“Getting involved with professors, whether it's for research projects or internships,
are all stepping stones in the path towards greatness.”
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Greg Dills '21
“I really enjoyed coming out of Florida Poly with my master’s in data science and
getting into the more technical aspect of looking at data holistically.”
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Roberto Batista '20
"Earning a master's degree has significantly enhanced my competitiveness. In data
science, having an advanced degree is advantageous for employment due to the intricacy
of the methodologies and techniques involved. Possessing a solid theoretical foundation
can be the deciding factor in critical decision-making during project planning and
execution, resulting in the realization of the company's investments."
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Levi Nicklas '20
"My master’s degree helped me stand out in the industry. But more importantly, it
gave me a great foundation and understanding of the philosophy of data science that
have helped me excel and perform at a high level in my job as a data scientist at
IBM Consulting."
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. Students interested in the master's
in data science may choose from two different pathways:
One-Year Accelerated, Coursework Only Pathway: Students may complete their full 30 credit hour master’s degree in one academic
year, or three total semesters – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Two-Year Thesis Pathway: With a heavy emphasis on research in your chosen area of study, the two-year thesis
pathway of our graduate program is designed for students with an area of interest
that can benefit from extensive study both inside the classroom and out.
Data scientists are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including information
technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, energy, transportation, manufacturing,
and telecommunications.
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.
Career Opportunities
Data Engineer
Cloud Engineer
Systems Engineer
Software Engineer
Machine Learning Specialist
Project Consultant
Research and Development Manager
Data Scientist
Research Analyst
Developer
Admissions Requirements
One-Year, Coursework-Only Pathway:
A baccalaureate degree in a field related to your intended graduate major.
A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in degree-specific courses (2.75 for FPU students / alumni).
Transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended (*Waived for FPU students
/ alumni – the university has access to your transcripts).
International applicants: If your postsecondary institution(s) was located outside
of the US, please provide a course by course evaluation of your transcripts for US
equivalency, with GPA calculation, by an evaluator such as WES, Josef Silny, or AES.
A Statement of Purpose (a brief summary of your interest in the degree, as well as
how it may impact your academic and professional goals).
Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professional supervisor (*Letters of
rec are waived for FPU students / alumni).
International applicants: Please provide proof of English literacy by meeting the
requirements listed here.
*Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to the program. Additional
documentation may be required at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
Two Year Thesis Pathway:
Students seeking consideration to the two year thesis pathway should meet the same
minimum requirements listed above for the one-year, coursework-only pathway in addition
to the following:
An interview with the Faculty Chair of the department to which you’re seeking admission
(or their designees).
A statement outlining any previous research, completed or ongoing projects, publications,
etc.
Additional documentation at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
Florida Poly offers a broadly based and customizable Masters of Science in Computer
Science program that provides students with an advanced computer science education
— with a focus in general computer science or analytics — leading to careers across
a fast-growing sensor, data analytics, and computation-based economy.
Our M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares students for careers that
are in high demand in the state of Florida, and of high wage. Graduates of this program
contribute to specialized industries such as cyber physical security, autonomous and
hybrid vehicles and associated supporting technologies, robotics and automation, and
many facets of the aerospace industry. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral
programs after graduation, particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and
supports student research.
The M.S. in Engineering Management is designed for individuals with technical and
engineering backgrounds to gain advanced engineering education from a managerial perspective.
As one of the most affordable high-quality degrees in the state of Florida, the M.S.
in Engineering Management at Florida Poly provides students with the necessary skills
for advancing their careers across a range of industry applications.
Mechanical engineers are in high demand. Our M.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree
allows for job progress and specialization, preparing students to contribute to specialized
industries. Students are also well prepared to enter doctoral programs after graduation,
particularly through our Thesis pathway which fosters and supports student research.
“Level Up” and earn your master’s degree in just one year, plus maximize your time
during your senior year and save nearly $10,000. The 4+1 is an opportunity for academically
talented undergraduate Florida Poly students to “level up” in their academic career
by enrolling in two graduate- level courses in their senior year. The two graduate-level
courses taken in senior year are billed at a discounted rate.
We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary
based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just
for fun.
Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con
like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual
5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida
Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get
involved.
Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether
you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team
for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to
the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to
enjoy while striving for victory!
At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork,
and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore
passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students
to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded
peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.
Chair & Professor Data Science & Business Analytics 
Associate Professor 
Assistant Professor 
Associate Professor 
Assistant Professor 
Assistant Professor 
