BS CS to MS Data Science
BS CS to MS Data Science
Combined Advanced Degree in Data Science
Data science is a great field to enter right now. Demand is high – and so are the salaries. And while you can get good entry-level (and even some mid-level) data science jobs with a bachelor’s degree, your career options open up significantly if you have a master’s degree. But there are many other benefits of getting a master’s degree in data science beyond the career and salary opportunities. Data scientists are in demand and are highly employable job sector. And a master’s degree in Data Science will only enhance that employability.
But obtaining a master’s degree can be costly in both time and money. A combined advanced degree could be the path you need.
The Combined Advance Degree Program, also known as the 4 + 1 program, in BS Computer Science/MS Data Science allows interested and qualified students to complete the department’s Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Data Science degrees in a shorter time, usually in five years rather than the normal six. This program allows highly motivated students to begin taking graduate courses in their senior year, accelerating their graduate studies while still at the undergraduate level and while paying undergraduate tuition and fees.
Our accelerated BS/MS program offers:
- greater flexibility to schedule courses to complete the prerequisites for advanced study
- a seamless transition to the Master’s degree
- the opportunity to complete the requirements for the MS degree in Data Science within a year of completing the BS in Computer Science
Application/Description
The one-page CADP in DS Application Form, CADP Student Agreement and Confirmation Form, and Program Description are available for download.
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Process for Application
The Combined Advanced Degree Program in Data Science is a program that allows a CS major to obtain a BS in CS and an MS in DS with fewer courses, thus quicker and less costly. The CADP in Data Science process is as follows:
- Complete your admissions application during the last semester of your junior year by the application deadline (see dates below).
- Your application is then reviewed by the CS Graduate Committee for admission approval. The Committee will be looking for a high CS GPA and two strong letters of recommendation.
- During your senior year you take four graduate courses, instead of the four CS restricted electives that are required for the BS in CS. These four graduate courses count as your CS restricted electives, and you pay for these 12 graduate credits at the less expensive undergraduate tuition rate. You can walk at graduation and the CS department will present you a letter stating that you have completed the BS in CS degree requirements. You do not receive your diploma yet.
- You continue enrollment as a full-time Rowan student for one more year while you complete 18 additional graduate credits, for which you are charged the graduate tuition rate. After completing a total of 30 graduate credits, you will receive your BS in CS and MS in DS simultaneously.
- Notice that you receive your BS and MS degrees in five years (instead of the 4 + 2 years of a traditional MS degree) while paying for only 18 graduate credits (instead of 30). You pledge to stay for a "graduate year" as a full-time graduate student immediately after your BS degree. If you leave the program during your "graduate year" before completing the requirements for the MS, you will get your BS in CS degree but not the MS degree.
Requirements for Application
- Be enrolled in the B.S. Computer Science Degree Program at Rowan University.
- Have completed at least 75 credits towards the BS in Computer Science.
- Have completed at least 24 credits of undergraduate Computer Science courses at Rowan University with an average Computer Science GPA of at least 3.5.
- Obtain two letters of recommendation from faculty members in the Rowan Computer Science
Department.
Application Deadline
- Fall: October 1st
- Spring: March 1st
