Stony Brook University Computer Science

Program Overview

Master’s Program in Data Science

The SBU Graduate Program in Data Science (DAS) features a MS degree program in Data Science. 

It is jointly offered by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS), and the Department of Computer Science (CS). 

Students will receive vigorous training in Data Science encompassing topics such as statistical analysis, big data analysis/management and fundamentals of computing. 

The MS program in Data Science features 36 credits (12 courses) including 10 core courses and 2 electives. 

Students are expected to complete their MS program in 3 to 4 semesters. 

Core Courses

• The MS program in Data Science features 36 credits (12 courses) including 10 core courses and 2 electives. 
  • AMS 507 Introduction to Probability
  • AMS 572Data Analysis I 
  • AMS 580Statistical Learning (or AMS 530 Parallel Computing if the student has already taken a course like AMS 580)
  • AMS 597 Statistical Computing
  • CSE 581 Computer Science Fundamentals: Theory
  • CSE 582 Computer Science Fundamentals: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • CSE 583 Computer Science Fundamentals: Programming Abstractions
  • ISE 503 Data Management 
  • AMS 560 Big Data Systems, Algorithms and Networks 
  • AMS 598 Big Data Analysis

Elective Courses

• The two electives can be selected from any letter-graded courses offered by the AMS and CS departments. 
• As a capstone experience and part of the electives, we require the students to take either 
  • (i) 3-credit of AMS 585 (Internship in Data Science), or
  • (ii) 6-credits of AMS 585 as a master thesis, with a faculty mentor. 

Course List

Course List & Sequence

Term 1 (Fall semester):

• AMS 507 Introduction to Probability
• AMS 572 Data Analysis I 
• CSE 581 Computer Science Fundamentals: Theory
• CSE 582 Computer Science Fundamentals: Data Structures and Algorithms

Term 2 (Spring semester):

• AMS 580 Statistical Learning (or AMS 530 Parallel Computing
• AMS 597 Statistical Computing
• CSE 583 Computer Science Fundamentals: Programming Abstractions
• ISE 503 Data Management

Term 2 (Spring semester):

• AMS 560 Big Data Systems, Algorithms and Networks
• AMS 598 Big Data Analysis
• Elective 1 *
• Elective 2 *
  • *Note: (1) Students can choose to take at least 3-credit of AMS 585 Internship in Data Science during either the third semester, or the summer between the second and the third semesters, with or without industrial sponsors. 
  • *Note: (2) For students who have taken some of these courses in a previous degree program, they can substitute them with other relevant letter-graded graduate courses from AMS or CS Departments upon the approval of the graduate program director and the course instructor.