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College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Science in Data Science Program Requirements

Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science Program

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
McQuaid Hall; (973) 761-9466; [email protected] 
Data Science Program

Faculty: Anand; Kahl; Minimair (Program Director); Saccoman (Chair); Wachsmuth
Senior Faculty Associate: Sethi
Lecturer: Reynolds
Adjunct Faculty: Abayomi 
Associated Full-Time Faculty: Goedert; Hale

Program Summary 

Data science comprises the concepts, techniques, tools and body of knowledge supporting Big Data, the acquisition, management, analysis and display of large, rapidly changing and varied sets of information. It supports the extraction of actionable knowledge directly from data through a process of discovery, or hypothesis formulation and hypothesis testing. Data science encompasses activities ranging from collecting the raw data, processing and extracting knowledge from the data, to decision making based on the data, implementing a solution. The data science field presents career entry, advancement and transition opportunities for practitioners and researchers in industry, government and academia at various levels of expertise. 

A data scientist is a practitioner who has extensive knowledge in the overlapping realms of business needs, domain knowledge, analytical skills and software and systems engineering to manage the end-to-end data processes in the data life cycle. Such a practitioner is skilled in data management and processing, analyzing business and scientific processes and communicating findings for effective decision making. 

The Master of Science in Data Science Program equips students with the knowledge and competencies required to become data science and analytics professionals. Applying tools and methods such as probability theory, statistical analysis and computing and exploring subjects such as data collection, manipulation, processing, analysis and visualization, the students learn how to solve data-driven problems and practice analytics-driven decision making. Furthermore, students learn how to automate these activities by cloud computing and machine learning platforms as the amount of accumulated data grows immensely.

Application Deadlines

Graduate applications are considered on a rolling basis with no application deadline.

General Admission Requirements

A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 is required. The 3.2 GPA requirement may be waived if three years of professional performance in an industry related to the undergraduate degree is demonstrated (through resume and recommendation letters).

Applicants must submit the following materials (please note that an application will not be reviewed until all required materials have been submitted):

  • Completed Graduate Application with Fee
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcript(s)
  • Applicants must have completed undergraduate mathematics through the level of Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra and Statistics. Please see note below. 

Missing Prerequisites

Are you missing any of the math or computing prerequisites for the program? We will help design a one-semester/summer transitional curriculum to help you acquire the necessary skills before starting the M.S. program. Please contact Manfred Minimair, Ph.D., at [email protected] for details.

Admission Requirements for International Applicants

In addition to the general admission requirements for the M.S. in Data Science program, international applicants must submit the following additional materials:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. This requirement can be waived if English is the official language of an applicant’s home country. 
  • Transcript evaluation: Academic transcripts from institutions outside of the United States or Canada must undergo a course-by-course evaluation conducted by an independent credentials evaluation agency, that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). SpanTran is our recommended international transcript evaluation service. A custom application has been created exclusively for Seton Hall University allowing our applicants to request their evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access the application here: SpanTran Application - Seton Hall University. Failure to submit a required credential evaluation from a NACES member will result in your application for admission being incomplete and, thus, unable to be reviewed.