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Master of Science in Data Science

Carousel placeholder image Alex Perera
 
Alex Perera '23
“Getting involved with professors, whether it's for research projects or internships, are all stepping stones in the path towards greatness.”
Carousel placeholder image Greg Dills
 
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.”
Carousel placeholder image Roberto Batista
 
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."
Carousel placeholder image Levi Nicklas
 
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.

Apply Now! Curriculum Scholarships

 

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.
job growth

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.

salaries

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

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.

 

 

 

 

Interested in our other Graduate Degrees?

computer science
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.
electrical engineering
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.
engineering management
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 engineering
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. 
4+1 master's degree
“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.

Meet the Faculty

Professor - 9
Assistant Professor - 9
Assistant Professor - 9
Gazanfar Karimli

Gazanfar Karimli

Visiting Instructor
Assistant Professor (Innovation & Technology)
Assistant Professor - 9
Assistant Professor - 9
 
 

Get Involved Outside the Classroom

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.
purple fire week

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.  

women playing soccer
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!
esports
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.
weightlifting
Florida Poly's exceptional recreation facilities offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities for physical activity, fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Featuring a fully equipped weight room, junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and disc golf, there's something for everyone to stay active and energized. 

Data Science in the News

 

Want to be a Phoenix? Get in touch with Admissions.