Master of Science in Data Science

Yes, in fact it is encouraged that online students come to Ball State University’s campus to participate in commencement ceremonies. Commencement is held at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Ball State also webcasts its Spring commencement ceremonies if you cannot travel.

Yes, you will have access to most of the same student resources and services that on-campus students have—including Ball State’s library services, online tutoring or writing help, career services, and more. As an online student, you also have a dedicated Ball State Student Success Specialist, who is not only an academic advisor but a Certified Academic Life Coach.

This program is built for career switchers and learners of all educational backgrounds and career experiences. Whether you come from a data science or programming background or not, the performance-based admissions simplify the road toward your career goals. If you can successfully complete three courses, you can earn admission to the Ball State master’s in data science.

Your Ball State Student Success Specialist is more than an academic advisor. For starters, they are a Certified Academic Life Coach, meaning that they are trained in coaching practices that will help you identify goals and develop strategy to reach them, help you recognize challenges in your educational journey and how to make appropriate adjustments, and more.

Ball State applies a concierge approach when it comes to your experience with your Student Success Specialist. You’ll find that your assigned Specialist is with you every step of the way–from registration to graduation–anticipating your learning needs, providing guidance on courses, suggesting resources and opportunities to enhance your overall academic experience, and rooting for your success.

Your Student Success Specialist helps you navigate the “business of being a student,” whether you’re fresh out of college, took some time off, or are completely new to online education.

Individual Course Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw from a course(s), but not all of the courses you registered for, you may be eligible for a reduction of your original tuition charges based on the below refund schedule:

• Week 1: 100%
• Week 2: 75%
• Week 3: 50%
• Week 4: 25%
• Week 5 or more: 0%

Total Course Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw from ALL of your courses here is the refund schedule:

• Week 1: 100%
• Week 2: 80%
• Week 3: 60%
• Week 4: 50%
• Week 5: 40%
• Week 6: 30%
• Week 7: 20%
• Week 8: 10%
• Week 9 or more: 0%

If you’re unsure of the path you want to take, you can get a feel for both degrees while completing the pathway courses. Ball State’s MS in Computer Science and MS in Data Science offer two overlapping pathway courses – CS 617 and DSCI 605 – that count toward both degrees. After taking these courses, you can decide which program you’re most interested in and switch into it the next semester.