Tech, finance, healthcare, government, business—these sectors need data science professionals to solve problems, optimize processes, and drive innovation. In the Master of Science (M.S.) in data science and analytics program, you learn to do this and more.
An R1 research institution, Old Dominion University (ODU) provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop statistical models using state-of-the-art programming tools and software packages.
You learn to leverage data to identify trends and patterns, communicate results, and recommend optimal solutions. Moreover, you deepen your understanding of the discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to modern data science and analytics.
Program Highlights
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Five data science concentration options: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Engineering and Big Data Analytics, Geospatial Analytics, or Physics.
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Capstone project: put your data skills to the test through real-world practice.
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Project-based learning: discover how to use data from different areas, such as business, science, engineering, and geospatial, to solve real-world problems.
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Build marketable expertise: develop statistical models to detect trends, organize and manage data, and lead teams in retrieving, cleaning data, and modeling data.
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Two program formats: study on campus in Norfolk Virginia. The data science and analytics program is also available online.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
Admissions Requirements
Students entering the Master of Science in data science and analytics program should meet the minimum University admission requirements for graduate admission, including submission of the following:
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- A completed online application and associated application fee.
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- A baccalaureate degree in computer science, electrical and/or computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, information systems and technology, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent institution outside the U.S.
- Students holding bachelor's degrees in an unrelated field need competency in topics related to basic statistics and computer science, such as differentiation and integration, vectors and matrices, determinants and matrix inverse, elementary statistics and probability, basic programming, software development and testing, and C++/java concepts.
- A baccalaureate degree in computer science, electrical and/or computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, information systems and technology, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent institution outside the U.S.
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- Official copies of transcripts of all regionally accredited institutions attended (or equivalent non-U.S. institutions).
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- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's professional and/or academic background.
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- A current resume.
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- A statement of professional goals.
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- International students should submit their current Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to the ODU International Graduate Admission Office. We require scores of at least 230 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the TOEFL iBT.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Prospective master’s students can look forward to funding opportunities that include:
- The Graduate School and Office of Research summer research awards, which are offered each year.
- The Dr. Hussein Abdel-Wahab Memorial Graduate Fellowship
Review our Graduate School resources for updated information on scholarships and assistantships.
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