M.S. in Analytics

Since the Fall of 2015, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has offered the Master of Science in Analytics with a concentration in Data Science degree. Instruction is provided by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Analytics Program. The curriculum provides students with a rigorous training in computational, mathematical, and statistical methods to prepare them for careers in data science and analytics.

Students in the M.S. in Analytics, concentration in Data Science program will build a solid knowledge of data analytics fundamentals and then add skills in visualization, big data computing, and machine learning. Important soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving techniques will be part of the training throughout. Individuals who complete the program will be able to pursue careers, especially in the Washington, D.C. area, in fields as diverse as homeland security, consumer marketing, finance, and government. The data science graduate program may also serve as a preparation for students who wish to enter a Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science, or Economics. In addition, our instructional partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory further enhances the program.

Who Should Apply?

This program is appropriate for students who have recently completed degrees with significant mathematical or statistical emphasis, as well as for mid-career professionals who seek professional advancement or a shift in the career track. The expected time for completing the degree as a full-time student is two years. By using transfer credit and/or taking summer courses, students may be able to complete the program in three semesters (16 months). Part-time students may take longer (up to three years). Classes will be offered in the late afternoon or evening, allowing part-time students to participate fully.

Degree Requirements

Students in the M.S. in Analytics, concentration in Data Sciences program must successfully complete 30 credits and maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.00, as well as meet all curriculum requirements.

Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis, but full-time enrollment is strongly encouraged. There is a three-year window to complete the program. It is possible for a student to graduate in as little as 12 calendar months taking 12 credits per semester (overload). Most students take 9 credits per semester and graduate in 16 months to two years.

Concentration in Data Sciences Coursework

There are six required core courses, designed to provide students with a solid foundation in data science. Five additional elective courses allow students to learn tailored skills, helping them apply data analysis to fields of interest. Coursework may be taken in any order that is allowed by the prerequisites.

Consortium Coursework

Georgetown University graduate students may enroll in coursework at other universities in the Washington, DC area through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Georgetown University graduate students may enroll in coursework at other universities in the Washington, DC area through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. You must obtain permission from the Analytics program, the Georgetown Graduate Dean, and the visited institution. Detailed rules are available on the University Registrar webpage.

The total of all transfer and consortium courses may not exceed 25% of the curriculum that is counted towards graduation. In addition, transfer and consortium courses do not count toward the Georgetown grade point average (GPA).

If you took a class at another area institution directly (not through the Consortium), you can ask for transfer of credit, subject to the 25% limit on transfer credit.