MSE in Data Science

Two new Masters level programs, the Scientific Computing Master’s Program (SCMP) and the Data Science Master’s Program (DATS) have been developed within the School of Engineering and Applied Science to address this evolving landscape and to provide training for students interested in a broad range of careers. These two program share a common core consisting of courses in mathematical foundations, computer programming, machine learning, and data analytics. However, they also are distinct in important ways: the SCMP program emphasizes application of modern computer simulation methods in fields related to natural science and engineering, while DATS focuses on statistical methods in a broad range of application domains.

Data Science (DATS) refers to the statistical analysis and interpretation of data resulting from experimental measurements or simulations. Applications of data science also go well beyond science and engineering to include business, arts, humanities, social science and more.

Typically (but not exclusively), DATS candidates may have backgrounds in a broad range of fields and are principally interested in furthering their knowledge in data science methodology.

Scientific Computing (SCMP) broadly describes the application of computer simulations, usually based on a combination of mathematical models and numerical methods, to solve problems in science and engineering. Example applications include the flow of fluid in complex settings, e.g., earth’s atmosphere or within the network of blood vessels in the body, the motions of large collections of atoms and molecules, or the distribution of mechanical stresses in a large, heterogeneous object such as a skyscraper.

Typically (but not exclusively), SCMP candidates have a background in a natural science or engineering discipline, interest or prior experience with scientific computing, and seek to learn how to deploy and use data science and machine learning techniques

In both cases, some prior programming experience is useful but not absolutely required. Students who have a weak programming background but are interested in SCMP or DATS, and who wish to have a strong technical background upon graduation, are encouraged apply to the Master’s of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) program and apply for a dual-degree with SCMP/DATS after the first semester. The MCIT program is designed for students with no prior experience in computer science. Students in this program learn programming, discrete math, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, and software engineering, along with a number of other electives in computer science and engineering. Graduates of this program are well positioned for a variety of software engineering and project management jobs in the tech industry.

Prospective students are encouraged to decide which of these two programs, SCMP or DATS, is the best match for their interests and apply to at most one.

DATS and SCMP Program of Study: An overview

*Foundations*		*Core*		*Technical and Depth Area Electives*

DATS	SCMP	DATS	SCMP	DATS	SCMP
Programming Languages & Techniques CIT 590 or CIT 591	Programming Languages & Techniques CIT 590 or CIT 591	Mathematical Foundations STAT 512 or CIS 515 or CIS 625 AND Big Data Analytics CIS 545 AND Mining and Learning CIS 519 or CIS 520 or STAT 571	Mathematical Foundations ENM 502 AND Big Data Analytics CIS 545 or CIS 550 AND Mining and Learning CIS 519 or CIS 520 or ENM 531 or ESE 545 or STAT 571	Students must choose: Courses from 3 different buckets, one bucket of which can be a 2 semester sequence of thesis/practicum. Two of the courses must represent a depth sequence, which could be the thesis/practicum or (for bucket options B-I) two courses, one of which builds on the other (e.g. is a prerequisite).	Students must choose: 2 courses from Section H (Simulation Methods for Natural Science/Engineering)of Methods AND 2 courses from either Section A (Application Thesis/Independent) or Section D (Natural Science/Engineering) of Applications AND One course from any bucket AND One free elective (subject to approval)

BUCKETS for Technical & Depth Area Electives

Applications

A. TitleThesis/Practicum (one or two course units)

Register for two credits of DATS 5970/Master’s Thesis or two credits of DATS 5990/Master’s Independent Study. Suggestions for projects will be provided to students. Students may choose from these suggested projects or may also come up with their own project/advisor ideas. Students will be mentored jointly by the Program Director and by an advisor in the area of the project, and must receive approval by Faculty Director.