University of Virginia - Online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS)

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers an online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) through the School of Data Science. Designed for working professionals, this cohort-based, part-time program can be completed in 20 months and includes an interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates hands-on projects to give students real-world experience in data science. The program uses a number of large data sets in different courses to achieve this goal. Students also build strong relationships with faculty and peers by regularly working in teams on group projects.

The online MSDS program utilizes a spiral learning method through which students learn foundational concepts such as linear modeling, programming languages, and mathematical computation, before moving into higher-level concepts such as Bayesian machine learning, data mining, statistics, text analytics, data ethics, and computer programming. Finally, a capstone course allows students to demonstrate learned knowledge and skills through a team-sponsored project. In this course, teams work with a corporate or government partner who provides a unique problem to solve.

Applicants to the MSDS program should have quantitative ability, be effective communicators, enjoy problem-solving, and have mastered introductory concepts in calculus, programming, linear algebra, and statistics. In fact, prerequisites must be completed before a student begins the program, including Single Variable Calculus, Linear Algebra or Matrix Algebra, Introductory Statistics, and Introductory Programming. (UVA publishes descriptions of eligible equivalent courses for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field to determine if they need to take additional courses to meet prerequisite requirements.)

Core courses for the 32-credit M.S. in Data Science degree program include Programming for Data Science; Linear Models for Data Science; Practice and Application of Data Science; Statistical Learning; Foundations of Computer Science; Bayesian Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Ethics of Big Data; and Data Science Capstone Project. Students also choose two electives which may include Exploratory Text Analytics; Business Analytics for Data Scientists; Big Data Systems; and Data Visualization.

UVA uses the Canvas online Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver live classes and asynchronous course content. Through a flipped classroom model, students work on asynchronous course content throughout the week and discuss what they learned during a weekly one-hour live class session. Additionally, students can attend live group study sessions and live faculty office hours during the week. Each course requires 10 to 12 hours of work per week on asynchronous activities such as readings, assignments, and group projects.

The University of Virginia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).