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MS in APPLIED DATA SCIENCE Combined Program Overview

This Master of Science in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) offers a state-of-the-art learning experience that will enable students to master the technical skills and soft skills necessary for solving challenging analytics problems seen every day in a wide range of data-rich domains.

Offered through USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the MS-ADS program differentiates itself from the best online data science master’s programs in several unique and important ways:

• Leverages the best of both worlds by combining comprehensive technical knowledge and skills with a deep understanding of how to apply findings (including hard and soft skills) in real-world applications
• Focuses on continuous improvement, gaining insight used to enhance curriculum immediacy and relevance through ongoing consultations with its Advisory Board and with a broad range of data science experts and managers
• Employs highly skilled faculty instructors, many of whom are applied data science practitioners in key roles at a wide range of commercial, academic, and government organizations

The combined program is a connection between undergraduate and graduate studies. USD has created an opportunity for undergraduate students to earn their Bachelor’s in Computer Science while taking Master’s in Applied Data Science courses as well. In doing this, it is possible for a student to earn their undergraduate and graduate degree in less than the typical six years.

Make sure to submit the form at the top of this page to get in contact with your graduate enrollment advisor to begin the process of applying for the M.S. in Applied Data Science program.

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Requirements of Eligibility

• 3.0 Overall GPA
• Must be a University of San Diego BS or BA Computer Science undergraduate student
• Undergraduate advisor approval is required to be considered for the program
• Student must complete a total of 12 units of the Applied Data Science program during their undergraduate studies and must complete a total of 6 units (ISYE 330 and COMP 352) prior to the fall term of their senior year.

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Combined Degree Application Flow

To be considered for the Combined Applied Data Science program at USD, first make sure that you meet all eligibility requirements and work on completing the steps below. Make sure to fill out the form at the top of this page to get connected with your graduate enrollment advisor who can help you navigate your application into the MS-ADS program.

Step 1	Step 2	step 3	step 4	step 5	step 6
Connect with your Academic Advisor	Interview	Start ISYE 330 and COMP 352 (which waive ADS pre-requisite courses)	Apply for the Combined Degree Program	Enroll and Complete More MSADS Courses	Start the MS-ADS Program
Sometime during your junior year, approach your Academic Advisor to show interest and verify program prerequisites.	Interview with and be recommended by Dr. Nikhil Yadav (Department Chair of Computer Science).	Following approval from MS-ADS Academic Director Dr. Ebrahim Tarshizi, enroll in ISYE 330 and COMP 352 prior to the fall term of your senior year.	Apply for the combined degree program while completing ISYE 330 and COMP 352.	In the fall semester of your senior year, enroll and complete the following MSADS courses: ADS 501 & ADS 502. Then in the spring term of your senior year, any of the following course pairings: ADS 503 & ADS 504, ADS 505 & ADS 506, or ADS 507 & ADS 508.	After completing your undergraduate degree and 12 units of THE MS-ADS program, you will officially enter the MS-ADS program the subsequent semester. If your final undergraduate term is Spring, you would start the MS-ADS program in the Summer term.

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The MS-ADS Program requires 30-36 units of coursework, and students enroll in two 3-unit courses for a total of 6 units per semester. Students in the combined degree program will have 6 units waived (ADS 500A and ADS 500B since ISYE 330 and COMP 352 serve as replacement prerequisite courses), 12 units completed during their undergraduate studies (ADS 501, ADS 502, and two additional ADS 500-level courses), and then 18 units to complete as graduate students during the next three terms (summer, fall, and spring). Thus, a student can earn a BS or BA in Computer Science plus an MS in Applied Data Science in 4 years of undergraduate coursework plus 1 year of graduate coursework.