In Short
Develop knowledge and skills in data analysis and visualization, database development, machine learning, and data mining.
- Develop knowledge and skills in data analysis and visualization, database development, machine learning, and data mining
- Obtain competitive skills and knowledge to succeed as computer scientists in the constantly developing high-technology marketplace
- Learn to deploy what you learn across a wide variety of disciplines
What we're working on
39% of Data Scientists and Advanced Analyst positions
require a Master's or Ph.D.*
Maximize your options for employment as a data scientist -- learn more about our Master of Science in Computer Science with a Data Science Concentration.
Program Overview
The data science concentration will enhance competitiveness and technical knowledge, and prepare students for professional careers in many aspects of managing, mining, integrating, and analyzing big data across a wide array fields such as business, medicine, bioinformatics, government, education, marketing, security, financial management, and many other fields.
Career Opportunities
Data science careers span almost every sector of industry, government, and academia, and include careers in manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, communication, science, health care, computer science, information technology, retail, sales, marketing, finance, insurance, education, government, security, law enforcement, and more. In fact, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, the US alone will face a shortage of more than 150,000 data analysts and an additional 1.5 million data-savvy managers.
And, as of June 2015, the annual median salary for a data scientist is $118,709 according to Glassdoor. The average starting salaries for various data analyst positions range from $56,000 to $115,000.
Total Credits
33 credits
Time Frame
While you can complete the program in as few as 2 years, you have 6 years to complete the program.
*Columbus, L. (2017, May 13). IBM Predicts Demand for Data Scientists Will Soar 28% by 2020.
Degrees and Other Information
- Data Science Concentration - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Two-Year Course Rotation (PDF)
The data science concentration will provide an opportunity for the students in Computer Science who would like to pursue their career in data analysis. It will also open the door for those who are interested in working with data across a wide variety of disciplines such as business, education, medicine, finance, and many other fields. The Master’s Degree Program in Computer Science provides the opportunity for graduate students to obtain competitive skills and knowledge to succeed as computer scientists in the constantly developing high-technology market place.
Applicants must provide:
- An official transcript of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. While no specific academic background is required for admission, preference is given to applicants with undergraduate majors in computer science, mathematics, engineering or a related field of study
- Professional resume
- Official transcripts of graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable)
- Graduate application and fee
- No GRE or MAT exams required
International applicants must abide by special deadlines and may be required to submit additional items which can be found on the International Admissions page.
If you're an international applicant, you may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency and complete a transcript credential evaluation. For the most up-to-date information on applying and deadlines, please visit International Admissions.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We know you're busy, so we've given you a few different options to conveniently get the answers you need. You can…
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an information session
- Watch a webinar
