M.S. in Data Science (MSDS)
The Master of Science in Data Science program is a STEM program that prepares graduate students for a professional career in the field of big data. Students will be equipped with fundamental knowledge and skills in data science and analytics, including:
- machine learning,
- modelling and quantitative analysis of massive datasets,
- application of such technologies in strategic decisions,
- critical skills for collecting and managing massive datasets, and
- implementation of efficient solutions to real world big data problems using the most appropriate algorithmic techniques and software development tools available.
The program includes a set of core required courses and provides an opportunity for students to select from a wide range of electives related to data analytics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, business intelligence, and cyber security.
Program Basics and Timeline
The MSDS program consists of 30 credit hours including four breadth-requirement courses. Thesis (24 credit hours of CS course work + 6 credit hours of Thesis Research) and non-thesis options (30 credit hours of CS course work) are available.
A typical full-time student may complete the requirements of this MSDS program in one-and-a-half to two years. If you take a full course load in Summer, you may complete the degree requirements in three semesters (within 12 months). Many of our graduate courses are offered during the evening and some are offered online, which benefits our part-time working students.
Previously earned graduate credit with a grade of B or above while enrolled at another regionally accredited graduate school may be eligible for transfer into the student's current degree program if it has not been applied toward another degree (either at UAB or elsewhere). All transfer credit requests must be initiated by the student and require the approval of the graduate program director and the Graduate School. Transfer of Credit forms are available on the Graduate School website. Completion of this form does not guarantee that the transfer credit will be granted. No more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit can be transferred to UAB. Once transfer credit has been approved, it will be included in the calculation of the grade point average in the student's current UAB program.
Questions About the Program?
We invite you to explore the resources here on this website. If you still have questions that are not addressed here, please e-mail the graduate program director at
M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) Requirements
General Requirements
All MSDS students must take 30 credit hours in order to graduate. There are four required courses:
- CS 510: Database Application Development or CS 610: Database Systems
- CS 652: Advanced Algorithms and Applications
- CS 667: Machine Learning
- CS 685: Foundation of Data Science or CS 680: Matrix Algorithms for Data Science
Program electives include other CS graduate courses such as big data computing, data mining, natural language processing, deep learning, data visualization, high-performance computing and computer security courses, and approved non-CS electives such as business intelligence, quantitative analysis for business managers, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and graduate level statistical analysis courses. Course descriptions are available in the UAB Graduate Catalog. The program is defined in terms of either of two plans:
- Plan I: 24 credit hours of courses and 6 credit hours of thesis research (CS 699: Master's Thesis Research). Among the 24 course credit hours, at least 15 of them must be CS graduate courses.
- Plan II: 30 credit hours of courses (course work only; does not require a thesis), among which at least 21 credit hours must be CS graduate courses.
Most students choose the Plan II option. Plan I contains a significant research component and requires the student work closely with a faculty member on a research project. This project should be begun early in the program.
Suggested Study Plan
Four core courses and six electives are required. Electives can be any CS graduate courses, some of which can be taken from the following lists of courses, grouped by fields.
PLEASE NOTE: No more than three 500-level courses (9 credit hours) can count toward the MSDS degree. At most, three (3) credit hours combined of special courses (CS 598: Practical Work Experience and/or CS 697: Directed Readings) can count towards the MSDS degree. Be aware that required courses may change; please consult the graduate program director at
Data Analytics
- CS 616: Big Data Programming
- CS 660: Artificial Intelligence
- CS 662: Natural Language Processing
- CS 663: Data Mining
- CS 665: Deep Learning
- CS 673: Computer Vision and Convolutional Neural Networks
- CS 675: Data Visualization
- CS 680: Matrix Algorithms for Data Science
- CS 687: Complex Networks
Cyber Security
- CS 623: Network Security
- CS 636: Computer Security
- CS 643: Cloud Security
- CS 645: Modern Cryptography
- CS 689: Cyber Risk Management
High Performance Computing
- CS 632: Parallel Computing
- CS 633: Cloud Computing
Non-CS Electives
Students may take up to three (9 credit hours) non-CS electives from the following list of courses, upon the approval of the graduate program director:
- Business Intelligence
- MBA 610: Business Analytics and AI
- MBA 617: Data Science for Business (replaced with MBA 610 after Spring 2025)
- MBA 658: Applied Marketing Research
- MBA 662: Quantitative Analysis for Business Managers
- Bioinformatics
- INFO: 601 Introduction to Bioinformatics
- INFO: 602 Algorithms in Bioinformatics
- INFO: 603 Biological Data Management
- Biostatistics
- BST 611: Intermediate Statistical Analysis I or BST 621: Statistical Methods I
- BST 612: Intermediate Statistical Analysis II or BST 622: Statistical Methods II
PLEASE NOTE: You may not apply both BST 611 and BST 621 to the MSDS degree due to the amount of content overlap between the two courses; similarly, you may not apply both BST 612 and BST 622 to the MSDS degree.
Plan I (Thesis Option) Guidance
If you are interested in Plan I (Thesis Option) for your MSDS, you must maintain good academic standing and contact a faculty advisor who agrees to serve as your MS thesis advisor/mentor. Refer to Graduate School's thesis and dissertations page for the steps to completing your thesis, beginning with forming your committee.
M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) Admissions
Application Deadlines
- Fall Admission: July 11, 2025
- Spring Admission: November 8, 2025
- Summer Admission: March 21, 2025
Note: Application may be closed earlier if desired cohort size is reached prior to the above deadlines.
Applicants will have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or a recognized university from abroad.
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- A TOEFL score of 80 or better (internet exam) OR IELTS Overall Band Score of 6.5 or better OR Duolingo of 120 or better. The English exam is waived for students whose native (first) language is English or earned a degree from a U.S. institution. Please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request such a waiver. GRE is not required.
The following courses, or their equivalents, are required of all applicants before they can apply to this program:
- CS 103: Introduction to Computer Science in Python (waived for applicants with two years of working experience in the computing/IT field). Any Introduction to Programming course that uses a 3rd generation programming language such as Java, C/C++, Basic, and Pascal, can be counted as an equivalent of this course.
- CS 203: Object-Oriented Programming in Java
- CS 303: Algorithms and Data Structures
A mathematics background equivalent to two terms of calculus (differential and integral calculus) is also required. At UAB, these course numbers are MA 125/225: Calculus I and MA 126/226: Calculus II. Online equivalents of these prerequisites may be acceptable, if they provide the same (or more) coverage. You can learn more about these courses in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog.
CS 355/555: Probability and Statistics in Computer Science is also required but can be taken after the student is admitted. It may be taken at the 500 level and counted toward the MSDS degree.
Instead of taking the above CS prerequisite courses, students can also choose to take and pass a comprehensive exam offered by CS/UAB that covers selected topics from the prerequisites. This option is reserved for students from the local area with at least two years of IT working experience and not available for international applicants. Alternately, applicants may enroll in UAB’s post-baccalaureate program to acquire the required knowledge in computer science.
M.S. in Cyber Security (MSSec) Admission Checklist
Graduate School Application Process Checklist
Apply Online
- Complete and submit online application
- Submit application fee payment:
- Domestic: $50.00
- International: $60.00
- Please ask the individuals from whom you request references to submit them online via the online application system. Electronic submission is the preferred method. However, if your referees prefer to mail a recommendation letter, it should be mailed to the address of the department or program to which you are applying.
- Request one official transcript to be mailed by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School:
- USPS (Postal Service)
UAB Graduate School
G03 LHL; 1700 University Blvd.
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013 - Courier or Shipping Companies
UAB Graduate School
Lister Hill Library Suite G03
1700 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233
- USPS (Postal Service)
- Submit official English Language Proficiency test score (for international applicants only): TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
Questions?
For additional information on the MS in Cyber Security program, please contact the graduate program director at