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The Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering (MS-DSE) at Auburn University is a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary program that equips students with advanced technical and analytical skills to tackle complex, data-intensive challenges in engineering, science, business, and industry. Delivered jointly by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Mathematics, this program integrates rigorous coursework in computer science, statistics, and engineering applications, preparing graduates to lead in the era of big data and AI.
Designed for individuals with a quantitative or technical background, the MS-DSE emphasizes both theoretical depth and hands-on experience in extracting actionable insights from structured and unstructured data.
Program Format & Duration
Offered in both Thesis and Non-Thesis (Coursework-only) options
On-campus and online formats available
Duration: Typically 2 years (full-time) or 3+ years (part-time)
STEM-designated (international students eligible for 3-year OPT)
Fall, Spring, and Summer admission cycles
GRE may be required depending on prior qualifications
Core Curriculum Components
The MS-DSE program blends statistical theory, programming, and domain-specific modeling to prepare students for careers that demand both engineering rigor and data-driven innovation.
Required Core Courses
Statistical and Mathematical Foundations
Statistical Learning
Probability and Stochastic Modeling
Optimization for Data Science
Computer Science and Data Engineering
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems and Big Data Technologies
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Engineering & Domain Applications
Data-Driven Decision Making in Engineering
High-Performance Computing
Modeling and Simulation
Capstone or Thesis
Thesis Track: Original research and formal thesis defense
Non-Thesis Track: Comprehensive project report or case-based capstone
Electives
Students can tailor their learning through electives in areas such as:
Natural Language Processing
Advanced Python and R
Cybersecurity Analytics
Predictive Maintenance & Industrial IoT
Deep Learning and Neural Networks
Auburn’s MS-DSE program integrates hands-on, applied learning throughout the curriculum to ensure that students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Capstone Project or Thesis
Students collaborate on real-world challenges from industry or government sponsors
Emphasis on data acquisition, preprocessing, exploratory analysis, model building, and deployment
Example topics:
Predictive analytics for energy systems
Smart manufacturing and quality control
AI in healthcare diagnostics
Research Opportunities
Students may work alongside faculty on federally funded projects from NSF, DoD, or DOE
Access to labs such as:
Auburn Cyber Research Center
Center for Industrial Innovation and Engineering Analytics
National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence
Internships and Industry Engagement
Auburn’s close ties to regional employers (e.g., NASA, Alabama Power, Boeing) provide students with practical exposure
Optional internship support through the university's Engineering Career Development office
Auburn’s MS-DSE program integrates hands-on, applied learning throughout the curriculum to ensure that students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Capstone Project or Thesis
Students collaborate on real-world challenges from industry or government sponsors
Emphasis on data acquisition, preprocessing, exploratory analysis, model building, and deployment
Example topics:
Predictive analytics for energy systems
Smart manufacturing and quality control
AI in healthcare diagnostics
Research Opportunities
Students may work alongside faculty on federally funded projects from NSF, DoD, or DOE
Access to labs such as:
Auburn Cyber Research Center
Center for Industrial Innovation and Engineering Analytics
National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence
Internships and Industry Engagement
Auburn’s close ties to regional employers (e.g., NASA, Alabama Power, Boeing) provide students with practical exposure
Optional internship support through the university's Engineering Career Development office
Progression and Future Opportunities
Graduates of the MS-DSE program are positioned for high-impact roles in tech, engineering, finance, defense, and healthcare, with strong demand for professionals who can both model and interpret complex data.
Career Outcomes
Roles pursued by graduates include:
Data Scientist / Data Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Industrial Data Analyst
AI Solutions Architect
Operations Research Scientist
Reliability & Risk Analyst
Top Employers
Graduates have gone on to careers with:
Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon
Southern Company, Alabama Power
Amazon, Google, IBM
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Auburn-affiliated startups and regional research parks
Further Study
Some students pursue:
PhD programs in Data Science, AI, Engineering, or Applied Math
Certifications in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, or AI ethics
Research fellowships or postdoctoral roles
Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. Undergraduate Preparation: Complete at least one 3000-level (or higher) statistics course and demonstrate proficiency in a modern programming language.Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions at application; official transcripts and certified English versions required upon admission.GRE Scores: Optional for the Data Science option—GRE submission is encouraged but not requiredEnglish Proficiency (International Applicants): Submit TOEFL iBT ≥ 79 (with ≥16 each section) or IELTS ≥ 6.5 unless exempt by prior English-medium degree.Application Fee: Pay the graduate application fee ($60 domestic, $70 international). Additional Requirements: Follow program-specific instructions—Data Science option evaluated by Mathematics & Statistics; Data Engineering option by Computer Science; bridge courses available for applicants lacking CS or statistics background (e.g., COMP 1210/2210/3270, STAT 3600/3610, MATH 1610/1620/2660).Degree Requirements: Complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, including core and elective courses, plus a capstone project.Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees: Auburn does not specify general acceptance of three‑year bachelor’s degrees; applicants should verify with individual departments whether their degree meets the U.S.-equivalent requirement WES Evaluation: International applicants must provide official transcripts and certified English translations, and credential evaluations like WES are required only if the department specifically requests them—otherwise, they are optional Typical Job Titles & Roles
Graduates commonly move into roles such as:
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Engineer
Analytics Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Consultant
Placement & Salary Overview
Six‑month employment rate: Auburn surveys indicate nearly 100% placement within six months post-graduationTypical base salary (industry benchmark): Around $117300 per yearas reported by Glassdoor for data science/engineering rolesUndergraduate comparison: For referenceAuburn undergrads report average starting salaries near $55500illustrating significant growth for master’s degree holders
Top Employers & Industry Sectors
While specific employer data for the program is not publicly listedAuburn’s strong co-op and capstone partnerships—with roots in both the College of Sciences & Mathematics and the College of Engineering—prepare students for careers across:
Technology and cloud-based services
Finance and risk analytics
Healthcarebiotechand government
Data-driven consulting and enterprise solutions
Career Preparation & Program Strengths
Capstone experience: Real-world projects with industry partners build practical skills and provide networking opportunitiesCurriculum depth: Combines theoretical foundations in data miningmachine learningand statistical learning with hands-on engineering—designed to meet current employer needsHigh-growth field: Data science and engineering roles are among the fastest-growingwith millions of new jobs projected in coming years
Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Placement Rate
Nearly 100% employed within six months
Base Salary Benchmark
~$117300 annually (industry average)
Starting Salary (UG)
~$55500 — underscores value of MS degree
Common Roles
Data ScientistML EngineerData Engineer
Industries
TechFinanceHealthcareGovernmentConsulting
Program Highlights
Capstone projectsstrong engineering focusindustry-aligned curriculum
What This Means for You:
Graduates of Auburn’s MSin Data Science and Engineering enjoy exceptional career outcomes: near-universal placementstrong starting salaries aligned with industry benchmarks ($117K)and direct access to in-demand technical rolesThe program’s combination of rigorous courseworkreal-world capstone experienceand co-op pathways makes alumni highly competitive in technology-driven job markets
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