Data Science and Analytics
Master of Data Science and Analytics (MDSA)
Course-based program
Program overview
This degree prepares students for a career in the in-demand fields of data science and business analytics. The curriculum was developed collaboratively by the Faculty of Science, Haskayne School of Business, and Cumming School of Medicine to ensure that students are provided with a multidisciplinary education in data science and analytics that leverages the expertise of leading researchers and instructors at the university.
Students will learn the fundamental concepts and tools of data science and analytics, and refine their professional and leadership skills while developing and applying their technical knowledge and abilities. Students will be able to use concepts and tools across multiple contexts, industries, and sectors. Areas of specialization are available in either Data Science, Business Analytics, Financial and Energy Markets Data Modelling or Health Data Science and Biostatistics.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Working with Data and Visualization, Statistical Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling with Data, Big Data Management.
- Four Courses in One Specialization Area: Data Science, Business Analytics, Financial and Energy Markets Data Modelling or Health Data Science & Biostatistics
- Integrated Topics in Data Science and Analytics Course
- A Professional or Research Internship
Specializations
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Financial and Energy Markets Data Modelling
- Health Data Science and Biostatistics
Outcomes
Technology sector, business start-ups, computer science research, business analysis, human resources, healthcare, marketing.
This degree will give students the ability to apply core concepts and tools of data thinking to their work in any industry. Data scientists analyze data from across a company, spot trends, and use business acumen to recommend problems to tackle and how to tackle them. These skills will be transferable to many sectors – business, retail, e-commerce, advertising, healthcare, etc.
Laddered Pathway
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics will be eligible to apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics, and, if admitted, will receive laddering credit for the 12 units of coursework completed. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma and who are subsequently accepted into the Master of Data Science and Analytics, Laddered Pathway will be granted 24 units (12 units each for the Certificate and Diploma) of laddering credit.
There can be no more than five years between completing a credential in the laddered pathway and enrolling in the next credential.
Students completing the laddered pathway will receive a parchment for each credential earned in the pathway.
A course-based degree is usually considered a final degree.
The Master of Data Science and Analytics is a continuous program with no scheduled break.
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GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the last two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution.
Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses, with at least a "B" grade or equivalent:
- one course in computer programming;
- one course in statistics or equivalent, and
- one course in either calculus or linear algebra or equivalent.
Work samples
None
Documents
- All unofficial transcripts and degrees for all post-secondary education to assess prerequisites and a student's GPA. Please include Grade Scale from each institution as well.
- Proof of Prerequisite Completion
- GPA Calculation Worksheet
Reference letters
None
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
If an applicant holds a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree from an institution that instructs in English, the proof of English language proficiency required is waived.
If an applicant's previous post-secondary education was taught in a different language, proof of English Language Proficiency is required and may be fulfilled in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
Deadlines
Fall Admission
- September 1: Application start
- Deadline for Canadian/Permanent Residents: N/A - See note below
- Deadline for International: March 15
- To accommodate extended study permit processing times for students from Iran, we will be accepting applications from Iranian applicants for the Fall intake until February 1. This deadline is intended to allow sufficient time for review and study permit application.
*Please note: Domestic students must apply to the Certificate program as part of the laddered pathway toward the Master’s. International students should apply directly to the Master’s program.
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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