Become a Data-Driven Difference-Maker in Just Five Years with Our 4+1 Data Science Program

Important decisions in business and industry are increasingly guided by data. This has led to a rising demand for highly skilled data scientists, leading to new and exciting career opportunities for those seeking to make their mark in this fast-growing field. 

At Saint Mary’s College, we offer a distinctive 4+1 Data Science program that allows you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in data science in just five years — saving you time and money. This accelerated program is perfect for students who are passionate about using data to solve real-world problems.

With our 4+1 program leading to a Master of Science in data science, you’ll gain a competitive edge with hands-on experience and advanced skills in statistical analysis, programming, data mining, data visualization and more. This expertise will position you as a well-rounded data scientist ready to tackle complex challenges across a wide range of career settings, including:

  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Education
  • Government

What Can You Do with a Master's in Data Science?

4+1 Data Science Master’s: A Practical, Streamlined Experience

At Saint Mary’s College, we’re not just about theory. Our 4+1 Master of Science in Data Science is about giving you the in-demand tools and knowledge to succeed in the ever-changing field of data science. We blend theoretical foundations with real-world applications to empower you with the skills you need to make impactful, data-driven decisions.

Additional benefits of our 4+1 data science master’s program:

  • Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees efficiently in just five years, saving on graduate tuition costs.
  • Gain an accredited Master of Science degree that meets STEM workforce demands and explores ethical practices in data science.
  • Elevate your career with additional training in communication and project management to become an effective data-driven storyteller.
  • Build hands-on experience through our practicum program, which will prepare you for solving real-world problems with data science.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of an online format, which allows you to balance work, life and study.
  • Learn in small classes that foster collaborative learning and personalized attention from your professors.
  • Tailor your data science master’s curriculum to your interests, so you can focus on the areas that are most important to you.
  • Our Career Crossings team will help you find and land your dream job in data science.

4+1 Data Science Program Application Requirements

Current college students meeting the requirements set forth below may apply to the Master of Science in Data Science program under the 4+1 option. If admitted to the data science master’s program, you will take two graduate level courses in the program while in the senior year of your bachelor’s program, allowing you to earn up to six credits toward your master’s degree while still an undergraduate. 

To apply for the 4+1 data science master’s, you must be:

  • A current second-semester junior majoring/minoring in mathematics, business, computer science, information systems, the sciences, health science or quantitative social science, OR
  • A current first-semester senior majoring/minoring in mathematics, business, computer science, information systems, the sciences, health science or quantitative social science who has registered for a data science master’s-level course in the current semester

To apply, you’ll also need:

  • A completed application (available in spring)
  • A short personal statement that describes how the experiences in your life make you ideally suited to become a data scientist
  • Permission to see official transcripts
  • Contact information for an academic reference (waived for current Saint Mary’s students)
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses:
    • Calculus (survey or above), at least one semester
    • Statistics
    • Computer programming
    • One graduate data science course (only for those applying in fall semester of the senior year at Saint Mary’s College)