Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Information can be found on the Admission page.
What is the deadline for admission?
- Summer Semester - May 1
- Fall Semester - August 1
- Spring Semester - December 1
* Applicants who do not already meet one of the criteria on the Admission page must apply for admission to the Summer term.
At the discretion of the department, applications will continue to be reviewed after the deadline on a space-available basis.
Are GRE/GMAT scores required?
Applicants do not need to submit GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application requirements. If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will not be reviewed as part of the admission review process.
Are there any prerequisites for the program?
The Master of Science in Data Science program is open to students from any major.
Students are expected to have taken a college-level introductory statistics course.
The statistics requirement can be satisfied by taking Loyola's preparatory course,
DS 510: Applied Business Statistics or another approved introductory statistics course.
What is the cost of the program?
Information can be found on the Graduate Tuition Charges page.
Are there scholarships available?
Merit-based Scholarships are awarded to Master's of Science in Data Science students based on prior academic excellence. Ignatius Grants are awarded to Master's of Science in Data Science students based on dedication to the Jesuit mission and potential for success in the program. All students are eligible to receive Merit-based Scholarships and Ignatius Grants, and every student who completes an application for admission is automatically considered for funding. No separate application is required. Please submit completed program application and all supplemental documents to the Office of Graduate Admission by the application deadline to be considered. You will be notified at the time of admission.
Loyola offers a number of assistantships to new and continuing graduate students in a wide range of professional areas. Each opportunity provides a stipend for which you will be remunerated bi-weekly, and a scholarship which is applied at the start of your assistantship contract. This combination of stipend and scholarship is typically split 50/50 to provide you the greatest pre-tax benefit. Only those graduate students who are in degree seeking programs are eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship. More information can be found on the Graduate Assistantships page.
Am I able to work while pursuing this program?
樱花动漫鈥檚 MS in Data Science is a part-time, self-paced program for working professionals from all academic and industry backgrounds. The Loyola MS in Data Science is tailored to meet the needs of our students. Our curriculum is designed for students to earn their degree in 34 credits (12 courses) 鈥� allowing for faster time to completion and return on investment. Students manage their program at their own pace and typically complete their degree in 2鈥�4 years. All courses are designed and facilitated by Loyola faculty members, creating a unique, relevant and robust learning experience for students.
How are the courses delivered?
For students beginning in Fall 2021 and thereafter, all courses will be offered 100% online. Depending on the instructor, the course may be offered either synchronously or asynchronously.
How is the capstone project structured?
A strength of the program is the required two-semester practicum, which may include a summer internship. The practicum is an independent or group project utilizing the data science techniques acquired during the program in an applied manner to solve a practical problem with a local partner. In the first semester, students design the project and present their plan to the program's board; this could be part of a paid internship. The program director will work to develop opportunities by developing a strong advisory board, comprised of industry, government, and not-for-profit representatives. In the second semester, students implement their project and present the results of the project to the board for approval.
What can I do professionally once I graduate?
After earning a master鈥檚 degree, students will be qualified to work in industry and government where their skills will help support decision-making. Jobs that utilize these skills include data scientists, business analysts, domain-specific managers, computer systems analysts, data mining analysts, and business intelligence specialists.
What specializations do the professors have?
Information can be found on the Faculty & Staff page.