offers a mixture of evening in-person instruction and online courses. The program offers both thesis and non‑thesis (course-only) pathways.

Format

Evening, Online Mixed

Department

Data Science & Business Analytics

Credit Hours

30

Program Start

Every Fall and Spring Semester

Distinctions

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Data Science, graduates will have the ability to:

  1. Master contemporary data science methods, tools, and best practices.
  2. Formulate and propose data science solutions for complex real-world problems across different domains.
  3. Disseminate data science findings through various formats, including visual, oral, and written, to diverse audiences in an effective manner.

Shape the Future

The M.S. in Data Science program helps students identify and formulate key business challenges, collect and manage data from a variety of sources, select effective analytical techniques to identify solutions and communicate results in a clear and creative way, harnessing the power of data in decision making.

Careers in Data Science

Data scientists are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including information technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Potential Careers

  • Data Engineer
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Machine Learning Specialist
  • Project Consultant
  • Research and Development Manager
  • Data Scientist
  • Research Analyst
  • Developer

Job Growth

Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 17,700 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary Ranges

The median annual wage for data scientists was $108,020 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $184,090.

Why Florida Poly?

At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education.

Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.

The Internship Experience

At Florida Poly, internships aren’t just encouraged—they’re a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.

Capstone Design

Florida Poly’s capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students’ academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.

Alumni Making an Impact

Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree earned (minimum of 120 credits), any major.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA. 2.75 GPA for Florida Poly graduates.
  • Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages). The statement should explain your interest in the degree program and how it relates to your personal and professional goals. Please also share any skills or achievements you feel have prepared you for graduate studies.
  • 2 letters of recommendation from prior faculty or supervisor (waived for Florida Poly students and alumni).

Additional requirements for international students:

Meet the Faculty

Faculty to be listed here.

Want to be a Phoenix?

Get in touch with Admissions.

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.