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Program Rankings
  • #11 in the U.S. and #4 among publics
    (TFE Times, 2024)
  • #15 in the U.S. and #11 among publics
    (Fortune, 2024)

 

2023 Graduate Outcomes
  • average salary increase: 57%
  • average time to pay back investment: less than one year
What does it cost?

Georgia residents: $39,975
Non-Georgia residents: $47,250
Out-of-Country residents: $48,150
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Tuition is subject to change. Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A. students may be required to complete prerequisite courses for an additional fee.

How long will it take?
  • Full-time format: 12 months (3 semesters). Offers a fast track into the workforce. Classes up to four days a week: Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. sessions.
  • Part-time format: 24 months (6 semesters). Allows working professionals to advance their current careers. Classes up to two evenings a week: Monday-Thursday, 6 p.m.

Where can I take classes?
Buckhead Center (3348 Peachtree Rd. NE), Online

We are excited to offer more flexible format options in our courses this fall. While attending in-person is recommended, a simulcast option is now available, giving you the flexibility to attend class from where ever you are.

Note: International students may attend a limited number of simulcast courses while attending the in-person program and residing in the U.S.

Is the program STEM-designated?
Yes. Read more about STEM designations.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Domestic Applicants
We offer various application deadlines to U.S. residents. By applying earlier in the cycle, you will receive priority consideration for a graduate assistantship. After the final deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until one week before class starts.

International Applicants
International applicants who need a student visa must apply by an earlier, hard deadline.

Find your deadline

Data Science and Analytics, M.S.A.

Attend virtual office hours with one of our recruiters to get your questions answered.

No matter your background, you can prepare for an exciting career in data science at Robinson.

Whether you are a math whiz or possess a liberal arts degree, this program will prepare you for a job in the data science field.

After reviewing your application, the admissions committee will enroll you in a pathway that makes sense based on your background. Both tracks—data scientist and citizen data scientist—are STEM-designated as well as comprehensive, rigorous, and fast-paced. Through both courses of study, you will become comfortable with machine learning, deep learning, Python, and big data, and have the option to attend boot camps covering topics like AI, SAS, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure.

Each track prepares you with the necessary skills to succeed.

Data Scientist Track - Learn to apply statistics and build algorithms using machine and deep learning behind-the-scenes.

  • Data pre-processing including preparation and manipulation
  • Model selection and testing
  • Data visualization, evaluation and interpretation
  • Innovative solution ideation for business executives

Citizen Data Scientist Track - Learn to understand data, use visualization tools, and communicate insights to decision makers.

  • Ability to bridge the gap between IT professionals and business stakeholders
  • Expertise in various data science tools and terminology in order to automate data preparation
  • Data visualization, evaluation and interpretation
  • Confidence to leverage “data storytelling” to derive innovative solutions

Both tracks also include the option to pursue a concentration in either data science or legal analytics.

View a Comparison of the Two tracks

New AI Courses

Coming spring 2025:

  • MSA 8600 - Deep Learning and Generative AI
  • MSA 8700 - Building Generative AI Business Solutions

Program Highlights

Pursue the Concentration That Works for You

Data Science in Business

This concentration features a multi-disciplinary curriculum that draws on insights from computer science, statistics, and business management. You will learn the statistical and computational methods for collecting, storing, and processing data; identifying patterns in large data sets; predicting and interpreting the findings; and making data-driven decisions.

Earn a Dual Degree

If you are pursuing the Data Science in Business concentration, you also can pursue a dual degree with just one more semester of coursework. Developing additional skills will make you especially attractive to employers, and enable you to tap into more than one job market. Areas of study include actuarial science, marketing, quantitative risk analysis, law, and business.

EXPLORE YOUR DUAL DEGREE OPTIONS »

Legal Analytics

This concentration will prepare to use text mining, machine learning, and A.I. to detect patterns, predict outcomes, and derive insights related to regulation, compliance, litigation, and transactional law.

Gain Real, Resume-Strengthening Experience

Over the course of several weeks, students collaborate with partner companies on what we call Insight Sprints. The organization comes to students with a complicated problem as well as a large set of structured and/or unstructured data. Throughout the semester, students clean the data, develop predictive models, and draw insights based on their findings.

Example Projects

  • Developed a blockchain pilot study and built a prototype with Truist
  • Forecasted procurement costs with airline parts and services company Avgroup
  • Uncovered opportunities to source more food, reduce logistics costs, and feed the hungry with the Southeast Regional Commission
  • Explored optical character recognition with Truist
  • Analyzed structured and unstructured text and voice data using machine leaning and deep learning with the BBB

Learn more about MSDA student projects »

What's a citizen data scientist?

The term “citizen data scientist” refers to professionals whose primary job function falls outside the statistics or analytics arena. However, they know enough about artificial intelligence-driven techniques to make the case for initiatives and strategies that leverage those tools.

Citizen data scientists can solve business problems with great depth and precision, and adeptly bridge the gap between business and technology.

Program Details

Application Requirements

Learn more about the application process and what you will need to apply.

Following are the recommended backgrounds for each track:

Data Scientist

  • Bachelor’s degrees: STEM – science, technology, engineering, math
  • Knowledge in calculus I & II, multivariate calculus, statistics, linear algebra
  • Coding knowledge/experience preferred but not required
  • A minimum of 18 months’ full-time work experience recommended but not required

Citizen Data Scientist

  • Bachelor’s degrees: business, psychology, health services, political science, communications
  • Statistics and/or business knowledge preferred but not required
  • Strong communication skills are crucial, as you will be primarily communicating analytical techniques and insights.
  • A minimum of 18 months’ full-time work experience recommended but not required
  • Programming knowledge/experience highly recommended. If you have never used programming before, check out our Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation to learn how you can easily start building those skills and apply them in the MSDA

The Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A. program comprises three semesters in a lock-step, cohort format. However, working professionals can complete the program on a part-time basis, extend the length of the program and take courses in the summer. Full-time students also have the option of completing the program in 12 months by taking their electives in the summer.

Besides the eight required and three elective courses, students will participate in boot camps covering topics such as linear algebra, R programming, data visualization, Tableau, advanced R, big data programming and SAS.

Students will also complete Insight Sprints throughout the program.

  • Industry partners provide real problems with data for insights and solutions.
  • Student teams work with faculty from across the entire university as well as corporate participants.
  • Students get feedback during weekly meetings over a 6- to10-week period.
  • Students engage in practical application of machine learning and predictive analytics.

View Your Curriculum


Data Scientist: Full-time

Pre-requisite Requirements

Academic knowledge of Calculus I, II and III (Multivariate), Linear Algebra and Basic Programming are required. These courses must be completed at an accredited college or university. Coursera, Code Academy or other online, non-accredited courses do not qualify.

Fall 1

MSA 8010 – Data Programming for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8040 – Data Management for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8030 – Communicating with Data (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8190 – Statistical Foundations for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Spring

MSA 8050 – Scalable Data Analytics (3 hours) |View a sample syllabus
MSA 8150 – Machine Learning for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8200 – Predictive Analytics (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning and Generative AI (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Summer

Internship (optional)

Fall 2

Elective 1
Elective 2
Elective 3

Data Scientist: Part-time

Pre-requisite Requirements

Academic knowledge of Calculus I, II and III (Multivariate), Linear Algebra and Basic Programming are required. These courses must be completed at an accredited college or university. Coursera, Code Academy or other online, non-accredited courses do not qualify.

Fall 1

MSA 8010 – Data Programming for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8040 – Data Management for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Spring 1

MSA 8050 – Scalable Data Analytics (3 hours) |View a sample syllabus
Elective

Summer

Internship (Optional)
Elective

Fall 2

MSA 8190 – Statistical Foundations for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8030 – Communicating with Data (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
Elective

Spring 2

MSA 8150 – Machine Learning for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8200 – Predictive Analytics (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning and Generative AI (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Citizen Data Scientist: Full-time

Fall 1

IFI 8110 – Business Statistics for Analytics (3 hours)
MSA 8040 – Data Management for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
IFI 8410 – Introduction to Programming & Predictive Analytics for Business (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8030 – Communicating with Data (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Spring

IFI 8450 – Scalable Data Analytics (3 hours)
IFI 8420 – Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Business (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8200 – Predictive Analytics (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning and Generative AI (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Summer

Internship (optional)

Fall 2

Elective 1
Elective 2
Elective 3

Citizen Data Scientist: Part-time

Fall 1

IFI 8410 – Introduction to Programming & Predictive Analytics for Business (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8040 – Data Management for Analytics (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Spring 1

IFI 8450 – Scalable Data Analytics (3 hours)
Elective

Summer

Internship (Optional)
Elective

Fall 2

IFI 8110 – Business Statistics for Analytics (3 hours)
MSA 8030 – Communicating with Data (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
Elective

Spring 2

IFI 8420 – Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Business (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8200 – Predictive Analytics (1.5 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning and Generative AI (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus

Legal Analytics Concentration

As part of the legal analytics concentration, you can pursue either the data scientist or citizen data scientist track. Instead of Predictive Analytics (MSA 8200), you will take Legal Analytics (MSA 8350). For your electives, you will take Text Analytics (MSA 8770) as well as two courses at Georgia State’s College of Law.

Visit the catalog for additional details.

Georgia residents: $39,975
Non-Georgia residents: $47,250
Out-of-Country residents: $48,150
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Tuition is subject to change.

Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A. students may be required to complete prerequisite courses for an additional fee. Students will be informed if this is the case by the admissions committee.

Financial Aid

Contact Graduate Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program (including the financial aid cost of attendance (https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/coa/)), the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

[email protected]
404-413-7086

Scholarships

Robinson Scholarships

Robinson offers several scholarships through the Office of the Dean as well as the individual academic departments.

Learn More and Apply

Search Georgia State’s Database

Georgia State offers a robust searchable database containing scholarships offered through the university as well as external websites.

Search the Database

Graduate Research Assistantships

Graduate research assistantships are available to offset program costs.

Learn More and Apply

Loans

You will be paired with a Graduate Student Experience professional who stays on top of the extracurricular programming that will enhance your academic journey and propel your career. Activities include boot camps on topics that are relevant to your field, professional workshops, networking events, recruiting fairs, and meet-and-greets intended to create camaraderie with your peers.

View a sample schedule of Graduate Student Experience events

Learn More about the Graduate Student Experience Team

The mission of the Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A. program is to educate students on how to acquire, organize, and model data sets in order to formulate the questions that guide decision-making in corporate and non-corporate settings.

Not Ready to Take the Plunge?
Dip in Now, Dive in Later.

Check out our Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation. The program requires a fraction of the time and cost. Plus, you can apply your credits to a Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A. at Robinson later down the road.

Take Kennedy Crandell, a social worker who decided to make a dramatic career shift into data science. Despite having no previous programming experience, she has picked up a lot of skills in her Introduction to Programming and Predictive Analytics for Business class: Python, predictive models, linear regression, and the k-nearest neighbors algorithm.

“The instructor has done a great job of making sure no one gets left behind,” Crandell said. “The certificate is the perfect stepping stone for anyone thinking about data or A.I."

LEARN MORE

Kennedy Crandell

Careers & Certifications

Program graduates work for a variety of well-respected companies  including Aetna, Amazon, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, KPMG, Lowe’s, McKinsey & Company, NCR Corporation, PwC, Starr Companies, and Truist.

Our 2023 graduates reported a 57% average salary increase, enabling them to pay back their investment in graduate school in less than one year.

VIEW SAMPLE JOB TITLES

Assistant VP Risk Management

Business Intelligence Analyst

Cloud Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analytics Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientist, Assistant VP

Data Visualization Engineer

Insights Analyst

Lead Analyst

Lead Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Marketing Data Analyst

Marketing Science Analyst

Product Management Analyst

Quantitative Risk Analyst

Senior Analyst - Ops. Fulfillment

Senior Analyst, Online Business Analytics

Senior Data Analyst

Senior Data Analyst, Supply Chain Finance

Senior Data Scientist

Software Engineer III

Vice President

DATA SCIENTIST CAREER PATHS

Data Scientist –> Sr. Data Scientist –> Data Science Manager

Data Analyst –> Analytics Innovation Lead –> Executive

Business Analyst –> Data Analytics Associate –> Senior Consultant

CITIZEN DATA SCIENTIST CAREER PATHS

Business Intelligence Analyst –> Data Science Manager –> Executive

E-Commerce Analytics Manager –> Director of Strategic Analytics –> Executive

Business Analyst –> Sales Manager –> Executive

Meet Your Faculty

Mehmet Aktas

Mehmet Aktas

Clinical Assistant Professor

Headshhot

Yichen Cheng

Assistant Professor

head shot of Christopher Allen Cirelli

Christopher Allen Cirelli

Assistant Professor

headshot of Ugur Kursuncu

Ugur Kursuncu

Assistant Professor

headshot of Peter Molnar

Peter Molnar

Data Scientist, Amazon

headshot of Saeid Motevali

Saeid Motevali

Clinical Assistant Professor

Headshot of Denish Shah

Denish Shah

Director, Social Media Intelligence Lab

Yanqing Wang

Assistant Professor

Headshot of Yusen Xia

Yusen Xia

Director, Institute for Insight; Program Director, Data Science & Analytics, M.S.A.

headshot of Houping Xiao

Houping Xiao

Assistant Professor

Headshot of Baozhong Yang

Baozhong Yang

Associate Professor

headshot of Kai Zhao

Kai Zhao

Assistant Professor

Program Stories

MSA student Jinendra ShrimalM.S.A. Student Can Solve Almost Anything, If He Looks Hard Enough
After two semesters in the M.S.A. program, Jinendra Shrimal landed an internship as a procurement data scientist with Micron Technology, a semiconductor manufacturing company in Boise, Idaho.read more ❯
Taj PirzadaAnalytics Alum Now Leads AI, North America for Nike
When Taj Pirzada was mid-career, he received feedback that he couldn't answer technical questions. Now that he's completed a master's in analytics, he has a seat at the engineering table.read more ❯
MS in Analytics studentsFortune Ranks Georgia State’s M.S. in Analytics Among Nation’s Top 15 Data Science Programs
In Fortune’s 2024 ranking of in-person graduate programs in data science, the Master of Science in Analytics offered by Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business is 15th among all U.S. programs and 11th among public university programs.read more ❯

Contacts

Attend virtual office hours with one of our recruiters to get your questions answered.

Graduate Admissions
[email protected]

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Atlanta, GA 30303