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The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Michigan Technological University is a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary graduate program that combines computing, statistics, and domain knowledge to prepare students for data-centric careers in science, engineering, business, and government. Designed for students with backgrounds in technical or analytical fields, the program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, ethical data use, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Housed within the College of Computing, this program draws on expertise from multiple departments including Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, and Business, allowing for both depth and breadth in data science education.
Program Format & Duration
Available in Thesis, Report, or Coursework-only options
Delivery mode: On-campus (Houghton, MI)
Duration: Typically 2 years (full-time)
STEM-designated (OPT extension eligible)
Fall and Spring admission cycles
No GRE required for most applicants
Core Curriculum Components
The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge and practical tools, equipping students to extract insights from data using programming, statistical inference, and machine learning.
Core Areas of Study
Data Science Fundamentals
Introduction to Data Science
Foundations of Data Mining
Statistical Learning
Data Ethics and Privacy
Programming and Data Systems
Python and R for Data Science
Big Data Technologies (Hadoop, Spark)
Databases and Data Engineering
Software Development for Data Applications
Mathematics and Statistics
Probability and Statistical Inference
Regression and Multivariate Analysis
Time Series and Forecasting
Bayesian Statistics (elective)
Degree Options
Students choose from three completion pathways:
Thesis Option: Requires original research and a formal thesis defense (6–10 credits of research)
Report Option: Applied project with written report under faculty supervision (2–6 credits)
Coursework Option: 30 credits of advanced coursework (ideal for working professionals)
Michigan Tech emphasizes hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, embedded through coursework and optional research or project work.
Capstone / Report Project
In the Report option, students complete a focused, real-world data project
Projects may involve:
Environmental analytics
Engineering process optimization
Healthcare informatics
Economic forecasting
Research Opportunities
Faculty-led projects in:
Cyber-physical systems
Smart infrastructure
Predictive maintenance
Remote sensing and geospatial data science
Collaboration opportunities with:
Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI)
Great Lakes Research Center
Internships and Industry Ties
Students are encouraged to pursue internships in summer or during the academic year
Career services and faculty support help connect students to:
Automotive industry partners
Tech startups
Environmental and energy agencies
Graduates of Michigan Tech’s MSDS program are prepared for data-intensive roles in applied science, engineering analytics, government research, and industry R&D.
Career Outcomes
Common roles include:
Top Employers
Michigan Tech alumni work with:
Further Study
Graduates may also pursue:
Salary Overview-
Top Employers-
Geographic Placement-
Industry Sectors-
Career Growth and Progression-
What This Means for You-
Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.Programming & Statistics Background: Demonstrate undergraduate-level coursework in introductory programming and statistics.Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation.Résumé/CV: Include a résumé or curriculum vitae as part of the application.GPA: Have an undergraduate GPA of around 3.0 or higher (admitted students typically meet this).GRE Scores: GRE is not required (optional); if submitted, quantitative ≥153 is recommended.Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts during application (official ones—not required initially, but later). English Proficiency (Intl): International applicants must submit TOEFL (minimum 79, recommended 100) or IELTS (minimum 6.5, recommended 7.0) scores. No Application Fee (Domestic): Apply for free; international applicants pay a $10 processing fee.Rolling Admissions: Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with recommended deadlines of January 15 (Fall) and October 15 (Spring).Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees: A U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree (at least six semesters) is required, and while traditional 4-year degrees are standard, three-year degrees or nontraditional credentials may need a course-by-course evaluation to be considered.WES Evaluation: WES or ECE is required only if your credentials include nontraditional or non‑standard bachelor’s equivalent (e.g., diplomas, 2+2, HND); otherwise, official transcripts suffice. Data AnalystData ScientistBusiness AnalystStatisticianStatistical ProgrammerSAS ProgrammerMachine Learning EngineerDeep Learning EngineerAI ResearcherData EngineerBI DeveloperData ArchitectAnalytics ConsultantAdvisory ConsultantQuantitative AnalystRisk AnalystOperations AnalystMarketing AnalystResearch ScientistInsights AnalystForecasting AnalystHealthcare Data AnalystFinancial Data AnalystProduct Analyst
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Michigan Technological University
