Master of Science in Data Science
University of Colorado Boulder
Who is this degree for?
This degree program is an ideal choice for anyone interested in the field of data science, no matter your academic background. With performance-based admissions, there is no application process––simply demonstrate you can do the work to gain admission to the degree. Stackable courses, pay-as-you-go tuition, and a flexible path through the curriculum make this degree suitable for learners with all ranges of experience in the field of data science.
What do I need to enroll?
Gain admissions to an accredited master's degree program without ever having to submit an application. Performance-based admissions means there’s no application, transcripts, tests, minimum GPAs, or application fees – just show us that you can do the work. Simply complete a pathway series—by passing 3 courses in either statistics or computer science—to gain admission.
There are no formal prerequisites for the MS-DS, but students are expected to be proficient in Python, R programming, calculus (including derivatives and integrals), and linear algebra (including matrix multiplication, matrix inversion and solving linear systems using matrices). Each course may recommend a variety of prerequisite skills and knowledge.
| Application Fees | Transcripts or Minimum GPA | GRE, TOEFL or Other Tests | Bachelor's Degree | Letters of Recommendation | Personal Statement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU Boulder's MS-DS on Coursera | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Other Top-Tier Data Science Graduate Programs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
To take individual courses:
Complete the enrollment form and pay tuition during an open enrollment window. (For your first session, we recommend taking 1 course and enrolling before classes start.) Then, check your email for next steps, including activating your CU accounts and completing a short onboarding course. Once the term starts and you've completed all of your onboarding steps, you will gain access to the for-credit experience here on Coursera. Successfully complete your coursework before the session ends to earn CU Boulder credit.
To earn a graduate degree:
To be admitted to the MS-DS as a degree-seeking student, you must enroll in and complete a “Pathway Specialization” with a 3.0 GPA or better. Your pathway is a series of 3 one-credit courses in either statistics or computer science. All pathway courses are part of the core degree curriculum, so your progress will directly stack towards a full degree.
When can I start?
- There are six 8-week sessions every year and you can start in any session.
- Enrollment opens two weeks before each session begins and closes two weeks before each session ends. Students can start at any time between open and close dates.
- All coursework is due before the last day of each session.
- See our Calendar for exact session dates.
- See the Academics tab for a list of courses available.
| Term | Enrollment Opens | Classes Start | Enrollment Closes | Classes End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | December 20, 2021 | January 10, 2022 | February 18, 2022 | March 4, 2022 |
| Spring 2 | February 21, 2022 | March 7, 2022 | April 15, 2022 | April 29, 2022 |
| Summer 1 | April 18, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | June 10, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
| Summer 2 | June 13, 2022 | June 27, 2022 | August 5, 2022 | August 19, 2022 |
| Fall 1 | August 8, 2022 | August 22, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | October 14, 2022 |
| Fall 2 | October 3, 2022 | October 17, 2022 | November 25, 2022 | December 9, 2022 |
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program, email us at datascience@colorado.edu.
Coursera does not grant credit, and does not represent that any institution other than the degree granting institution will recognize the credit or credential awarded by the institution; the decision to grant, accept, or transfer credit is subject to the sole and absolute discretion of an educational institution.
