M.S. Data Science

To be accepted into the Master of Science program in Data Science you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a quantitative field including but not limited to computer science, data science, other computing disciplines, statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics, economics or relevant fields; and an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by the CSUN Admissions & Records Office. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, but other parts of the application need to be well-above the minimum requirements and must provide general GRE scores.

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in computer science, data science, other computing disciplines, statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics, or economics from an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada with a GPA of at least 3.0 are not required to provide general GRE scores. The waiver of general GRE scores will be considered on a case-by-case basis for applicants from other disciplines from an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada. All applicants with a baccalaureate degree from an institution outside the U.S. or Canada must provide general GRE scores. When GRE scores are required, we expect scores in all three sections to be at least or above the 50th percentile.

All prerequisite courses need to be completed in order to be considered for admission. The CSUN Admissions Office does not forward applications to the Computer Science Department until it receives all transcripts and supporting documentation. The Computer Science Department does not consider any application until required GRE scores (when applicable) have arrived. Questions regarding arrival of transcripts or GRE scores should be addressed to the CSUN Admissions Office.

Additional requirements for international applicants can be found in the section for International Admissions.

Application forms for prospective students can be completed online through Cal State Apply. Application materials are processed through the CSUN University Office of Admissions. Applications are accepted until all positions are full, until the application deadline has been reached, or until the University closes the admission period. Special regulations, including application deadlines, govern applications from non-resident and foreign students.

Students already enrolled at CSUN in another M.S. program may apply for admission to the Data Science M.S. program by filing a Change of Objective Form. These applications are evaluated in the same way as those received from outside the University.

In order to be admitted to the Computer Science Department, you must first meet the University admission criteria and then be evaluated and recommended by the Department for admission to its program. The Department bases its evaluation on your undergraduate and graduate grade point averages (GPA) and your general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. A statement of purpose is not required for admission, but, if submitted, will be used in the evaluation. Send application materials directly to the CSUN Admissions Office.

Students who are accepted to one of the Computer Science Department's Masters programs, but who have not completed the undergraduate prerequisite material, are admitted program prerequisite pending (PPP). If accepted to one of the graduate programs with PPP status, the following prerequisite courses for that program must be completed, while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. You can receive credit for equivalent prerequisite classes taken at accredited colleges or universities outside CSUN. Many of these classes are also available at local community colleges and other nearby universities. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the Department. All 100-level and 200-level prerequisites must be completed, prior to application.

Program Prerequisites for Data Science MS Degree

You may take graduate classes while working on your program prerequisites, however, you may not take COMP 696C and COMP 698C before you have completed all program prerequisites.

Also, up to 9 units of graduate-level work with a grade of B or better can be transferred from another institution, subject to University and Departmental approvals.