Breaking Down Boston University’s MS in Data Science Program

发布时间：Date: 2023-07-27 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

The Boston University MS in Data Science (MSDS) is a STEM-designated program designed to equip students with academic and professional skills in data-driven fields. The program offers flexible duration, with a fastest completion time of 9 months, typically 12–16 months including a summer internship, and only a fall intake. The structured curriculum consists of one core tool course, five competency modules (covering modeling and predictive analytics, data-centric computing, machine learning and AI, social impact, and security and privacy), and two elective tracks, balancing theoretical foundations with cutting-edge applications. Students choose either the Core Methods or Applied Methods concentration based on career goals. The Applied Methods track includes pathways in data science, business, computational biology, and socio-technical systems, enabling cross-disciplinary skill integration. CheersYou（清柚教育） advises prospective students to align their backgrounds and career goals when planning their course selections, maximizing BU’s rich resources to enhance employment competitiveness.

Introduction to the MS in Data Science Program at Boston University:

Program Introduction:

The Boston University Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) is designed for students aiming to pursue academic or professional careers in data science. The program prepares students to contribute significantly to the computational and data-driven processes that pervade all aspects of society, the economy, and public discourse. This program is a STEM-designated program.

Program Duration:

Fastest completion in 9 months (32 credits); students undertaking a summer internship or project typically complete in 12 months, with a maximum of 16 months.

Fall intake (September), no spring enrollment

Curriculum: 1 Core + 5 Competency Areas + 2 Track Electives

Core Course:

CDS DS 701: Tools for Data Science

Competency Area Courses (choose at least one from each of the following areas):

A1 Modeling and Predictive Analytics

A2 Data-Centric Computing

A3 Machine Learning and AI

A4 Social Impact

A5 Security and Privacy

Academic Concentrations:

All MSDS students must declare either the core methods concentration or the applied methods concentration, each requiring 3 courses (12 credits).

Core Methods Option: Students must take DS 701 and two additional courses from the A1, A2, and A3 areas.

Applied Methods Option: Students must take DS 701 and two other approved applied methods courses.

1. Data Science Pathway

2. Business Pathway

3. Computational Biology Pathway

4. Socio-Technical Pathway

5. Security and Privacy Pathway

Application Requirements:

Application Deadline: [Reference] For Fall 2023 intake, the deadline was July 1, 2023.

Academic and Experience Requirements:

1. Applicants should hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a methodological or applied discipline related to computational aspects of data science and data-driven academic fields. (Core DS areas: i.e., computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics and statistics, or equivalent.)

2. Applicants from applied data science (Applied DS) backgrounds (e.g., information systems, economics, bioinformatics, physics, astronomy, earth and environment, emerging media) should ensure they meet the following prerequisites:

Introductory programming course (e.g., Python, Java, C++, R), equivalent to CDS DS 110

A second programming course, equivalent to CDS DS 210 (Programming for Data Science)

Introduction to Discrete Mathematics

Linear Algebra

Introduction to Statistics and Probability

Calculus, up to the level of AP Calculus BC

Introduction to Algorithms

English Language Requirements:

Minimum TOEFL score - 90

Minimum IELTS score - 7.0 (with no band below 6.5)

DUOLINGO - 130

GMAT/GRE: Optional and can be submitted as part of the applicant's portfolio.

Application Materials:

Official transcripts* from all institutions where you earned undergraduate and/or graduate degrees (unofficial transcripts may be submitted for application purposes; official transcripts must be submitted upon admission)

Two letters of recommendation

Résumé/CV

Personal statement

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)* (waived for applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction)

GRE scores are not required

These requirements are further detailed in the online application. *For application purposes, unofficial transcripts may be submitted in lieu of official transcripts; if admitted to the program, official transcripts must be provided to BU.

Tuition:

$64,712 (excluding any scholarships granted)

Career Prospects:

Upon completing the program, students will be prepared to become leaders in their chosen fields, whether in academia through doctoral research or in industry as practitioners at the forefront of industrial R&D, through collaboration, mentorship, and effective management of diverse teams.

Finally, for updates on the Boston University Data Science program, CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to follow developments. Stay tuned to CheersYou（清柚教育） for firsthand study abroad information!

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