Regis University Online Master of Science in Data Science, Colorado

Why Regis University?

The online Master of Science in Data Science offered by Regis University features unique electives, a social justice influence, and a flexible curriculum. Regis University, a private Jesuit University in Denver, Colorado, requires applicants to the program to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Standardized test scores are not required, except for the TOEFL for international applicants. Coursework in statistical computing and Python programming is required, but this requirement can be waived with relevant work experience.

Program Snapshot

University Name	Regis University
Location	Denver
State	Colorado
Niche.com Grade	B+
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Data Science
School or Department Administering Program	College of Computer and Information Sciences
Credits	36
Cost per credit	$820
Tuition for Entire Program	$29,520
Test Requirements	None
Minimum GPA	3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	Coursework in statistical computing and Python programming Waiver possible with a relevant undergraduate degree or work experience
Campus Visit Required?	No
Typical Time to Complete	Two years
When Can Students Start the Program?	January, March, May, July, August, October
Program Concentrations	Optional Data Engineering specialization
Synchronous Classes	No
Required Courses	Introduction to Data Science Data Engineering Ethics, Privacy, and Social Justice in Data Science Data Analytics Statistical Methods and Experimental Design Information Technology Research Methods Data Science Practicum I Data Science Practicum II
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	Catholic college First online program (MBA) began in 1997
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Describe data science as a discipline of study and explain its methodologies Assemble various data stores in preparation for data analysis Evaluate the utility of data stores for applied data analysis problems Use statistical methods and experimental design to construct data experiments Formulate techniques for the generalization of knowledge from data Create data products (visualizations and infographics) that explain data and its analysis Judge data science projects for their ethical concerns Appraise data science projects that contribute to the social good of society
Program Description	This 36-credit program introduces students to the discipline and methodologies of data science through a comprehensive curriculum that includes two required practicum courses. Students learn the techniques of data science from the preparation and evaluation of data to the creation of data products, using statistical methods and experimental design. Students also learn to judge data science projects for their ethical concerns and their contributions to the good of society.

What will I Learn?

The Regis University curriculum offers students a grounding in key techniques and approaches of data science, accompanied by an emphasis on ethics and contributing to the good of society. Students begin the program with a required course in Introduction to Data Science, and then take a course in Data Engineering to learn fundamental processes of data storage, management, and security. All students must take a required course in Ethics, Privacy, and Social Justice in Data Science, and the emphasis on Social Justice sets the Regis program apart from other similar programs.

Regis students attack the nuts and bolts of the data science process through required courses in Data Analytics, Statistical Methods, and Experimental Design. In preparation for the hands-on experience of the required practicum, all students also take a course in Information Technology Research Methods. The practicum then partners students with real-life organizations to help solve their data-intensive problems and explore how data science drives organizational decisions. Students must take two semesters of practicum. The remainder of the degree is completed through elective courses, covering a range of topics including business intelligence, advanced statistical methods, visualization, geographic information systems, text analytics, artificial intelligence, and others.

Regis data science students may choose to earn an optional data engineering specialization. Coursework for the specialization focuses on techniques for wrangling and exploring big data, including a course in SQL and NoSQL and a course in Big Data Architecture. No other named concentrations are offered.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within two years and pay $820 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $30,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses are asynchronous, meaning that instructors create learning materials such as lectures, activities, quizzes, assignments, and group discussions in weekly modules, and students are responsible for completing the module on their schedule within the given week. The program can be completed 100% online, and no campus visits are required. The program is usually completed in 2 years. Students can begin the program in January, March, May, July, August, or October.

Summary

The Regis University program provides a broad general introduction to industry-standard techniques and methods within data science. The electives offered in Geographic Information Systems, Data Wrangling, SQL, and NoSQL provide choices not always available in similar programs. The Jesuit and Catholic influence at Regis may be a pro for some applicants, but a con for others. Certainly, the required course covering ethical and social justice issues in the data science field should be appealing to applicants who want to think deeply about the impact of their work on their communities and the world. Since the Regis University College of Computing and Information Systems is a new division within the university, founded only in 2014, students may find that the range of courses and the depth of expertise and professional network opportunities is limited at Regis compared to some other schools.