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Master of Data Science and Analytics

Application Portal Information


Fall 2024

  • November 1, 2023:  Application start
  • March 26, 2024:  Deadline for International applicants
  • May 1, 2024:  Deadline for Canadian/Permanent Residents

Lunch and Learn

Join our next Lunch and Learn to hear more about our professional programs in the rapidly evolving fields of Quantum Computing, Data Science and Analytics and Information Security. 

Our one hour session will cover all three of our professional programs and a complimentary lunch will be provided. Faculty members will also be on hand to meet prospective students and answer questions.

Please stay tuned for details about our next Lunch and Learn

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. 

Upgrade your career

Earn a relevant graduate-level credential to advance your career.

Shift your skillset

Transition your career to tech with any background.

Get a head start

Recent grad? Stand out with a masters degree in a high-demand field.

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.

See a list of our available courses and an overview of their curriculum here: www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/data-science.html

MDSA Chart

Masters Courses

The Master of Data Science includes the 24 units (eight 3-unit courses) from the Certificate and Diploma courses. All Masters students will take DATA 691 and then have a choice between pursuing a Professional Internship through DATA 693 or a Research Internship through DATA 695.

Provides a framework for students to initiate, perform and successfully complete a real-world project in Data Science and Analytics. This includes problem identification and formulation; discussion of legal, social, and ethical issues in data-driven projects; holistic processing and application of data; communication and data storytelling skills as well as leadership skills. In addition, students will be exposed to emerging topics in Data Science and Analytics.

Students will integrate professional competencies and advanced analytical tools and apply them to a specific domain.

Exposure to advanced data analytics methods and research methods applied to subdomains of data science, including business analytics and big data problems in healthcare.


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

Tim Cruz, BComm’18

2021 graduate - Master of Data Science; 2019 graduate - Data Science & Analytics Diploma