Master of Science - Data Science

Join the Master of Science in Data Science at MSU! Gain skills in data analysis with scholarships available for international students. Apply now!

The Master's of Science in Data Science degree at Montana State University is interdisciplinary program that draws on courses in three programs: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. The broad goal is to provide students with foundational training in data analysis, with equal emphasis on the principles of computer science, mathematics, and statistics, and the ability to apply these principles to a range of data-driven problems. More specifically, the learning outcomes for graduates of the program are: Demonstrate knowledge of essential deterministic, randomized and approximation algorithms for data classification and clustering, dimensionality reduction, regression, and optimization. Demonstrate knowledge in the principles and practice of statistical experimental design, statistical inference, and decision theory. Demonstrate the ability to take a real-world data analysis problem, formulate a conceptual approach to the problem, match aspects of the problem to previously learned theoretical and methodological tools, break down the solution into a step-by-step approach, and implement a working solution in a modern software language. Communicate data science problems, analyses, and solutions effectively to both specialists and non-specialists through the use of effective technical writing, presentations, and data visualizations, and teamwork and collaboration.