| |
Jun 19, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Data Science Major, MS
|
|
Pending THEC and SACSCOC approval.
This program is intended to equip students with the data science knowledge and skills necessary to work with data in a range of settings, including industry, not-for-profit-organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. The program is designed to accommodate and support students with varying backgrounds, including those with limited programming and statistical backgrounds, while also providing opportunities for students with greater background in those areas to pursue more advanced coursework.
|
Concentrations and Options Available
Students may choose no concentration or select a concentration from the list below. - Applied Machine Learning
- Educational Data Analytics
- Policy Analysis
- Population Health and Modeling
Campus Code
Knoxville Campus Admissions Standards/Procedures
In order to be admitted to the program, students must: - Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.50 in the major, 3.30 overall.
- Make formal online application to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Instructions for submitting three letters of recommendation, which are required, can be found in the online application.
- Upload a letter of intent indicating career goals and reasons for selecting the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and one sample of written work (a class paper or research report).
- Submit completed application by 1 December for consideration for admission the following year.
Credit Hours Required
30 graduate credit hours consisting of: - 15 graduate credit hours of required core courses
- 6 graduate credit hours to complete Data Modeling sequence
- 9 graduate credit hours selected from either:
- the related concentration from admission or
- if no concentration is selected, then select 3 courses from any of the elective lists
Required Courses
Students must complete the five courses listed below: Data Science Modeling Sequence
Students must complete two courses as listed below: Concentration Electives
Students may select one 9 credit hour (3 course) concentration selected from the options below: - Applied Machine Learning
- Educational Data Analytics
- Policy Analysis
- Population Health and Modeling
Note: If no concentration is selected, students may satisfy this requirement by selecting three electives from any of the listed courses as guided and informed by a conversation with an advisor or MSDS program director. Applied Machine Learning Concentration
Students in this concentration develop knowledge and skills in using advanced data analytic and data modeling methods, focusing on using machine learning methods. Students have opportunities to delve into deep learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence. This concentration prepares students primarily for industry, but it is also appropriate for students interested in applying machine learning in other settings. Educational Data Analytics Concentration
With an emphasis on applying data science in educational contexts, this concentration provides students with skills in analyzing complex educational data through methods such as multi-level modeling, psychometrics, and applied machine learning methods. Students consider learning analytics applications. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in education research, institutional analysis, or learning technology development, using data to inform and improve educational practice. Policy Analysis Concentration
Population Health and Modeling Concentration
|
|
|
