2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Entire Catalog Colleges Content & Navigation Course Filters Courses Degree Types Program Acronyms Program Descriptions Program Emphases Program Requirements Program Types Subjects Search Search Help
Search Descriptions

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

• Admission Requirements
• D. PSM Requirements

The M.S. in data science and analytics is one of four synergistic professional science master's (PSM) degree programs at Grand Valley State University. The four programs (health informatics and bioinformatics, biotechnology, data science and analytics, and biostatistics) are interdisciplinary and involve both the university and its industry partners. All four programs emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, communication, scientific knowledge, and technical skills. Each program is designed to integrate university coursework with business/industrial internships to better prepare students for the variety of career pathways associated with the life science and health science industries. The overall objectives and interactions of these four programs are described in the PSM section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

The data science and analytics (M.S.) program requires a minimum of 36 credits. Requisite courses, from statistics, computer science, and professional science provide students with a strong foundation in data science. This is an applied program for the working professional.

The program features:

• Four courses in computer information systems
• Four courses in statistics
• One elective
• Three Professional Science courses (including an internship)

Students are expected to complete field experiences and collaborative assignments and projects.

Admission Requirements

In addition to Grand Valley's admission requirements, all students seeking the M.S. degree in data science and analytics must also meet the following requirements:

• Grade point average of 3.0 (B) from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE or GMAT test
• Resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments
• Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
• Recommendations: Two professional or academic recommendations received online, addressing the candidate's potential for graduate study completion. You will provide the emails of two references in your account at www.gvsu.edu/gradapply and they will be sent a link to fill out for their online recommendation
• Prerequisite courses: CIS 500 or equivalent, STA 216 or equivalent

A. Four courses from CIS (12 credits)

• CIS 635 - Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Credits: 3
• CIS 660 - Information Management and Science Credits: 3
• CIS 671 - Information Visualization Credits: 3

Choose one of the following:

• CIS 677 - High-performance Computing Credits: 3
• CIS 678 - Machine Learning Credits: 3

B. Four courses from Statistics (12 credits)

• STA 518 - Statistical Computing and Graphics with R Credits: 3
• STA 616 - Statistical Programming Credits: 3
• STA 631 - Statistical Modeling and Regression Credits: 3

Choose one of the following:

• STA 526 - Multivariate Data Analysis Credits: 3
• STA 623 - Categorical Data Analysis Credits: 3

C. One elective course approved by advisor (3 credits)

D. PSM Requirements

• PSM 650 - Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Science Credits: 3
• PSM 662 - Seminar in Professional Science Practice Credits: 2
• PSM 691 - Internship Credits: 1 to 9