University Catalog

Master of Science in Applied Data Science (Geographic Information Systems)

About This Program

The Master of Science in Applied Data Science with an emphasis and certificate in Geographic Information Systems is designed for students and professionals wishing to acquire skills in spatial data analysis. GIS is a powerful computer-based analytical tool used at all levels of government, in business, industry, and institutions. GIS skills are a must in many different fields including urban planning, engineering, geology, and the social sciences. In planning for instance, GIS skills provide professionals with a spatial analytical edge with application in all areas of planning including land use, environmental, transportation and economic development planning. The program includes a 3-semester credit hour (SCH) capstone project or professional internship that will allow students to experience the entire process of analyzing a given problem,  starting with problem conception all the way to product delivery. The program is designed for students with a wide range of backgrounds, including STEM degrees and those with non-technical backgrounds, such as business majors. The program can be completed in 18 months (full-time students may complete it in 12 months).

Competencies

  1. Upon completion, students will be able to apply statistical methodologies to real-world data from diverse applications.
  2. Upon completion, students will be able to understand computational aspects of big data analytics.
  3. Upon completion, students will understand computational aspects of big data analytics in GIS.

Admissions Criteria

All applicants for the Applied Data Science MS must meet UT Arlington’s graduate admission requirements. The program does not consider GRE scores in evaluating candidates for admission.

To be considered for admission, applicants must demonstrate undergraduate preparation equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in natural, physical, or social sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, or related fields. To apply for a specific track, applicants must demonstrate sufficient background in that concentration with a relevant bachelor's degree.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from evaluators who can assess the candidate’s potential for academic success.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants who demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 and strong support from references will be considered for unconditional admission. Applicants with a GPA of 2.7 or higher (but less than 3.0) who demonstrate relevant work experience and/or certification may be offered unconditional admission upon review.

All admitted students must complete the program’s self-paced, non-credit online review, “Math Foundation of Machine Learning,” prior to enrolling in classes.

Curriculum

Foundations
ASDS 5301STATISTICAL THEORY AND APPLICATIONS3
ASDS 5302PRINCIPLE OF DATA SCIENCE3
ASDS 5303STATISTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING I3
ASDS 6306INTERNSHIP/CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT3
Geographic Information Systems Specialization
PLAN 5331GIS WORKSHOP3
PLAN 5356INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS3
PLAN 5357INTERMEDIATE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS3
Select one from the following:3
GRAPHICS AND MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION IN PLANNING
GIS AND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS
PLANNING INTERNSHIP
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PLANNING
Data Science Electives
Select 6 hourse from the following:6
DEEP LEARNING AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
SPECIAL TOPICS
ADVANCE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
MACHINE LEARNING WITH APPLICATIONS
DATA MINING WITH INFORMATION VISUALIZATION
OPTIMIZATION AND BIG DATA ANALYTICS
STATISTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING II
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Total Hours30

Advising Resources

Undergraduate and Graduate Advising

Location:

Life Science Building Room 206A and 206B

Email:

data.advising@uta.edu

Phone:

817-272-1512

Web:

Speak to an advisor in the Division of Data Science or schedule an appointment.