Data Science (M.D.S.)

Degree Offered: Master of Data Science (M.D.S.)

Members

See the Data Science (M.D.S.) website.

Master of Data Science

Program Overview

The Master of Data Science (M.D.S.) is a program administered by the Faculty of Science.

The Master of Data Science (M.D.S.) Computational Linguistics option is administered by the Faculty of Arts.

The Master of Data Science (M.D.S.) is a 10-month, non-thesis professional degree program consisting of 30 credits. The program focuses on utilizing descriptive and prescriptive techniques to extract and analyze data from both unstructured and structured forms and to communicate the findings of those analyses to guide prescriptive change in organizations. This program will educate students in the analysis of data for many different disciplines, such as health care, commerce, and utilities, and will help address the demand for skilled data science professionals in these areas.

This program is intended for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Statistics; however, all applicants may be considered upon review by the graduate program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for master's degrees set by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applicants must also provide proof of successful completion of:

  1. one course in programming (e.g., UBC CPSC_V 110 or APSC_V 160 or equivalent);
  2. one course in probability and/or statistics (e.g., UBC STAT_V 200 or STAT_V 241/251 or STAT_V 302 or equivalent); and,
  3. one course in calculus (e.g., UBC MATH_V 100 or equivalent) or one course in linear algebra (e.g., UBC MATH_V 221 or equivalent). Completion of a course in each of calculus and linear algebra is recommended.

Applicants must provide:

  • A statement of interest describing their academic background, future career goals and their interest in data science.
  • A résumé, including links to any relevant software or data science projects.
  • Three reference letters.

Upon admission, applicants will be required to provide a $3,000 (CAD) non-refundable deposit that will be applied to their first tuition instalment.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Program Director and the approval of the Dean of Science.

Academic Regulations

This program will abide by the policies for master's degrees set by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies with three exceptions:

  1. No transfer credit will be accepted for the M.D.S. program;
  2. All issues relating to academic standing and progress that are not resolved by the Program Director will be referred to the Dean of Science (not the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies).
  3. Only 3 credits of courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards the M.D.S. program. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained.

Program Requirements

The M.D.S. is a 10-month, non-thesis degree program consisting of 30 credits.

All M.D.S. students are required to complete the following 14 courses:

  • DSCI_V 511 (1)
  • DSCI_V 512 (1)
  • DSCI_V 513 (1)
  • DSCI_V 521 (1)
  • DSCI_V 523 (1)
  • DSCI_V 531 (1)
  • DSCI_V 541 (1)
  • DSCI_V 551 (1)
  • DSCI_V 552 (1)
  • DSCI_V 561 (1)
  • DSCI_V 563 (1)
  • DSCI_V 571 (1)
  • DSCI_V 572 (1)
  • DSCI_V 573 (1)

Students not pursuing the Computational Linguistics option are required to complete the following courses:

  • DSCI_V 522 (1)
  • DSCI_V 524 (1)
  • DSCI_V 525 (1)
  • DSCI_V 532 (1)
  • DSCI_V 542 (1)
  • DSCI_V 553 (1)
  • DSCI_V 554 (1)
  • DSCI_V 562 (1)
  • DSCI_V 574 (1)
  • DSCI_V 575 (1)
  • DSCI_V 591 (6)

Students pursuing the Computational Linguistics option are required to complete the following courses:

  • COLX_V 521 (1)
  • COLX_V 525 (1)
  • COLX_V 531 (1)
  • COLX_V 535 (1)
  • COLX_V 561 (1)
  • COLX_V 563 (1)
  • COLX_V 565 (1)
  • COLX_V 585 (1)
  • COLX_V 595 (6)

and complete any two of the following electives:

  • COLX_V 523 (1)
  • COLX_V 527 (1)
  • COLX_V 533 (1)
  • COLX_V 581 (1)

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance based on academic merit and financial need may be available. Students should consult the M.D.S. program website for more information.

Contact Information

Graduate Admissions
Master of Data Science
Tel: 604.822.6911
Email: mds-info@sience.ubc.ca
Web: mds.ubc.ca

Master of Data Science - Computational Linguistics
Tel: 604.822.6288
Email: ling.mds@ubc.ca
Web: mds.ubc.ca/programs/computational-linguistics

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