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Kent State University - Online Master of Digital Sciences with a Concentration in Data Science

Kent State University’s School of Digital Sciences offers an online Master of Digital Sciences (MDS) degree that has a concentration in Data Science. The MDS is a professional master’s program that provides training in information technology and business management. The Data Science curriculum focuses on data mining, machine learning, and the modeling techniques and interpretive skills used to process structured, semi-structured, and unstructured datasets. The program requires students to complete 32 credits, which can be done in 12-16 months of full-time enrollment. Those who opt for part-time enrollment can expect to complete the degree in two or three years. The program can be taken 100% online, and there are no required campus visits.

Kent State’s online degree programs employ an interactive course management system that supports synchronous and asynchronous instruction. This means that some lectures and most course materials are available on-demand to online students, but instructors regularly schedule real-time lectures and discussions at designated times. Live chats and discussion groups are also used as part of Kent State’s online programs.

The curriculum for the MDS degree with a Data Science concentration includes two types of course requirements. Students must take at least three MDS program courses, in subjects like Instructional Design; Essentials of Business Management; and Network Management and Design Technology. The Data Science concentration has five required courses: Enterprise Architecture; Data Science; Data Architecture; Semantic Analysis Methods and Technologies; and Knowledge Organization Structures, Systems, and Services. Because two of these courses – Enterprise Architecture and Data Science – count as MDS program requirements, students in the Data Science concentration are free to enroll in additional elective coursework, which cover subject areas like: Information Security; Artificial Intelligence; Health Informatics; and Geographic Information Science. The MDS program offers students the option of completing either a capstone project or a master’s thesis.

Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kent State University: School of Digital Sciences

Programs Offered: Data Science (Master of Digital Sciences)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Instruction Methods: Program uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
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Online Master of Digital Sciences with a Concentration in Data Science

Program Overview
Program Type: Data Science
Degree Conferred: Masters
Program Structure: Online instruction with no campus visits required
Example Courses: Enterprise Architecture, Data Architecture, Semantic Analysis Methods and Technologies, Knowledge Organization Structures, Systems and Services
Program Website: catalog.kent.edu
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 32 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission (full-time program only starts in the Fall and Spring)
Curriculum Options: Full-time and Part-time
Length of Program: Full-time: program can be completed in 12-16 months; Part-time: program can be completed in 2-3 years depending on the number of courses taken per semester
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
Degree Required for Admission: Bachelor's Degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 (GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission)
Testing Requirements: Not required
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$16,160 + fees (in-state); ~$28,192 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $505 per credit hour (in-state); $881 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Eligibility Information: Program currently accepts students from all 50 states

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