University of Virginia

Program Duration: 11 Months beginning on 7/10/2016 for Summer Courses

Program Emphasis: https://dsi.virginia.edu/about
o Societys most pressing challenges and natures deepest mysteries frequently involve
large, complex systems. The behavior of these systems is best understood by handling
large amounts of data thus the term big data. To solve our most pressing challenges,
we need to develop new ways to acquire, analyze, and make sense out of big data.
o The Data Science Institute is an institute for large scale, complex data analysis. It is a
unique confluence of computation, science, engineering, mathematics, statistics,
commerce, social science, humanities, law, & more.
o https://dsi.virginia.edu/what-data-science
Program Size:
o 49 Cohorts
Application Deadlines: https://dsi.virginia.edu/applicants
o Applications open on October 15, 2015. To guarantee full consideration, applications
must be complete and submitted by January 15, 2016. Review of applications will begin
immediately following the submission deadline.
Application Requirements:
o

A completed application form

A personal statement that briefly states how the MSDS program fits into your long- and
short-term educational and career goals.

Scores for either the GRE or the GMAT scores are submitted via ETS using instituton
code 5820 and any department code. You should also self-report your GRE scores in the
application system. GMAT scores are submitted by requesting that GMAC send an
official score report to UVA, searching under "University of Virginia" and then selecting
"Data Science" as the program. Also, email a copy of your score GMAT report to
datascience@virginia.edu. (The admission system does not support self-reporting of
GMAT scores.) Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information
about GRE and GMAT scores.

Transcripts from all previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are requested on the
application and official transcripts are required to be mailed only after acceptance of an
offer made by the program.

Two letters of recommendation. Ideally at least one of which will come from an
individual with substantive knowledge of your academic accomplishments.

All international students must submit TOEFL scores. Scores are submitted via ETS
using institution code 5820 and department code 5199. The TOEFL is not required of
applicants who have or will have obtained a degree from an institution where English is
the primary language of instruction. The TOEFL requirement will automatically be
waived for an applicant who submits an application indicating these circumstances.
Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) instead of TOEFL scores. (See the Frequently Asked Questions page for more
information, including minimum score requirements)

An application fee of $85.00.

Admission Standards: https://dsi.virginia.edu/applicants

o 80th Percentile Quantitative / 60th Percentile Verbal | No Average GPA
Educational Prerequisites: https://dsi.virginia.edu/applicants

o Single variable calculus (similar to UVA MATH 1210-1220 or MATH 1310-1320

or APMA 1090-1110)
o Linear algebra or matrix algebra (similar to UVA MATH 3350 or MATH 3351 or
APMA 3080)
o An introductory statistics course (similar to UVA STAT 2020 or STAT 2120)
o An introductory programming course (similar to UVA CS 1110 or CS 1111 or CS
1112)

Curriculum: https://dsi.virginia.edu/curriculum
o The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) is an 10-month professional masters
program. The program starts in mid-July and ends the following year in mid-May. Core
program courses are taught by faculty from the departments of Computer Science,
Statistics, and Systems and Information Engineering. The program utilizes the spiral
learning framework, first giving the students the base that they need in languages,
computation, and linear modeling and building upon those skills to move to the practice
and application of data science. The program culminates in a capstone project where the
students use their knowledge base to solve a real world data science problem and present
the results in a public presentation.
o Summer:
CS 5010: Programming and Systems for Data Science
STAT 6430: Statistical Computing for Data Science
o Fall:

STAT 6021: Linear Models for Data Science

CS 5012: Foundations of Computer Science

SYS 6018: Data Mining

DS 6001: Practice and Application of Data Science

DS 6002a: Ethics of Big Data

DS 6003a: Capstone Project

Spring:

SYS 6016: Machine Learning

DS 6002b: Ethics of Big Data

DS 6003b: Capstone Project

Elective 1

CS 6501: Special Topics in Computer Science

CE 6400: Traffic Operations

STAT 6130: Applied Multivariate Statistics

STAT 5390: Exploratory Data Analysis

SYS 6001: Introduction to Systems Engineering

SYS 6003: Optimization I

SYS 6005: Stochastic Systems I

CS 6750: Database Systems

STAT 5170: Applied Time Series

STAT 5340: Bootstrap and Other Resampling Methods

MATH 5110: Stochastic Processes

Elective 2

Employment Prospects / Statistics: https://dsi.virginia.edu/frequently-asked-questions

o Unpublished
o The Data Science Institute is developing relationships with a number of employers about
the MSDS program. One specific outcome is that some of these companies will be
partners in the Capstone Projects course, with student teams having a chance to work on
projects provided by partner companies. In addition, we plan to have regular visits and
presentations by potential employers of MSDS graduates, along with opportunities for
students to talk with recruiters. As much as possible, we will try to help our students
make connections with potential employers that can lead to job opportunities.
Application Fee: $85
Tuition and Fees: https://dsi.virginia.edu/tuition-and-fees

o Summer 2015: $4,766.00

o Fall 2015: $10,093.00
o Spring 2016: $10,093.00
o Total: $24,952.00
FAQ: https://dsi.virginia.edu/frequently-asked-questions

Virginia Commonwealth University

Program Duration: Total graduate credit hours required (minimum) 45 (30 if prerequisite and all
foundation courses are waived) Starts August 2016
Program Emphasis:
o The Master of Science in Business with a Decision Analytics concentration provides
students with knowledge of quantitative skills and experience in analyzing problems
arising in a business environment. Depending upon individual student interests and
adviser approval, the required nucleus is supplemented with relevant elective courses
from within the School of Business or from outside departments.
o http://business.vcu.edu/graduate-studies/ms-in-business-with-a-concentration-indecision-analytics/

Program goal

The Master of Science in Business with a concentration in decision analytics provides students
with knowledge of the statistical, mathematical and scientific skills and experience necessary to
utilize advanced methods of data analysis for business decision-making.
Student learning outcomes

After examining a situation/problem, students will be able to develop appropriate

hypotheses along with a method for testing them and be able to draw logical conclusions
and make reasonable decisions based on available information.

Students will be able to apply quantitative procedures to obtain solutions for real-world
problems.

Students will be able to appropriately address the target audience, use proper
organization, create clear graphical displays and express ideas with clarity and
grammatical correctness.

Students will be able to show a clear understanding of the ethical nature of the issue and
recommend appropriate action.
o
o

http://business.vcu.edu/graduate-studies/ms-in-business-with-a-concentration-indecision-analytics/
http://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/school-business/business-ms-decision-analytics/

Program Size:

o Unlisted
Application Deadlines:
o Summer 2016: March 1
o Fall 2016: July 1
o Spring 2017: Nov 1
Application Requirements:
o http://business.vcu.edu/media/school-ofbusiness/images/graduate/2015ApplicationChecklist.pdf

All (traditional) masters-level and doctoral business programs require a GMAT or a GRE score
to complete an application for admission. Post-baccalaureate graduate certificate programs do
not require a GMAT nor GRE score to complete an application for admission.
VCU Test Prep is a standardized test preparation program, offered through the Office of
Continuing and Professional Education at VCU. Learn more from their web site.
Only applicants to masters-level business programs who already have a master's degree in an
accredited, quantitative program, may be eligible for waiver of the GMAT/GRE exam. We do not
waive the test score requirement for Ph.D. applicants. To determine eligibility, please send an
email requesting a waiver to Jana McQuaid, Executive Director for Masters Programs, at
jpmcquaid@vcu.edu; you must attach your resume and transcript(s) for your request to be
considered.
Applications without either written permission of waiver or a GMAT/GRE score are incomplete,
thus not reviewed.
For the complete application checklist for all traditional (non-executive/-professional) graduate
business programs, please visit the application checklist above or here.
For executive and professional track programs' test score requirements, see here.
Graduate Business Program Essay requirements:
All graduate-level (post-baccalaureate graduate certificate, master's, doctoral) business programs
require a statement of purpose (sometimes referred to as an essay or personal statement). We
recommend a statement between one and a half, to two, pages long. Writing should be of
professional quality and all applicants should provide evidence of their accomplishments, goals,
and reasons for applying to their intended program in their essay.
Evening MBA program applicants are invited to address the below topics specifically:

What skills/characteristics do you have that will contribute to a positive classroom environment?

Provide specific examples of your intellectual and professional achievements and discuss how
they might relate to graduate study in management and in a career as a manager or business
leader.

What do you hope to gain, both personally and professionally, from the VCU MBA program?

The above guidelines are also appropriate for any Graduate Business Program applicant essay.
For the complete application checklist for all traditional (non-executive/-professional) graduate
business programs, please visit the application checklist above or here.
For executive and professional track programs' essay requirements, see here.
Q. Must I complete all foundation and/or prerequisite courses prior to applying to a graduate
business program?
A. No. If you have not completed all prerequisite and foundation courses prior to your
admission, you will be required to complete them prior to beginning advanced core courses in
your graduate program.

Admission Standards: None listed GRE Required

Educational Prerequisites:
o http://business.vcu.edu/media/school-ofbusiness/images/graduate/Summarysheet2015MSBUSDL.pdf

o Completion of Calculus (SCMA 212)

o Completion of Online Harvard Statistics Course

Statistics course link: https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/40215527

Curriculum:
http://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/school-business/business-ms-decisionanalytics/#degreerequirementstext

Prerequisite: All students must have completed a course in Calculus (SCMA 212 or
SCMA 500) prior to attempting graduate business courses. This prerequisite can be met
after admission to the program.

Foundation Courses:
Students must complete up to four classes (0 to 12 credit hours) of work from the
following list. All or some of the foundation courses may be waived for students who
have completed the equivalent undergraduate coursework with no less than a C grade.
Required (1):SCMA 524 Statistical Fundamentals for Business Management
Plus three of the following (3):
ACCT 507 Fundamentals of Accounting
ECON 500 Concepts in Economics
FIRE 520 Financial Concepts of Management
INFO 364 Database Systems
MGMT 540 Management Theory and Practice
MKTG 570 Concepts and Issues in Marketing

SCMA 530 Fundamentals of the Legal Environment of Business

o

Required Core Courses (3):

INFO 664 Business Intelligence
SCMA 632 Statistical Analysis
SCMA 645 Management Science

Plus three of the following additional requirements (3):

INFO 610 Analysis and Design of Database Systems
INFO 614 Data Mining
SCMA 643 Applied Multivariate Methods
SCMA 648 Analytics for Organizational Decision-Making
SCMA 669 Forecasting Methods
SCMA 677 Quality Management and Six Sigma

Required Electives (4):

Students select electives from the approved elective list (below), remaining courses from
the above additional requirements list, or other graduate courses that meet the
approval of the faculty advisor to count as elective courses.
ACCT 608 Managerial Accounting Concepts
ECON 501 Introduction to Econometrics
ECON 610 Managerial Economics
ECON 612 Econometrics
FIRE 629 Real Estate Investment Analysis
FIRE 635 Investments and Security Analysis
INFO 611 Data Re-engineering
INFO 616 Data Warehousing
MGMT 642 Business Policy and Strategy
MGMT 697 Guided Study in Management
MKTG 673 Marketing Research
OPER 528 Stochastic Simulation
OPER/STAT 636 Machine Learning Algorithms
OPER 643 Decision and Risk Analysis
SCMA 675 Operations Management
Employment Prospects / Statistics:
o Unpublished
Application Fee: $65
Tuition and Fees: http://accounting.vcu.edu/media/sem/student-accounting/docs/pdf/1516TuitionandFeesSheet.pdf
o Full-Time (9-15 Credits): $6,379.50 / Semester = 45 Credit Hour Degree = $19,138.00
FAQ:
o http://business.vcu.edu/graduate-studies/how-to-apply/how-to-apply-to-traditionalprograms/
o http://business.vcu.edu/media/school-ofbusiness/images/graduate/2015ApplicationChecklist.pdf
o

Texas A&M University Online

Program Duration: 36 Credit Hours 2 years if 7hrs per semester

Program Emphasis: http://analytics.stat.tamu.edu/index.php#home

o The aim of the five (5) semester, part-time program is to provide comprehensive and
balanced training in statistical modeling and predictive analysis to create data scientists
that will be thought-leaders and innovators.
o The Department of Statistics offers a part-time Master of Science in Analytics that offers
courses from the top-ranked Mays Business School and is open to working professionals
with strong quantitative skills, for example bachelor's degree holders in the sciences,
mathematics, business and engineering fields. Skills learned are applicable in utilities,
manufacturing, information, healthcare, natural resources, transportation, warehousing,
finance and insurance, and many other sectors
o
Program Size:
o 60
Application Deadlines:
o Rolling admission
Application Requirements:
o http://catalog.tamu.edu/graduate/colleges-schoolsinterdisciplinary/science/statistics/analytics-ms/#text
Admission Standards:
o http://catalog.tamu.edu/graduate/colleges-schoolsinterdisciplinary/science/statistics/analytics-ms/#text
o Extensive interview process
Educational Prerequisites:
http://analytics.stat.tamu.edu/files/CurriculumMSAnalyticsProgram10915.pdf
http://catalog.tamu.edu/graduate/course-descriptions/stat/
One statistics course completed with a C or better is the prerequisite for the degree. Examples of
acceptable courses at Texas A&M University include STAT 301, STAT 302 or STAT 303 or INFO
303 or STAT 651 or equivalent
Curriculum:
Semester 1 (Fall)
STAT 608 Regression Analysis (3 hours)
ISYS 615 Business Data Base Systems (3 hours)
STAT 684 Practicum (1 hour)
Semester 2 (Spring)
STAT 636 (INFO 657) Methods in Multivariate Analysis (3 hours)
MKTG 625 Marketing Engineering (3 hours)
STAT 684 Practicum (1 hour)
Semester 3 (Summer)
STAT 656 Applied Analytics Using SAS Enterprise Miner (3 hours)
ACCT 610 Financial Accounting (3 hours)
STAT 684 Practicum (1 hour)
Semester 4 (Fall)
STAT 626 Methods in Time Series Analysis (3 hours)

STAT 657 Advanced Programming Using SAS (3 hours)

STAT 685 Directed Studies (1 hour)
Semester 5 (Spring)
Elective 1 (3 hours)
Elective 2 (3 hours)
STAT 685 Directed Studies (2 hours

Employment Prospects / Statistics:

Application Fee: $50
Tuition and Fees:
FAQ: http://analytics.stat.tamu.edu/files/CurriculumMSAnalyticsProgram10915.pdf

Denver University