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Master of Science in Data Science

Catapult Your Professional Career in Data Science

University of Houston-Clear Lake's (UHCL) Master of Science in Data Science takes a modern, industrial-oriented, and multi-disciplinary approach to prepare students for promising data science jobs in various career paths. These include data scientist, data engineer, business analyst, data analyst, and data programmer, to name a few. Data science is the effective use of data to extract valuable information and solve problems. It incorporates multi-disciplinary theories and skills, including computer science, statistics, software engineering, and the application domains.

According to U.S. News & World Report, data scientist ranked eighth in the 100 Best Jobs in the U.S. in 2024, with a median salary of $103,500. It also ranks this profession as the fourth best technology job and the seventh best STEM job.

A Well-Balanced and Customizable Degree for Diverse Student Backgrounds

The Data Science M.S. degree is designated as a STEM subject, but is designed for a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds, including non-STEM students. Students can choose between a specialization in business analytics, bioinformatics, and big data and cloud solutions, or they can custom-design a specialization to complement a specific career track.

UH-Clear Lake's Data Science M.S. has a close tie with local businesses and industry to ensure the program balances currency and relevance, and to provide industrial capstone projects to students. In addition, faculty members maintain active research in data science-related areas, including data analytics, the Internet of Things, and blockchain.

UHCL Classroom

Why Choose the Data Science M.S. at UHCL?

  • Designed for Diverse Industries: UH-Clear Lake's data science degree is application-oriented, designed for students with diverse backgrounds, including non-STEM areas. As a graduate of the program, you can land a wide range of positions in your selected career specialization area. 
  • Student-Oriented Faculty: Faculty members will assist students throughout the program, ensuring they take courses within their selected specialization areas.
  • Experiential Learning: The degree program offers many practical, hands-on assignments and projects. In particular, all students must complete the capstone project courses, with projects sponsored mainly by UHCL's industrial partners.

Application Deadlines

For graduate student admissions information, please visit How to Apply as a Graduate Student.

Fall
New Students - August 1
Returning Students - August 15
International - May 1
Spring
New Students - January 5
Returning Students - January 15
International - October 1
Summer
New Students - May 1
Returning Students - May 25
International - April 1

International Students

For information regarding international student admissions, please visit International Admissions & Student Services.


Admissions Requirements

  • Data Science M.S.
  • Admission Deadline
    Standard Graduate Admission Deadline
  • Application
    A standard university application is required.
  • Requirements
    • GPA of 3.0 in an undergraduate degree.
    • GRE Total Score of 300 (155 Quantitative and 140 Verbal). GMAT may be used in lieu of GRE.
      • GRE is not required for students with a Master or Ph.D. degree or a Bachelor degree from an accredited US university.
    • Foundation Courses (C or better in the following courses or their equivalent): DASC 4301 - Python Programming for Data Science Credit Hours: 3, and STAT 3334 - Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers Credit Hours: 3

Applying After the Priority Deadline

New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.

Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.


Degree Requirements

UHCL's College of Science and Engineering has created a solid foundation of study designed to help you make your educational dreams a reality. Explore the classes you'll need to take for your University of Houston-Clear Lake degree.

Data Science, M.S.

UHCL Student in Computer Lab


Cost Information

Crunch the numbers on the costs for a degree from the UHCL College of Science and Engineering.


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Locations

University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake

2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600

About UHCL

UHCL Online

UHCL Online

Bayou Building, Room 1406
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-212-1611

Make the most of a hectic schedule and study from home or the office through UHCL Online, offering the same level of excellence for more than 20 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.

About UHCL Online

Hybrid

Hybrid

Hybrid programs combine the flexibility and convenience of online learning with the benefits of in-person instruction.

Graduate Faculty

Gary Boetticher
Gary Boetticher

Gary Boetticher

Associate Professor of Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and Software Engineering ,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3805
Email: boetticher@uhcl.edu
Office: Delta 164

Gary Boetticher Faculty Bio

Ross Niswanger
Ross Niswanger

Ross Niswanger

Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3809
Email: niswanger@uhcl.edu
Office: D146

Ross Niswanger Faculty Bio

Wei Wei
Wei Wei

Wei Wei

Program Chair of Computer Information Systems and Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems ,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3732
Email: Wei@UHCL.edu
Office: Delta 175

Wei Wei Faculty Bio

Yalong Wu

Yalong Wu

Assistant Professor of Data Science,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3808
Email: wuy@uhcl.edu
Office: Delta 147

Yalong Wu Faculty Bio

Kwok-Bun Yue
Kwok-Bun Yue

Kwok-Bun Yue

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3864
Email: yue@uhcl.edu
Office: Delta 163

Kwok-Bun Yue Faculty Bio