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The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at San José State University (SJSU) is a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary graduate program jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this program is designed to equip students with both the theoretical foundations and practical tools required to process, analyze, and derive insights from complex datasets in real-world environments.
With a balance of statistical modeling, machine learning, programming, and data engineering, the MSDS program at SJSU prepares students to become versatile data professionals across industries.
Program Format & Duration
Full-time or part-time study options
Typical duration: 2 years (30 units)
STEM-designated (eligible for up to 3 years OPT for international students)
On-campus in San José, California
Fall admission only
GRE not required
Core Curriculum Components
The program consists of 30 units (approximately 10 courses), divided into foundational core subjects, electives, and a culminating experience.
Core Courses (18 units)
Required foundational topics include:
CS 200 – Graduate Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CS 267 – Machine Learning
STAT 218 – Statistical Methods for Data Science
STAT 232 – Statistical Learning
CS 259 – Data Mining
CS 265 – Big Data Engineering
These courses provide training in data wrangling, analytics, model building, scalable computing, and statistical inference.
Electives (6 units)
Students can choose from a wide range of electives, such as:
Natural Language Processing
Deep Learning
Advanced Data Visualization
Optimization Techniques
Software Systems for Data Science
Capstone (6 units)
The program culminates in a capstone project, where students:
Work independently or in small groups
Solve a real-world problem using an end-to-end data science pipeline
Prepare a final presentation and technical report
SJSU emphasizes practical, project-based learning, reinforced by the university’s close proximity to Silicon Valley’s major tech hubs.
Capstone Project
A comprehensive data science experience involving real or simulated datasets
Encourages integration of modeling, computing, visualization, and interpretation
Students work under faculty supervision, sometimes in collaboration with local tech firms
Internships & Industry Engagement
Students benefit from Silicon Valley partnerships, often securing internships with companies like:
Adobe
PayPal
Cisco
Nvidia
Startups and research labs
The university’s Career Center and industry-aligned events support job placement and net
SJSU MSDS graduates are well-positioned for roles that demand both analytical depth and programming expertise. The program is known for producing professionals who can work across the full data pipeline—from extraction and processing to predictive modeling and communication.
Career Outcomes
Graduates typically pursue careers as:
Hiring Sectors
Graduate Study Pathways
Some graduates continue to:
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 in science or engineering from an accredited institution. Minimum GPA: Achieve a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (2.7–2.9 may be considered only conditionally) Prerequisite Coursework: Complete with satisfactory grades (mostly B or higher): Three semesters of calculus, including multivariable, One linear algebra, one discrete math, one upper-division calculus-based statistics, one probability theory, two intro programming/data structures, and one advanced OOP or two statistical programming coursesConditional Admission: If missing prerequisites, you may be admitted conditionally and must complete them at SJSU. Standardized Tests: GRE is optional; if submitted, will be used in comparing applicants—but not required. English Proficiency (International): Submit TOEFL with minimum scores of 100 iBT (or 575 PBT, 240 CBT) unless exempt. Transcripts: Upload transcripts from all institutions; official and WES/ACEI/ECE evaluation required for international transcripts prior to enrollment.Letters of Recommendation: Two to three recommendation letters are required, submitted via Cal State Apply or directly if needed. Program Standing: You’ll enter as “classified” if prerequisites and GPA are met; otherwise “conditionally classified” until deficiencies are cleared.Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees: SJSU requires a U.S.-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree, but a three‑year degree plus a master’s degree can satisfy eligibility in certain cases.WES Evaluation: International applicants must submit a WES evaluation (document-by-document or course-by-course) for all foreign degrees.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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San Jose State University
