Master of Science - Data Science
- 2 years
- Duration
- 43,213 CAD
- Price
- Rolling admission
- Start
- Rolling admission
- Deadline
- Master
- Degree
- Campus
- Format
- Kamloops / Canada
- Location
- Thompson River University
- School
Program description
The Master of Science in Data Science (MScDS) is typically a 2-year programme. The aim of the programme is to provide students with solid information, techniques, and experience in the research and application of data science, and to prepare students to become researchers and leaders in the emerging area of data science at the regional, national, and global levels.
The programme is unique in that it can be an application-orientated or a research-orientated master’s programme based on whether students choose the Graduate Project option or the Graduate Thesis option. Regardless of their decision, graduates will develop the strong data analytics, critical-thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills needed for success as a data scientist in big data or to pursue further breakthroughs in research.
Program structure
Core courses
- Statistical Design and Inference for Data Science
- Linear Models for Data Science
- Data and Database Management for Data Science
- Theoretical Machine Learning
Additional courses and credits
- Advanced Modelling Techniques
- Advanced Optimization Methods
- Data Analysis in Business and Economics
- Data Analysis in Biology and Life Science
- Selected Topics in Data Science
- Directed Studies in Data Science
- Work Experience Credits
- Seminar Series
- project
- Graduation Project
- Thesis
Price
- Tuition — 43,213 CAD (per program)
- Application Fees — 100 CAD (one time, non-refundable)
- General Fees — 553 CAD (per semester for 12 credits)
- Health Fees — 75 CAD (per month)
- TRUSU Extended Heath & Dental Plan — 248 CAD (per year)
Requirements for applicants
Acceptable four (4) year bachelor degree or equivalent in a discipline of science, or a related discipline with a minimum average grade in the last 60 credits of:
- B (GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.33) for project option;
- B+ (GPA of 3.33 on a scale of 4.33) for thesis option.
Preference will be given to students who have specialized in the areas of Statistics, Computing Science, Mathematics and Engineering.
- Prospective students are expected to demonstrate working knowledge of statistics, data structures and algorithms, databases and R/Python software packages. Examples of course work that demonstrates such knowledge at Thompson Rivers University are MATH 2110 (Calculus III), MATH 2120 (Linear Algebra), STAT 2000 (Introduction to Statistics) and COMP 1231 (Computer Programming II).
- Applicants who did not complete their undergraduate degree in an English language university in a country whose first language is English must have one of the following:
- a minimum TOEFL score of 570 with a TWE of 4.5 or higher, or
- a minimum iBT score of 88 with no section below 20, or
- IELTS of at least 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or
- CAEL of at least 70 with no subsets below 60.
- Two letters of reference** from academics or professionals. Letters should comment on the applicant’s academic ability and record, training, research/work experience, in particular relating to statistics, programming, data analysis, machine learning, or AI.
- Official academic transcript(s)** from all prior post-secondary institutions attended.
** Note: Required supporting documents must be sent directly to Thompson Rivers University from the referee or institution.
Admission to the Master of Science in Data Science program will be determined by candidate’s academic and professional record, letters of recommendation, areas of research interest and the ability of the faculty member to accept the student into their research group.
Students who do not meet the admission requirement may be required to take prerequisite courses. The admission subcommittee in consultation with the program coordinator would determine the courses that would need to be taken to meet the admission requirements.
About the university
The success of our students is our top goal here at Thompson Rivers University. Our varied community, personalized student services, opportunities for real-world application, and adaptable curriculum give each student the tools they need to succeed.
TRU has approximately 140 on-campus programs and over 60 Open Learning programs, ranging from traditional academics to trades, certifications to graduate degrees. Co-op work terms, undergraduate research, field schools and practicums, service learning, and other programs give our students the chance to put their knowledge into practice under the supervision of approachable faculty mentors. Our open, adaptable classroom encourages exploration, production, and discovery. Our students do, too.
Our Mission
TRU is a comprehensive, learner-centered, sustainable university that provides high-quality, adaptable education, training, research, and scholarship to its local, national, and worldwide student body and the communities it serves.
Our Campuses
Located in the southern interior of British Columbia, TRU's Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses lie in the traditional territory of the Secwepemc peoples.
