MS in Data Science and Analytics Big Data and Machine Learning

The MS in Data Science and Analytics – Big Data and Machine Learning Concentration at Georgia State University (GSU) is a specialized, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in data engineering, machine learning development, and AI systems integration. Housed within GSU’s College of Arts & Sciences, this STEM-designated degree provides both the theoretical underpinnings and practical experience needed to extract value from massive data sets in real time.

This track is tailored for students interested in high-performance data processing, scalable analytics, and the design of intelligent systems across sectors such as fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, and logistics.

Program Format & Duration

• Full-time or part-time study options

• Format: In-person with evening courses, designed to accommodate working professionals

• Duration: Typically 2 years (4 semesters) full-time

• STEM-designated (eligible for 36-month OPT)

• Fall intake only

• Capstone or research project required

Core Curriculum Components

The Big Data and Machine Learning concentration emphasizes scalable infrastructure, algorithmic efficiency, and automation with intelligent systems, while retaining foundational coverage of data science tools and methods.

Core Courses (All Concentrations)

1. Programming and Data Management

   • Data Structures and Algorithms

   • Advanced Python and R

   • SQL and NoSQL Databases

   • Data Warehousing & Cloud Platforms

2. Statistical and Machine Learning Foundations

   • Statistical Inference

   • Supervised & Unsupervised Learning

   • Predictive Analytics

   • Neural Networks and Deep Learning

3. Ethics and Communication

   • Data Governance and Responsible AI

   • Communicating with Data

   • Agile Project Management

Specialized Courses for Big Data & ML Track

• Distributed Systems (Hadoop, Spark)

• Big Data Analytics and Real-Time Streaming

• Natural Language Processing

• Advanced Deep Learning & Computer Vision

• Scalable Machine Learning Algorithms

• Cloud and Edge AI Deployment

Capstone Project or Research Thesis

• Choose between:

  • Capstone Project: Applied team project for an industry partner

  • Thesis Option: Individual research under faculty supervision

• Topics include big data architecture, AI ethics, medical image classification, financial forecasting models, and more