Master of Data Science and Analytics
Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 Application Portal Information
We are extending our admission deadline to provide further access and support to our applicants. The Fall 2023 deadline will now be July 3rd, 2023, 11:59 MST for Canadian/Permanent Residents. The application portal for Fall 2023 is now closed for international applications.
The application portal for Winter 2024 is now open. The Winter 2024 application deadline is September 1st, 2023, 11:59 MST for International applicants and October 3rd, 2023, 11:59 MST for Canadian/Permanent Residents.
Information Session
Please stay tuned for our next information session - details about the session will be posted here.
Optimize your skills
Data scientists are among the top 15 tech jobs in demand through 2023, and the demand for digitally-skilled talent in Canada is projected to reach more than 305,000 in the next three years. Claim your spot in our country's growing tech economy with a multidisciplinary education from professionals in the Faculty of Science, Haskayne School of Business and the Cumming School of Medicine, and tailor your education to your interests.
Learn from leading experts
Design your experience
Our curriculum was developed collaboratively to ensure that we provide every student with a multidisciplinary education in data science and analytics that leverages the expertise of leading researchers and instructors at the university. You will learn the fundamental concepts and tools of data science and analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), as you refine your professional and leadership skills while developing and applying your technical knowledge and abilities. You will be able to use concepts and tools across multiple contexts, industries, and sectors.
The MDSA will require 36 units of coursework, including a 6-unit internship.
You can choose one of two pathways to achieve the Master of Data Science and Analytics degree: study full-time through the direct entry pathway (12 months) or work at your own pace through the part-time laddered certificate and diploma pathway (3-6 years).
The first 12 units have been designed to provide foundational knowledge of core data science and analytics that build and enhance your theoretical and technical proficiency in computer science and statistics
Your next 12 units will be dependent on which specialization you choose to pursue. Students have the opportunity to choose one of four specializations:
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Health Data Science and Biostatistics
- Financial Energy and Data Markets Modelling
The final course you will take before your internship will be a 6 unit-integrated topics course that blends technical, business, and professional skills together. You will then complete a self-driven 6-credit internship in which you will gain 6 – 16 weeks of paid industry work experience.
See a list of our available courses and an overview of their curriculum here: www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/data-science.html
Professional Internship
Internship is a self-driven 6-credit course requirement for students in the Master of Data Science and Analytics students' program. Students gain 6 – 16 weeks of paid industry work experience allowing them to integrate work experience into their degree, establish a professional network, and explore possible career paths and options.
Internships provide students the opportunity to maximize their student experience by offering paid, hands-on experience in an industry as part of their study program. As an intern, you have the opportunity to explore a career path, and discover personal strengths and interests, all while building a valuable network of professional contacts and securing strong references.
Students enrolled in the Master of Data Science and Analytics program are eligible upon the successful completion of 30 units of coursework. These consist of 12 units of the Graduate Certificate in Fundamental Data Science and Analytics, 12 units of coursework in one of the specialization areas, as well as DATA 691, prior to the internship course.
For international students, a co-op work permit is required. At the start of the program, the Graduate Internship Coordinator provides a letter of support to include in their application for a co-op work permit. The processing time can be lengthy. To avoid delays, students should apply immediately after receiving their letter of support.
There is a tuition fee associated with the Internship course. Please see the University Calendar for details.
There is no better time than the present to get training in Data Science and Analytics. The job field is still very new, so job opportunities are diverse. The program was an accelerated way to start building those skills. It allowed me to get a bit of a head start.
Tim Cruz, BComm’18
2021 graduate - Master of Data Science; 2019 graduate - Data Science & Analytics Diploma