Data Scientists and Business Analysts are translational experts, adept at dissecting and interpreting raw data; discovering innovative ways to help companies solve complex business problems, identify opportunities, and grow their bottom line. The Data Science and Business Analytics program at UNC Charlotte merges business intelligence and data science together to create a unique and in-demand degree.
The program is designed for working professionals with courses in the evening and part-time and full-time options available. The program has two options in terms of starting points, the Graduate Certificate or the Master’s degree in Data Science and Business Analytics. The Graduate Certificate can be pursued as a stand-alone credential, or folded into the Master’s degree.
DSBA Graduate Certificate Requirements
The Graduate Certificate program is comprised of 15 credit hours/5 courses that build foundational and core competencies in Data Science and Analytics. The GRE/GMAT is not required to apply. Students enrolled in the Certificate follow the same curriculum as the master’s program and can apply at any time to transition into the degree program. Up to 15 credit hours of course work can be applied to the DSBA master’s degree.
- 15 graduate credit hours/5 courses
- 9 credit hours of required core courses
- 6 credit hours of elective courses
- Students applying from the DSBA Graduate Certificate to the DSBA Master’s degree with a 3.5 or higher GPA, can request that the GRE/GMAT requirement be waived.
- The Graduate Certificate requires a minimum of 2 semesters to complete.
DSBA Master’s Degree Requirements
The M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics is a professional master’s degree focusing on applied research. It allows students to more beyond core competencies and pursue cutting-edge graduate-level research while developing practical business skills.
- 11 courses / 33 graduate credit hours are required for the PSM in DSBA degree:
- 21 credit hours of required core courses
- 9 credit hours of electives courses
- 3 credit hours of internship/practicum course
- The master’s degree does not have a thesis requirement. Instead, all students are required to participate in an internship/practicum lasting a minimum of 160 project hours.
- A full-time student (9-12 credit hours/3-4 classes per semester) can complete the program in roughly 15-18 months.
- A part-time student (3-6 credit hours/1-2 classes per semester) can complete the program in approximately 24 months.
Transfer Credits
Up to six hours of approved coursework may be transferred to satisfy the Master degree requirements. Only courses in which the student earned a grade of B or better will be accepted. Graduate credits applied to a previous degree cannot be transferred.
Additional information can be found under the Academics FAQs