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California State University, Chico
College of Natural Sciences

Data Science and Analytics MS

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  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

Request Information About This Program

Uncover promising results for new drug therapies. Find companies poised to soar in the stock market. Discover emerging environmental trends that inspire action. The common thread between all those jobs: Data. As a graduate of Chico State’s master’s program in Data Science and Analytics, you’ll build the ability to find answers hidden inside troves of raw data.

While the program is ideal for students with a background in statistics, computer science, business analytics, or other STEM fields, this degree serves any student devoted to making sense of hard-to-solve problems. Students with degrees in journalism, nutrition, political science, and more are welcome.

students explore, analyze, and visualize real-world data analysis in the American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest

Crack the Code

Get an overview of the mathematic, statistical, and programming skills needed to tell a story with data. Classes are offered jointly in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Computer Science.

Tracks That Fit Your Future

Dive deep into the 0s and 1s of data science or take a bigger-picture approach in one of two tracks offered by the MSDSA.

  • Students standing next to white board during American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest

    Applied Analytics

    Learn to put data to work while collaborating with financial analysts, researchers, reporters, and other subject experts. You’ll become a resident “data person”—the go-to source to get to the bottom of the numbers.

  • Students explore, analyze, and visualize real-world data analysis in the American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest

    Machine Learning

    Go deep inside the mechanics controlling how data is collected and presented in this specialty. You’ll build expertise in the mathematical and computational underpinnings of statistical, machine learning, and artificial intelligence models at work.

Where Data Becomes Doing

You can find data science jobs almost anywhere there’s data—in short, just about everywhere. A data science degree from Chico State prepares you for work as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, quantitative research analyst, bioinformatician or chief data officer, among other possibilities.

Fast Facts

The numbers don’t lie: data science grads are in demand. This fast-growing field is expected to keep growing through the decade—adding nearly 20,000 jobs a year through 2032.

35%

Expected job growth

$108,020

Median salary. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

Real-World Application of Skills

  • Small group team members smile while in discussion during DataFest event

    Power of Two

    Faculty from both the mathematics and computer science departments teach in our Data Science program, providing diverse expertise. You'll complete an independent data science project, approved by your advisory committee, to demonstrate mastery and showcase your skills to employers.

  • Students working on data analysis at Datafest

    Put Your Skills to Work

    Every student in the Applied Analytics track must complete an internship as part of the program—ensuring that you’ll get field experience working with clients even before you graduate. Polish your problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration skills while gaining experience employers value.

Student scratches chin in thought while review work of team member during DataFest event

Get Involved

Ever been part of a data-thon? You can, as part of Chico State’s Data Science Club. This student group sponsors the NorCal ASA DataFest, a multi-day event that pits teams of 2 to 5 students against each other as they work to solve a data analysis challenge.

Additional Information

All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will be collected electronically via Cal State Apply. 

Application Deadlines

Fall (August start): April 1 (March 1 for international students)
Spring (January start): No spring admission 

Supplemental Materials

  • Statement of purpose
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • Optional: GRE test, public URL link to an example of coding experience.

We're here to help! Reach out to graduate program coordinator Robin Donatello with any questions.

Professor Robin Donatello
Mathematics and Statistics Department
rdonatello@csuchico.edu

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more.

Scholarship Opportunities

Chico State provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

Students from any discipline can enter the program, including nutrition, agriculture, bioinformatics, journalism, political science, and even the digital humanities. For students with backgrounds in technical areas such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science, the machine learning track will provide deeper and more technical training that would prepare them for high-paying jobs in tech. 

Email us at datascience@csuchico.edu for more details.

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