Apr 06, 2026  
2026-2027 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
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2026-2027 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook

Data Science, MS

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Program Description

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science helps prepare students as data scientists able to apply computer science, statistics, artificial intelligence (A.I.), and machine learning tools and concepts to transform complex data into value-added information. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to extracting, analyzing, and transforming complex data into useful knowledge and predictive outcomes for the purpose of adding value to the decision-making processes and strategies of various business, non-profit, and government organizations. 

The practical application of data science skills, technologies, and concepts is a focus of the M.S. in Data Science. Students learn some of the most commonly-used data science computer program technologies. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) applications, machine learning, and statistical analysis are integral to the program curriculum. The program provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge to uncover and analyze complex data, assess the relevance of the data, and design predictive models to create meaningful information.

Many organizations in a variety of industries have large amounts of data which needs to be analyzed and converted into meaningful information. Program curriculum is applicable to a wide range of industries and fields such as IT, healthcare, business management, public health and safety, and natural resource management. 

Students completing the M.S. in Data Science have the option of adding 1-3 additional courses to complete a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, Geographic Information Science, or Healthcare Analytics.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Explain the foundational concepts, practices, skills, and technologies inherent to the field of data science.
  2. Demonstrate the effective mining and analysis of complex structured and unstructured data and data sets.
  3. Apply artificial intelligence technologies to data science processes.
  4. Implement statistical analysis into data science processes to include data analysis and predictive analytics.  
  5. Apply machine learning design models to data science practices. 
  6. Demonstrate the effective use of computer technologies used in the field of data science.
  7. Create meaning from complex data sets to add value to organizational decision-making.
  8. Communicate with clarity and coherence as a data scientist professional.
  9. Evaluate contemporary ethical perspectives and legal statutes which data scientists need to consider.

Program Structure and Delivery

The M.S. in Data Science is offered as a 12-24 month program of study. Courses are eight-weeks, and are delivered in an online format. Courses in the program run during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. 

Degree Requirements: 30 cr.

Pathways to Graduate Certificates

Students have the option of adding a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, Geographic Information Science, or Healthcare Analytics by taking 3-9 additional credits:

  • Artificial Intelligence Certificate   (3 additional credits). Additional courses include:

    • BIA645 Communications and Content Strategy or BIA681 Deep Learning Methodology (3 cr.)
  • Data Engineering Certificate   (3 additional credits). Additional course includes:
    • DIGA650 Advanced Data Engineering and Visualization (3 cr.)

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS) Certificate   (9 additional credits). Additional courses include:

    • DIGA605 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 cr.)

    • DIGA615 Data Acquisition and Location of Things (3 cr.)

    • DIGA630 Advanced GeoSpatial Data and Location Analytics (3 cr.)

  • Healthcare Analytics Certificate   (9 additional credits). Additional courses include:

    • BIA670 Data-Driven Culture (3 cr.)

    • BIA671 Information Systems for Healthcare Analytics (3 cr.)

    • BIA672 Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare (3 cr.)

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form and,
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 

    Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. 

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN  55404

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