No matter the industry you work in or the one you want to break into, data plays a vital role in guiding it. We can help you elevate your abilities so you’re qualified to do both the in-depth work of data analytics and manage the work of others in the industry.

Who Should Apply

  • College seniors, recent college graduates, working adults, and military personnel
  • Individuals who possess any of the following: 
    • Technical skills
    • Familiarity with mathematics and statistics
    • Computer programming experience
    • Leadership skills
    • A passion for data

Accelerated 4+1 Program for Saint Mary's undergraduate students

Current college students meeting the requirements set forth below may apply to the Master of Science in Data Science program under the 4+1 option. If admitted to the master’s program, the student will take two (2) graduate level courses in the Data Science program while a senior at allowing you to earn up to six (6) credits towards your graduate degree while still an undergraduate.

 

Application Requirements for Master of Science in Data Science

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school, or the international equivalent

  • Applying to Saint Mary's Through GradCAS

  • Complete the application form
  • Candidates should possess familiarity with core competencies which may be demonstrated by education or experience
  • Bachelor's degree in mathematics, business, computer science, information systems, the sciences, health science, quantitative social science or related field; the most competitive candidates will have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework
  • Relevant work experience in a technical or quantitative area
  • Official transcripts from your degree-granting institutions
  • Current resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • One letter of recommendation from academic and/or other professionals addressing your ability to succeed in the program (three recommended)
  • Personal statement that describes how the experiences in your life make you ideally suited to become a data scientist
  • English language proficiency if your education was in a language other than English (to be shown through results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or completion of the appropriate level in the Saint Mary’s College English Language School)

 

Application Requirements for 4+1

The applicant is a current second semester junior majoring/minoring in mathematics, business, computer science, information systems, the sciences, health science, or quantitative social science OR
The applicant is a current first semester senior majoring/minoring in mathematics, business, computer science, information systems, the sciences, health science, or quantitative social science who has registered for a graduate Data Science course in her current semester.

And

  • an application form linked here
  • a personal statement that describes how the experiences in your life make you ideally suited to become a data scientist
  • official transcripts
  • completion of prerequisite courses

Email materials for 4+1 application to

graduateadmission@saintmarys.edu

Prerequisite Courses for 4+1 students

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Statistics
  • Computer Programming
  • Linear Algebra (or equivalent)
  • *One graduate Data Science course

*only for those applying in fall semester of her senior year

 

How to Strengthen Your Application

If You’re in School:

  • Take additional classes in quantitative disciplines
    • Required Pre-requisites: elementary linear algebra, introductory statistics, calculus 1 and 2
    • Suggested Electives: calculus 3, probability theory, differential equations, additional statistics
  • Explore computer programming, particularly Python
  • Engage in leadership opportunities
  • Gain practical experience through internships
  • Build relationships with your professors to secure letters of recommendation

If You’re in the Workforce:

  • Brush up on your algebra, calculus, and statistics
  • Explore computer programming, particularly Python
  • Continue developing your leadership skills
  • Reconnect with professors and former supervisors to secure letters of recommendation

Prerequisites and Core Competencies

The most competitive candidates will satisfy the prerequisites and core competencies as follows:

  • A quantitative undergraduate major (examples include but are not limited to mathematics, the sciences, social sciences, and business with a quantitative emphasis) or a career in a technical or quantitative area
  • One semester of calculus preferred
  • Familiarity with computer programming
  • Familiarity with statistics
  • Familiarity with linear algebra

*Candidates who meet some but not all of the prerequisites and core competencies are encouraged to apply and will be considered conditionally. The Program Director can identify opportunities for those candidates to gain familiarity in the relevant area(s).

 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but prospective students are encouraged to apply early in order to increase their chance of admission. The program has a non-binding early action deadline of December 15. Applications completed by December 15 will be guaranteed a decision by December 22. The program has a regular decision priority deadline of March 31; applications may be submitted after this date if seats are available.

 

Scholarship Opportunities

If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please complete the scholarship form and attach it and the supporting documentation to your application. For more information visit our program site.