Domestic Applicants

UMBC’s Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Science program prepares students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds for careers in data science. In the core courses, students get a fundamental understanding of data science through classes that highlight machine learning, data analysis, data management, and ethical and legal implications surrounding data science.

Courses and Pathways

Students are required to take ten courses to earn their professional master’s degree. Seven of these ten courses are

• DATA 601 – Introduction to Data Science
• DATA 602 – Introduction to Data Analysis and Machine Learning
• DATA 603 – Platforms for Big Data Processing
• DATA 604 – Data Management
• DATA 605 – Ethical and Legal Issues in Data Science (Online)
• DATA 606 – Capstone in Data Science
• DATA 607 – Leadership in Data Science

Please visit our program website to read course descriptions. More detailed information can be found here.

In addition, students take three elective courses offered by other academic departments and programs such as Cybersecurity, Project Management, Health IT, and more. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about them and the courses offered in these pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply for the Master of Professional Studies: Data Science program?

Anyone interested in advancing their career or changing career paths by developing data science skills is encouraged to apply.

Is MPS (Master of Professional Studies) the same as MS (Master of Science)?

No. Please visit this page where we discuss the differences between MPS and MS.

What kinds of jobs can someone with a master’s degree in data science do?

Please read this collaged article: https://dil.umbc.edu/jobs-you-can-do-with-a-master/

What are the eligibility requirements Master of Professional Studies: Data Science program?

Successful applicants should have:

• An undergraduate degree
• GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or higher
• Competency in Calculus, Statistics, and basic programming.
• International Candidates Only: English proficiency score

How is applicants’ competency in calculus, statistics, or basic programming assessed?

We examine students’ transcripts and expect a grade of B or higher in courses related to these three subjects.

What can applicants do if they do not meet some of the requirements?

Candidates, without previous education in calculus, statistics, or basic programming, should take such courses at a university or a community college before they submit their application to us.

What can applicants do if they meet the requirements but need a refresher?

We also have three foundational data science courses to teach these subjects. These courses are:

• Statistical Analysis and Visualization with Python
• Data Structures and Algorithms in Python
• Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning

If an applicant has taken courses in the past but wants to refresh their fundamentals on one of these subjects, then they can take the corresponding course in their first semester at UMBC.

Does UMBC offer undergraduate-level courses that will satisfy the prerequisites for the program? If so, what are these courses?

If the candidate is interested in taking these courses at UMBC, we recommend they take Math 151, Stat 355, and CMSC 201 (Python section) to meet the pre-requirements.

Where can I take the prerequisite undergraduate-level courses if I can’t take them at UMBC?

Due to their lower fees, community colleges might be a good alternative. Near our main campus, the Community College of Baltimore County offers Math 251 and Math 153, which help students meet our calculus and stats prerequisites. Similarly, Montgomery College offers MATH 181 and MATH 117 near our Shady Grove campus. Students, who are interested in taking online courses, might consider the University of Maryland University College’s MATH 140 and STAT 200 courses.

Will you accept courses taken on sites like Coursera and edX in fulfillment of the prerequisite requirements?

We do not accept online courses in fulfillment of the prerequisite requirements.

Do you admit students for summer sessions?

No. We only admit students for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Is GRE required?

No.

Is there a thesis requirement?

No, there is no formal thesis defense. However, the MPS DS includes a semester-long capstone project which involves significant research and writing.

Is work experience required?

No.

If I am denied admission, can I apply again?

Yes, you may apply again by submitting a new application and supplemental material.

If I am admitted, can I defer admission?

Students can defer their admission up to two semesters. The deferral form can be found at https://gradschool.umbc.edu/students/forms/

What kind of documents are required for the application?

Your application should include the following documents: (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you already have started an application, you can finish up)

• Statement outlining your goals and expectations in the program. This also is an opportunity for you to further explain your background and qualifications for the program and provide any additional information about you or your experience which will help with the evaluation of your application.
• Current resume (When applying online, upload your resume to the graduate school application.)
• Transcript(s) from each college & university attended
• Local Students: Completed application including residency form (Residency form determines in-state tuition eligibility)
• International Students: TOEFL, IELTS or PTE test score
• Non-refundable application fee ($50 online)

How do I apply?

By submitting an online application. Here’re the specific steps:

• Go to the application website
• Select proposed program Data Science >> Data Science (PRST MPS)
• Choose the campus you want to study.
• Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Academic Goals and Research Interests” section.
• Complete residency information to be reviewed for in-state tuition rates.
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to our mailing address provided below or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.
• Submit your resume as an attachment in the “Additional Admissions Documents” section or submit it to gradschool@umbc.edu.

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School, MPS: Data Science

1000 Hilltop Circle

Baltimore, MD 21250, USA

When is the application deadline?

Typically, August 1 and December 1 are the application deadlines for the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively.

How long does the program take to complete?

By taking two courses in the Fall and Spring semesters and 1 course in the Summer semester, students can complete the program in 2 years. Students, who want to graduate in a shorter period of time, should consider taking 3 courses per semester but this is not encouraged for working professionals. Note that international students need to take at least 9 credits every semester (except the last one) due to their F1 status.

Can I get my certificate in addition to my Master’s?

Yes, you can. Please visit this page to learn the details. Note that per Graduate School policy, you must have a B or higher in all certificate courses to earn the certificate and must maintain a B average to graduate with the MPS degree.

Will students’ schedules be flexible?

All the Data Science classes are held in the evenings or taught online so that working professionals have great flexibility in terms of choosing their courses. If a student is available only for evening classes, then s/he can complete the program with courses offered by MPS (i.e. Data Science, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Management Science, Bioinformatics, and Health IT). Other pathway courses (offered by Computer Science, Information Systems, and Public Policy) might take place during the daytime; so students need to adjust their schedules.

What degree will be written on the diploma?

The diploma will specifically have a “Master of Professional Studies” degree.

May students participate in the on-campus graduation ceremony?

Yes, they may.

Are there some online classes?

Yes, we offer at least one online section of all the core data science courses (e.g. Data 601-606).

What is the expected class size?

25 students or less.

What does the class schedule look like?

Classes run during the evenings Monday through Thursday.

Are summer courses offered?

Yes, we generally offer a few courses (either 6, 8, or 12 weeks) over the summer session. Consult the Schedule of Classes for information on times and locations. Summer courses may meet more frequently due to the shortened summer schedule.

Can I take courses both at UMBC’s Main Campus and the Universities at Shady Grove?

Yes.

Is there a difference between the coursework and the faculty that is provided at the main and Shady Grove campuses?

The same set of courses is taught by different faculty members. However, sometimes a faculty, who teaches a course on the main campus, teaches the same course at the Shady Grove campus (or vice versa) next semester.

Is the MPS DS program considered a STEM program?

Yes, this program is listed as a STEM program

Where can I find the MPS in Data Science curriculum?

Visit our “Course Descriptions” page.

What are the programming languages used in the program?

The main programming language of the program is Python.

Can I transfer graduate credits from another institution into the UMBC Data Science Program?

You may be able to transfer up to six graduate credit hours earned from another institution into a UMBC Data Science program. Contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss your situation and be sure to include a complete course description. A 3.0 GPA is required for each course transferred. Once you are admitted and an enrolled student in UMBC’s program, you must complete and submit a Transfer of Credit Request Form.

What is the total cost of the program? Is financial aid available?

Our program requires 30-credits to obtain an MPS degree. The tuition and fees differ based on students’ residency and where they take courses (i.e. at Main Campus or at Shady Grove campus). Please visit Student Business Services’ website for up-to-date information.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying to the MPS program may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Please complete the FASFA form to find out if you qualify. For more information on Financial Aid, please see our Financial Aid Office page.

Does the program offer any scholarships?

No.

Does the program offer teaching assistantships or research assistantships?

No.

When is my tuition payment due?

Your bill for your tuition and fees each semester is only generated when you register for classes. You can use the billing calendar to see the schedule of when your bill will be generated, and when it is due, based on when you register each semester.

• Please note that bills are only generated in your MyUMBC account – you will not receive a paper bill in the mail. You can see your bill by logging into your MyUMBC account, and under the Topics menu, choose Billing and Personal Finances. You can click on Payments and Billing to see your bill, or click on Account Inquiry to see a live balance, which will reflect recent transactions before your actual bill is updated.

• Bills can be paid in a number of ways, including those listed here on SBS’s website.

• If your family or another individual should have access to your bill, you can set up a “parent PIN” that allows another person to have access to your bill. PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. Log in to your MyUMBC account, click on Topics, then Billing and Personal Finances, then Payments and Billing, then click on “create new” under the Parent PIN section.

• If your bill is paid by an outside organization, such as a scholarship from your home government, you can learn more about connecting your financial sponsor to UMBC here.

I’m planning to pay my tuition costs using a bank loan, but my bank will only grant me a loan after I receive admission. What can I do?

There is no problem from our end. If you meet the admission criteria, then we’ll admit you and you will have time to take care of such issues.

If I decide to drop off a course or leave the program, can I get my money back?

The answer depends on the timing of your decision. If you apply for a refund in the first week of that semester, you will get a full refund. Later in the semester, the less refund you will get. Please visit Student Business Services’ website for details.