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Data Science, MS

Seattle University’s MS in Data Science helps you prepare for a rapidly changing tech landscape. Build advanced technical, analytical and professional skills through real-world projects, gain industry connections and learn to approach innovation responsibly and ethically.

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About this Program

Prepare for What’s Next in Data Science

Data science is evolving rapidly as AI and emerging technologies transform how organizations work with data. Seattle University’s MS in Data Science gives you the technical expertise, analytical skills and professional perspective to adapt to change, solve complex problems and create meaningful impact.

With an MS in Data Science from Seattle University, you’ll:

  • Build Advanced Technical Expertise: Develop skills in computer science, machine learning, statistics, data analysis and modeling that prepare you to work with evolving technologies and apply your expertise across technology, health care, business, finance, government and more.
  • Gain Real-World Experience: Apply what you learn through an industry-sponsored capstone project that addresses a real challenge for an external partner, giving you hands-on experience solving problems with data in professional settings.
  • Learn From Expert Faculty: Receive mentorship from expert faculty and benefit from Seattle University’s connections to the region’s technology and analytics community while developing the professional skills to adapt and thrive in a changing field.
  • Balance Your Education With Your Career: Choose full- or part-time enrollment and take evening courses designed to accommodate your professional and personal commitments.
  • Prepare to Lead Responsibly: Explore the ethical and legal implications of data and technology, including bias, privacy, data dignity and more, so you can contribute to innovation that benefits people and communities.

Transition to Semester Calendar

Enrollment for Fall 2027 is on a semester calendar. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

Fall 2027 Applications Are Now Open

Stand out in a fiercely competitive tech landscape. Fall 2027 applications are now open for Seattle University's master's and certificate programs in data science. It's not too early to apply—start your application today (for free!).

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No Application Fee

We are committed to removing barriers to graduate education by waiving the application fee for all applicants.

Graduate Data Science Degree At A Glance

Learn how the MS in Data Science will contribute to your career goals, explore course requirements and more.

Our MS in Data Science combines aspects of computer science, statistics, data analysis, machine learning and modeling. The program can be completed through full-time or part-time enrollment. View a sample plan of study below.

2-Year Sample Plan of Study

Year 1

Fall Semester (9 credits)

  • DATA 5100 - Foundations of Data Science
  • DATA 5110 - Probability and Optimization
  • DATA 5210 - Statistical Interference and Modeling

Spring Semester (9 credits)

  • CPSC 5331 - Data Management and Analytics
  • DATA 5220 - Machine Learning
  • DATA 5120 - Data Science Law and Ethics
Year 2

Fall Semester (6 credits)

  • DATA 5901 - Capstone I
  • DATA 5310 - Data Visualization

Spring Semester (6 credits)

  • DATA 5901 - Capstone II
  • Elective

3-Year Sample Plan of Study

Year 1

Fall Semester (6 credits)

  • DATA 5100 - Foundations of Data Science
  • DATA 5110 - Probability and Optimization

Spring Semester (6 credits)

  • CPSC 5331 - Data Management and Analytics
  • DATA 5120 - Data Science Law and Ethics
Year 2

Fall Semester (6 credits)

  • DATA 5210 - Statistical Interference and Modeling
  • DATA 5310 - Data Visualization

Spring Semester (6 credits)

  • DATA 5220 - Machine Learning
  • Elective
Year 3

Fall Semester (3 credits)

  • DATA 5901 - Capstone I

Spring Semester (3 credits)

  • DATA 5901 - Capstone II

At graduation, students with a master's degree in data science will be able to:

  • Apply appropriate analytical and computational methods to solve real-world problems effectively.
  • Communicate technical information effectively to a specific audience via speech, writing and data visualization.
  • Identify and propose well-reasoned means of addressing moral or ethical challenges in the practice of data science.
  • Exhibit constructive and inclusive collaboration and teamwork skills.
  • Demonstrate (by means of a capstone project) deep contextual experience of goal setting and delivery of recommendations in at least one specific domain.

This program is approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fall within the definition of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

If you are an F-1 nonimmigrant student who has completed 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training, receiving a degree in a DHS-approved STEM program means you are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To learn more, please speak to a Seattle University international admissions counselor.

Career Outlook

#10

Top Metro for Data Scientist Jobs

Seattle ranks among the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas for data scientist employment, with the 10th-highest employment level in the nation (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026).

35%

Projected Job Growth

Demand for data science professionals nationwide is expected to increase by 35 percent between now and 2035 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026).

#3

Best City for STEM Careers

Seattle is the third-best US city for STEM professionals according to a new study comparing the number of job openings for STEM graduates, median wages, quality of life and more (WalletHub, 2026).

Virtual Information Sessions

Have questions about Seattle University's Master of Science in Data Science? Attend a one-hour virtual information session to learn more about graduate programs in the College of Science and Engineering, meet a knowledgeable admissions representative, and get answers to your questions about the program, the application process and more.

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Designed for Real-World Impact: Curriculum, Flexibility and Career Preparation

Graduate students in the College of Science and Engineering

Real Projects. Real Industry Partners. Real Experience.

Our MS in Data Science was designed in collaboration with tech and business leaders to build in-demand skills through hands-on experience. The program culminates in a two-semester industry-sponsored capstone project through Seattle University’s Project Center, where you’ll work in a small team to solve a real-world problem for a corporate or nonprofit partner and deliver actionable, data-driven insights. You’ll apply your data science skills to complex challenges while collaborating with an external organization, gaining valuable professional experience as you complete your degree.

Common employers of College of Science and Engineering graduates

Prepare for Careers in Tech and Beyond

In today’s highly competitive tech industry, earning a master’s degree in data science can help you stand out. And because data science skills are valuable far beyond technology companies, your degree can open doors across health care, business, finance, government, nonprofits and more. Seattle University data science graduates have gone on to work for organizations including Amazon, Boeing, Meta, Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, the City of Seattle and many others. Whether you’re advancing in your current field or exploring a new direction, a data science degree gives you a versatile foundation you can carry throughout your career—wherever it takes you.

Seattle University Student Typing on a Laptop

Balance Your Education and Your Career

Advance your education without putting your career on hold. Evening courses and full- and part-time enrollment options allow you to choose a pace that fits your goals and commitments. Whether you’re building on your undergraduate education or adding advanced expertise to an established career, you can pursue your MS in Data Science while maintaining space for the rest of your busy life.

Ethics and Tech Conference 2024

More Than Technical Skills: Justice and Ethics

A graduate degree or certificate from Seattle University's College of Science and Engineering is an opportunity to lead positive change in the field of data and information sciences. Rooted in our mission to empower leaders for a just and humane world, our programs go beyond technical training and examine the ethical and legal aspects of technology. Explore topics such as data dignity, data set bias, technology's compatibility with social justice values, ethical implementation and more. You'll be prepared to drive innovation responsibly and equitably.

Graduate Computer Science Students Working in a Small Group

Not Ready for a Full Master’s?

Build your data science skills through our 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Data Science. The certificate offers a focused way to develop foundational data science expertise before committing to a full master’s degree. If you decide to continue your education, all certificate credits can be applied toward the MS in Data Science, allowing you to build on what you’ve learned without repeating coursework.

Hear From Our Faculty

McLean Sloughter, PhD

"At Seattle University, students learn how to understand new data analysis and modeling tools, how to assess what approaches are most effective for a given problem, and how to interpret and communicate the results of the tools they're using… With the skills they learn in our program, students will be prepared to incorporate generative AI into their work, and they'll be prepared for whatever emerging technologies come after AI."

Program Director, Data Science

Featured Faculty

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about the data science programs at Seattle University, contact:

Valerie Zerda

Admissions Counselor