MS in Data Science

On This Page

Program Overview


Fairfield University’s Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with scientific methods, processes, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in structured and unstructured forms. The program employs techniques in machine learning, classification, cluster analysis, uncertainty quantification, computational science, data mining, databases, and visualization.

Fairfield’s MSDS program is unique in that it allows students to build in-depth data science knowledge in specialized areas of concentration, while equipping graduates with the advanced technical skills to analyze, interpret, and turn data into actionable insights. The program draws students from many academic concentrations– behavioral sciences, engineering, business, healthcare, computing, biology – as well as those already in the workforce.

Career opportunities for MSDS graduates include commercial, financial, health, and manufacturing sectors, as well as for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Contact Us

Mirco Speretta headshot

Mirco Speretta

Program Director of Cybersecurity and Data Science

Computer Science and Engineering

x 2737

Office of Graduate Admission

P: (203) 254-4184
F: (203) 254-4199
gradadmis@fairfield.edu

Industry at a Glance

$100,560

Median Salary
– Bureau of Labor Statistics

3%

Projected Job Growth Over the Next 10 Years
– Bureau of Labor Statistics

#6

in Best Jobs
– U.S. News and World Report

Requirements & Curriculum

The yearlong capstone sequence (two courses) provides MS in Data Science graduate students with hands on, real-world applied data science experiences, customizable to their academic and/or professional interests.

Required Courses

Applied Statistics I
Visual Analytics
Data Warehouse Systems
Data Mining and Business Intelligence
Two (2) Concentration courses
Two (2) elective courses
Capstone Professional Project I
Capstone Professional Project II

Visit our our academic catalog for detailed course descriptions and more information.

School of Engineering & Computing Admission

Applicants to the MS in Data Science program must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent). Students may enter the Data Science master's program from any background. Some come from engineering and computing. Others come from specific domain backgrounds like biology, healthcare, behavioral sciences, or business. Admitted students may need to take up to six credits of bridge course work to prepare for the program, depending on their background. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

More About MS in Data Science

Career & Professional Opportunities

Learn More

Career & Professional Opportunities

Through Fairfield's MS in Data Science program, you'll develop skills that can be directly applied to your current or future career. Examples of employment opportunities for master's degree holders in data science include:

  • Data Science Enterprise professional
  • Big Data consultant
  • Business intelligence reporting professional
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Controller
  • Data mining or Big Data Engineer
  • Health Data Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Research Data Scientist

Learn about how Fairfield's Career Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield's tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.

Visit the Career Center

Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

Learn More

Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

Four Students sitting together talking to each other in common srrea 

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.

Learn More

School of Engineering Newsletter

Learn More

School of Engineering Newsletter

Learn more about what our faculty, students, and alumni are doing, as well as stay up-to-date on our rankings and accolades, programs, and more.

Read Our Newsletter

School of Engineering Update

Learn More

School of Engineering Update

We invite you to view the School of Engineering Update, a year in review of School of Engineering News.

Read the School of Engineering Update (PDF)

Faculty & Administration

Learn More

Faculty & Administration

The faculty and administration of Fairfield University’s School of Engineering is a community of professional engineers and leading-edge scholars who are dedicated to research and passionate about teaching.

Meet the Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.

The GREs are not required. We do look closely at your academic record and other application materials. Generally, we like to see that you have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If your GPA is lower than 3.0 but you would like us to consider your application, you may include with your application a statement that explains your GPA and why you are confident you will be able to maintain the required 3.0 GPA in your graduate studies.

Tuition and fees for Fairfield's graduate programs.

Our programs are designed to accommodate students who want to attend either on a full-time or part-time basis. Students who are fully employed will find the scheduling of our courses compatible with their work requirements.

Most of our courses are offered in the evening. Weekday courses generally meet once a week for two and a half hours.

We keep our classes small. The typical maximum class size is 20, but class sizes range from less than 12 to 20.

Our students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, which adds to the richness of our interactions in class. An undergraduate degree specifically in engineering is not required, but exposure to technology through employment is useful.

For students who attend part-time, the time will vary based on how many courses are taken at a time. Students who attend full-time take 9 credits each semester and can complete the program in three semesters. All students are required to complete their degree within 6 years after they begin their first course.

To be considered for financial aid, Fairfield University requires students to complete a FAFSA form. For further information on financial aid, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

A limited number of part-time assistantships are available to assist promising and deserving students.

Search Results