Data Science Accelerated Master's

Master of Science in Data Science at CU 91ĂŰĚҸóĚýWhy Choose the MS-DS BAM?

What Is This Program?

The Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program lets you earn both your bachelor’s in computer science and a Master of Science in Data Science at the same time. You can take up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework while you’re still an undergraduate.

In cases where one of the BAM courses taken as an undergraduate student is 4-credit hours, a student can count no more than (13) credit hours to the master's degree, as the use of one (4) credit hour course may increase either the double-counting limit or the number of remaining credits taken to be used toward only the master’s degree.

This page covers who is eligible, what courses apply, and how to apply for the MS-DS degree at CU 91ĂŰĚҸó.

How the Credits Work

The MS in Data Science requires 30 credit hours total. Here’s how the BAM program helps you get a head start:

  • You may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level courses while completing your bachelor’s degree.
  • Of those 12 hours, up to 6 credit hours can count toward both your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree at the same time, meaning they’ll double count.

Courses typically pursued through BAM:

  • STAT 5000: Statistical Methods and Applications 1 (3 credits)
  • STAT 5010: Statistical Methods and Applications 2 (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5502: Data Mining (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5612: Machine Learning for Data Science (3 credits)

Tip: You get the most value from this program if you complete all four allowed graduate courses before you graduate with your bachelor’s degree — both in time saved and money.

Who Can Apply?

Current Undergraduates (BA/BS Students)

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • At least junior standing (you cannot apply in the same semester you’re graduating)
  • A grade of B or higher in each of the required prerequisite courses (listed below)

Required prerequisite courses:

  • CSCI 1300 — Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
    • CSCI 2270 — Computer Science 2: Data Structures
    • CSCI 2400 — Computer Systems
    • CSCI 3022 — Introduction to Data Science with Probability and Statistics
    • CSCI 3308 — Software Methods and Tools

CSCI 3022 may be substituted with one of the following:

  • APPM 3570 — Applied Probability
    • APPM 4570 — Statistical Methods
    • MATH 3510 — Introduction to Probability and Statistics
    • MATH 4510 — Introduction to Probability Theory
    • STAT 4000 — Statistical Methods and Application I

Don’t meet the GPA or prerequisite grade requirement?ĚýIf you have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, you can still apply if you submit one letter of reference from a faculty member or your academic advisor explaining why you should be considered. The letter-writer should email it directly to datascience@colorado.edu.

Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bacc) Students

Post-bacc students enrolled in the Applied Computer Science program can also apply. Requirements are the same as for undergraduates, with the following differences:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher (a letter of reference is required if your GPA is between 3.0 and 3.25)
  • A grade of B or higher in each of the required prerequisite courses

Required prerequisite courses for post-bacc students:

  • CSPB 1300 — Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
    • CSPB 2270 — Computer Science 2: Data Structures
    • CSPB 2400 — Computer Systems
    • CSPB 3022 — Introduction to Data Science with Probability and Statistics

CSPB 3308 — Software Methods and Tools

How to Apply

Application Deadlines

  • October 15 — Deadline to apply for a spring semester start
  • February 28 — Deadline to apply for a fall semester start

Miss the deadlines above? Reach out toĚýdatascience@colorado.edu to inquire about applying.

Steps for CS Applicants (BS, BA, Post-Bacc)

  1. Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements above. If you have questions, contact your undergraduate academic advisor, or meet with a graduate advisor.
  2. Complete theĚý by the deadline for your intended start semester.
  3. When completing the form, select the correct undergraduate program:
    • CS BS students — select COMPUTER SCIENCE BS (CSEN-BS)
    • CS BA students — select COMPUTER SCIENCE BA (CSEN-BA)
    • CS Post-Bacc students – select APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE POST-BACC (CSAP-BSACS)

Finishing Up: Continuation Steps

When you’re nearing the end of your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to complete a few steps to transition into the master’s program. These are called “continuation” steps.

Continuation deadlines (based on your expected graduation):

  • February 1 — if you are graduating in May
  • March 1 — if you are graduating in August
  • October 1 — if you are graduating in December

By your continuation deadline, complete all of the following:

  • ĚýĚýwith your bachelor's degree.
  • Ěý
    • Select your desired start term – Summer, Fall, or Spring!

Ěýto identify which courses you're double counting and which you're using toward the master's degree.

Questions? Contact: datascience@colorado.edu

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