MS Data Science

In today’s data-driven world, organizations of all types are using data to drive strategy, make critical decisions, and solve problems. Data scientists are in great demand—Glassdoor ranks data scientist as one of the top three Best Jobs, and the field is expected to grow more than 30 percent over the next decade.

American University’s MS in Data Science is designed to produce the next generation of leaders in this hot field. In as little as 18 months, in person or online, you’ll gain the analytical expertise and creative problem-solving skills necessary to succeed across multiple industries, academia, and government.

The MS in Data Science consists of 10 courses/30 credit hours. Core courses train students to clean, process, visualize, and archive modern datasets, including text, imagery, and biometric data, apply machine learning algorithms to real data, and use the mathematical and statistical language used by data scientists. All classes prepare students to succeed in their individual tracks and the capstone: DATA-793 Data Science Practicum (3), where they will get hands-on experience working directly with faculty and other researchers on projects.

The core curriculum includes the following required classes:

• DATA-612 Statistical Programming in R (3)
• DATA-613 Data Science (3)
• STAT-615 Regression (3)
• STAT-627 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
• Choose one:
• GOVT-618 Bayesian Statistics (3)
• STAT-618 Bayesian Statistics (3)
• GOVT-650 Political Analysis (3)

Choose one:

• GOVT-653 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Political Science (3)
• STAT-614 Statistical Methods (3)

What You'll Walk Away With

• A deep understanding of complex data
• Cutting edge technical skills, including Advanced Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks, Deep Learning, and Business Intelligence
• Analytical problem-solving
• DC connections and opportunities
• The power of American University’s network
• Real-world experience in the Data Science Practicum, where students provide data science expertise and project assistance to faculty, local companies, non-profits, and government organizations
• Communication, ethical leadership, and teamwork skills

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of statistical and computational tools (including R) and advanced techniques for data analysis.
2. Process, understand, and explore a wide class of human-generated information to solve complex problems and produce new knowledge.
3. Apply knowledge of statistical and computational tools to political, social, and institutional problems for data analytic positions in academia, government, and industry.
4. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate understanding of data analytic techniques and statistical and computational tools.

With a median base salary of $120,000, Data Scientist has ranked in the top three best jobs in America for the last seven consecutive years. There were 30 million job ads for data scientists in the US alone in 2020 — and these numbers are rising. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36 percent increase in data science jobs over the next nine years — and DC offers the nation's highest concentration of data science positions.

In DC, you'll take advantage of the nation's highest concentration of data science positions and unparalleled access to private and public sector opportunities. AU's campus is minutes from industry giants such as Deloitte Consulting, Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, the National Institutes of Health, and Lockheed Martin. Our graduates start with a foot in the door, thanks to AU’s relationships with DC-area institutions and our ever-expanding alumni data science network.

• Accenture
• Amazon
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Deloitte
• Federation of American Scientists
• National Institutes of Health
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
• US Census Bureau, US Department of Labor, US General Services Administration, US Senate, and US House of Representatives