University of Denver Online Master of Science in Data Science, Colorado

Why University of Denver?

The online Master of Science in Data Science offered by the University of Denver offers students comprehensive, project-based learning experience with courses taught via live videoconferencing.  The University of Denver,  a private research university in Denver, Colorado, expects applicants to the program to hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50. The undergraduate degree can be in any subject area, but applicants should display strong analytical skills and some level of computer science background. Students who have less academic preparation and experience may be required to take bridge courses. GRE scores are required but can be waived in some circumstances. The TOEFL is required for international applicants.

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Denver
Location University Of Denver
State Colorado
Niche.com Grade A-
Name of Degree Master of Science in Data Science
School or Department Administering Program Engineering and Computer Science
Credits 48
Cost per credit $1,048
Tuition for Entire Program $50,304
Test Requirements
  • GRE
  • TOEFL if applicable
  • GRE can be waived under some circumstances
Minimum GPA 2.50
Prerequisite Courses and Skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Any level of computer science background
  • Bridge courses may be required
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete 18-24 months
When Can Students Start the Program? Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Program Concentrations None
Synchronous Classes Yes
Required Courses All courses in the program are required courses

  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Data Science
  • Python Software Development
  • Data Organization & Management
  • Algorithms for Data Science
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science
  • Data Science Tools
  • Data Mining
  • Data Visualization
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Science Tools
  • Data Science Capstone
  • Parallel and Distributed Computing
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique
  • Three bridge courses
  • classes are taught via live videoconferencing with interactive components
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Students will be able to build tools to collect, evaluate, and interpret data to solve complex challenges across a variety of industries.
Program Description This 48-credit program prepares students for careers in data science, where they build tools to collect, evaluate, and interpret data to solve complex challenges across a variety of industries. A capstone is required.

What will I Learn?

The University of Denver program prepares students to build tools to collect, evaluate, and interpret data across a variety of industries.  All courses in the program are required courses. Students learn the fundamental statistical skills needed for data science careers in Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Data Science. Denver’s program emphasizes Python as the primary programming language, beginning with a course in Python Software Development. Courses in Data Organization & Management and Algorithms for Data Science further add to the student’s data toolkit.  Advanced techniques for solving data-intensive problems are taught in Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science and a required course in Data Science Tools.  Further techniques for exploring big data are covered in required courses in Data Mining and Machine Learning. Exploration and communication to a variety of audiences are the focus of the required course in Data Visualization. Students then have an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned through a final capstone project exploring a data-intensive problem.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18-24 months and pay $1,048 per credit for a total of 48 credits, or just over $50,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

In comparison with other data science Master’s programs, the University of Denver program is less flexible, as students are required to attend classes at scheduled times. Courses are taught via live videoconferencing. The program can be completed in 18-24 months, and students can begin the program in Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring semesters. Because of the project-based nature of the program, students can expect to need to schedule time to work with classmates or meet with instructors.

Summary

The University of Denver program offers several innovative features that make it stand out from similar programs. The program requires students to take more credits than other similar programs, which means that students may be more well-prepared to take on professional roles with a full toolkit after they graduate. With 48 required credits, however, the program represents a greater financial and time commitment than others, so this also needs to be taken into account. Students who are concerned that they will receive less support and have less interpersonal communication in an online program may want to consider the University of Denver teaching model, in which courses are taught via live videoconferencing. Aspiring data scientists who are looking for a great deal of flexibility in their education should look elsewhere, but the “lockstep” course model used by the University of Denver may be very attractive for applicants who seek predictability and structure.