student working on laptop
2022 Graduate Outcomes
  • average salary increase: 82%
  • average time to pay back investment: less than one year
What does it cost?

Georgia residents: $39,000
Non-Georgia residents: $45,000
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Tuition is subject to change. Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics 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 (200 Tower Place)

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

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

The Robinson College of Business reviews applications by admissions rounds. The online application and all additional required materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for that round. Each admissions round has a decision release date. Find out when a decision is expected to be released for your program.

Students can enter the program in the fall.

VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES

Data Science and Analytics, M.S.

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 SAS, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. Both tracks also include the option to pursue a concentration in either data science or legal analytics.

Data Scientist
Learn to apply statistics and build algorithms using machine and deep learning behind-the-scenes.
Citizen Data Scientist
Learn to understand data, use visualization tools, and communicate insights to decision makers.
STEM-designated Yes Yes
Prospective student background •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
•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
Insight Sprints, boot camps, and other co-curriculars Yes Yes
Skills you will acquire •Data pre-processing including preparation and manipulation
•Model selection and testing
•Data visualization, evaluation and interpretation
•Innovative solution ideation for business executives
•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
•Confidently leverage "data storytelling" to derive innovative solutions
Typical career path Data Scientist --> Sr. Data Scientist --> Data Science Manager

Data Analyst --> Analytics Innovation Lead --> Executive

Business Analyst --> Data Analytics Associate --> Senior Consultant

Business Intelligence Analyst --> Data Science Manager --> Executive

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

Business Analyst --> Sales Manager --> Executive

How to pursue this track Admitted students will be placed in the track that best aligns with their background and goals.

If a student requests to enroll in this track, math and/or programming prerequisites may be required.

Admitted students will be placed in the track that best aligns with their background and goals.

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.

The M.S. in Data Science and Analytics 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 8020 – Data Visualization (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 (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning Analytics (1.5 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 8020 – Data Visualization (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 (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning Analytics (1.5 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 8020 – Data Visualization (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 (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning Analytics (1.5 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 8020 – Data Visualization (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 (3 hours) | View a sample syllabus
MSA 8600 – Deep Learning Analytics (1.5 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.

Georgia residents: $39,000
Non-Georgia residents: $45,000
Nonrefundable seat deposit: $250

Tuition is subject to change.

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics 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, 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 Extracurricular Schedule

Learn More about the Graduate Student Experience Team

The mission of the M.S. in Data Science and Analytics 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.

Grace Bendinger is senior manager of clinical services and operations at Emory Healthcare. In her field, creativity and innovation have become just as important as science and technology.

Through the Innovation Studio, Bendinger built the prototype for an app that connects the components of the healthcare system. Currently, those components are fragmented and complex: making an appointment, negotiating with insurance, filling a prescription. Bendinger’s app removes those silos. The platform also helps users navigate a new diagnosis with a checklist of prioritized steps.

Bendinger is more tech savvy than the average nurse but felt apprehensive about developing an app. The class is designed to snowball concepts week by week, and makes it possible for people of all backgrounds to achieve technical competence.

LEARN MORE

“I never thought I would be able to tell anybody I know how to build an app,” she said. “The Innovation Studio changed that.”

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 2022 graduates reported a 82% average salary increase, enabling them to pay back their investment in graduate school in less than one year.

VIEW SAMPLE JOB TITLES

data analyst

business analyst

data scientist

data science manager

senior analytics engineer

senior data engineer

analytics innovation lead

business intelligence analyst

consultant

Meet Your Faculty

Mehmet Aktas

Clinical Assistant Professor

Connie D. and Ken McDaniel WomenLead Chair; Founder, Legal Analytics Lab

Headshhot

Assistant Professor

head shot of Mohammad Feizollahi

Assistant Professor

headshot of Ugur Kursuncu

Assistant Professor

headshot of Peter Molnar

Senior Data Scientist, Amazon

headshot of Saeid Motevali

Clinical Assistant Professor

Headshot of Denish Shah

Director, Social Media Intelligence Lab

Assistant Professor

Headshot of Yusen Xia

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

headshot of Houping Xiao

Assistant Professor

Headshot of Baozhong Yang

Associate Professor

headshot of Kai Zhao

Assistant Professor

Program Stories

TFE Times RankingsTFE Times Ranks Robinson’s Master’s Programs in Finance, Data Science & Analytics, Quantitative Risk Analysis and Marketing Among Nation’s Best
Four specialized master’s degree programs offered by Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business are among the nation’s best in new rankings from TFE Times.read more ❯
Flexible MBA Surges in U.S. News RankingsGeorgia State’s Flexible MBA Surges in U.S. News Rankings, Information Systems and Real Estate in Top 20 Programs
The Flexible MBA offered by Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business jumped 13 spots in the Best Graduate Schools rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report, rising from 40th to 27th overall and 17th among public university programs.read more ❯
Top 20 U.S. ProgramsFortune Ranks Georgia State’s M.S. in Data Science and Analytics Among Top 20 U.S. Programs
In its inaugural assessment of in-person master’s degree programs in data science, Fortune magazine ranks the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (MSDSA) offered by Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business among the top 20 U.S. programs (18th) and the top 10 programs at public universities (9th).read more ❯

Contacts

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

Graduate Admissions
[email protected]

35 Broad St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303