Master of Science in Data Science

About this programme

The Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS) is normally a 2-year program. The goal of the program is to provide students with solid knowledge, techniques, and experience in the research and application of data science, and to prepare students to become researchers and leaders in the emerging area of data science at the regional, national, and global levels. The program is unique in that it can be an application-orientated or a research-orientated master’s program depending on whether students choose the Graduate Project option or the Graduate Thesis option. Regardless of their choice, graduates will develop the strong data analytics, critical-thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills required for success as a data scientist in big data or to pursue further advances in research. The demand for people with data analytics skills is very high at the present and will be even greater in the near future. In a general sense, it is estimated by Canada’s Big Data Consortium that in 2018 Canada’s overall shortage of professionals with deep analytical skills will be in the range of 14,000 to 19,000, and shortage of data literate managers and analysts will be about 150,000. The shortfall is not fulfilled yet at this day and the demand gap grows even larger. Acceptable four (4) year bachelor degree or equivalent in a discipline of science, or a related discipline with a minimum average grade in the last 60 credits of: Preference will be given to students who have specialized in the areas of Statistics, Computing Science, Mathematics and Engineering.