Data Science and Analytics

Master of Data Science and Analytics (MDSA)

Course-based program

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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, 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, 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.

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.

Course-based program

Four core courses, four specialization courses, one integrated topics course, and a research or professional internship.

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Expected completion is 12 months; six years maximum

Supervisor

An Academic Coordinator is assigned to each cohort.

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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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

Prerequisite Learning PDF

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

Application Start: September 1
Deadline for International applicants: March 1
Deadline for Canadian/Permanent Residents: This program is not open for direct entry. Students interested in this program can proceed through the laddered process, starting with the certificate. Please contact the program with any questions.

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements