Program details
Interested in a Computational Data Science Degree?
- Curriculum (Print version PDF)
- Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)
- College undergraduate admissions
Enrollment
Fall 2023 - 84
Fall 2022 – 78
Fall 2021 – 56
Fall 2020 – 35
Degrees awarded
2022-2023 - 19
2021-2022 - 7
Additional college information
Curriculum
Courses
1. University Requirements: (23-24 credit (cr))
- Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures (WRA) 4 cr
- Integrative Studies in Humanities (IAH)
IAH 201-210 and IAH 211 or > 8 cr - Integrative Studies in Social Sciences (ISS)
ISS 2XX and ISS 3XX 8 cr - Bioscience (See 3A Below)
2. College Requirements: (28 cr) *College Admission Requirement
- *EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2 cr
- *CMSE 202 Computational Modeling Tools and Techniques 4 cr
- *MTH 132 Calculus I 3 cr
- *MTH 133 Calculus II 4 cr
- MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4 cr
- MTH 235 Differential Equations 3 cr
- *PHY 183 Physics for Scientists & Engineers I 4 cr
- PHY 184 Physics for Scientists & Engineers II 4 cr
3. Major Requirements: (59-62 cr)
a. Bioscience (4-6 cr)
Select one course from Group 1 and one course from Group 2.
Group 1
- **BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 cr
- ENT 205 Pests, Society, & the Environment 3 cr
- IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3 cr
- MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3 cr
- MMG 201 Fundamentals of Microbiology 3 cr
- PLB 105 Plant Biology 3 cr
- PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4 cr
Group 2
- BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2 cr
- **CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1 cr
- CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1 cr
- PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1 cr
- PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1 cr
- PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1 cr
**These courses may have prerequisites, which are not otherwise required in the program. Students should check course descriptions to ensure they are aware of prerequisites.
b. All of the following course: (44 cr)
- CMSE 201 Intro to Computational Modeling and Data Analysis 4 cr
- CMSE 381 Fundamentals of Data Sci Methods 4 cr
- CMSE 382 Optimization Methods in Data Sci 4 cr
- CMSE 495 Experiential Learning in Data Sci (W) 4 cr
- CSE 232 Introduction to Programming II 4 cr
- CSE 300 Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Computing 1 cr
- CSE 331 Algorithms and Data Structures 3 cr
- CSE 404 Intro to Machine Learning 3 cr
- CSE 482 Big Data Analysis 3 cr
- CSE 480 Database Systems 3 cr
- MTH 314 Matrix Algebra w/ Comp Applications 3 cr
- STT 180 Introduction to Data Science 4 cr
- STT 380 Probability and Stats for Data Sci 4 cr
c. Two of the following courses: (6 cr)
- CSE 402 Biometrics and Pattern Recognition 3 cr
- ***CSE 415 Introduction to Parallel Computing 3 cr
- CSE 431 Algorithm Engineering 3 cr
- CSE 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3 cr
d. Two of the following courses: (6-7 cr)
- ***CMSE 401 Methods for Parallel Computing 4
- CMSE 402 Visualization of Scientific Datasets 3
- CSE 402 Biometrics and Pattern Recognition 3 cr
- ***CSE 415 Introduction to Parallel Computing 3 cr
- CSE 431 Algorithm Engineering 3 cr
- CSE 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3 cr
- CSE 471 Media Processing and Multimedia Computing 3 cr
- CSE 472 Computer Graphics 3 cr
- MTH 451 Numerical Analysis I 3 cr
- MTH 468 Predictive Analysis 3 cr
- STT 464 Statistics for Biologists 3 cr
- STT 465 Bayesian Statistical Methods 3 cr
*** Both CSE 415 and CMSE 401 may not be used to fulfill requirements c and d
Other Electives (Variable)
Total Credits Required for Degree 120 cr
The requirements listed above apply to students admitted to the major of Computational Data Science in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering beginning Fall 2020. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) constantly reviews program requirements and reserves the right to make changes as necessary. Consequently, each student is strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to obtain assistance in planning an appropriate schedule of courses.
Sample
First Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTH 132 | 3 | MTH 133 | 4 |
| ISS 2XX | 4 | CMSE 201 | 4 |
| EGR 100 | 2 | STT 180 | 4 |
| Elective | 5 | WRA 101 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTH 234 | 4 | MTH 235 | 3 |
| CMSE 202 | 4 | CSE 232 | 4 |
| MTH 314 | 3 | STT 380 | 4 |
| PHY 183 | 4 | PHY 184 | 4 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMSE 381 | 4 | CSE 480 | 3 |
| CSE 300 | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| CSE 331 | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
| IAH 201-210 | 4 | IAH 211 or > |
4 |
| ISS 3XX | 4 | ||
| Total | 16 | Total | 13 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMSE 382 | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| Biosci/Lab | 4 | CMSE 495 | 4 |
| CSE 404 | 3 | CSE 482 | 3 |
| CDS Elective | 3 | CDS Elective | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | ||
| Total | 17 | Total | 14 |
Program Objectives
A graduate of the MSU Computational Data Science is prepared to be
- successful in a computing-related profession, or
- successful in graduate study.
To achieve these objectives the department prepares students in the application of fundamental computing principles and software development skills. This preparation includes the design and implementation of systems that solve complex problems. Our graduates will be trained in teamwork, effective communication, professionalism, ethics, and the engagement of learning and applying new ideas and technologies as the field evolves.
Additional college information
More info
What does a Computational Data Scientist do?
The world is awash in data and it is growing at a mammoth pace. Over 2.5 million trillion byes of data are generated every day. In every minute Uber has 45,000 trips, 456,000 tweets are sent, and 3.6 million Google searches occur. NASA alone generates 121 terabytes of data every single day. It is the job of the data scientist to bring order to the chaos on terabytes of data. A data scientist extracts meaning from data. They search for hidden models, train intelligent systems, create visualizations, identify patterns and trends, and discover solutions and opportunities. The Computational Data Science program prepares students for careers applying and developing tools that support the data needs of tomorrow, from the intelligence in self-driving vehicles to business intelligence systems to opportunities not yet foreseen.
Common tasks that a Computational Data Scientist will perform include:
- Collecting and categorizing large datasets
- Cleaning and validating data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and uniformity
- Identifying patterns and trends
- Devising models and algorithms to uncover hidden meaning
- Forecasting future trends and results
- Training intelligent systems
- Producing summarizations and visualizations of datasets
- Communicating results to stakeholders
Is there a high demand for Computational Data Scientists? The opportunities for Data Scientists are vast and rapidly expanding. Starting salaries reflect the current shortage of qualified data professionals. A diverse range of businesses are seeking qualified graduates including:
- Online companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Twitter, and LinkedIn
- Computer technology companies such as IBM, Apple, and Oracle
- Communications companies such as Verizon and T-Mobile
- Mobile app developers such as Spotify, Shutterfly and Uber
- Service businesses ranging from insurance to finance such as SAP, Bank of America, and Deloitte
- Data science companies such as SAS, Palantir, Pixar, and Teradata
- Product designers and manufacturers such as Intel, General Motors, Nike, Boeing
Additional college information
Program details
Interested in a Computational Data Science Degree?
- Curriculum (Print version PDF)
- Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)
- College undergraduate admissions
Enrollment
Fall 2023 - 84
Fall 2022 – 78
Fall 2021 – 56
Fall 2020 – 35
Degrees awarded
2022-2023 - 19
2021-2022 - 7
Additional college information
Curriculum
Courses
1. University Requirements: (23-24 credit (cr))
- Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures (WRA) 4 cr
- Integrative Studies in Humanities (IAH)
IAH 201-210 and IAH 211 or > 8 cr - Integrative Studies in Social Sciences (ISS)
ISS 2XX and ISS 3XX 8 cr - Bioscience (See 3A Below)
2. College Requirements: (28 cr) *College Admission Requirement
- *EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2 cr
- *CMSE 202 Computational Modeling Tools and Techniques 4 cr
- *MTH 132 Calculus I 3 cr
- *MTH 133 Calculus II 4 cr
- MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4 cr
- MTH 235 Differential Equations 3 cr
- *PHY 183 Physics for Scientists & Engineers I 4 cr
- PHY 184 Physics for Scientists & Engineers II 4 cr
3. Major Requirements: (59-62 cr)
a. Bioscience (4-6 cr)
Select one course from Group 1 and one course from Group 2.
Group 1
- **BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 cr
- ENT 205 Pests, Society, & the Environment 3 cr
- IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3 cr
- MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3 cr
- MMG 201 Fundamentals of Microbiology 3 cr
- PLB 105 Plant Biology 3 cr
- PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4 cr
Group 2
- BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2 cr
- **CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1 cr
- CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1 cr
- PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1 cr
- PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1 cr
- PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1 cr
**These courses may have prerequisites, which are not otherwise required in the program. Students should check course descriptions to ensure they are aware of prerequisites.
b. All of the following course: (44 cr)
- CMSE 201 Intro to Computational Modeling and Data Analysis 4 cr
- CMSE 381 Fundamentals of Data Sci Methods 4 cr
- CMSE 382 Optimization Methods in Data Sci 4 cr
- CMSE 495 Experiential Learning in Data Sci (W) 4 cr
- CSE 232 Introduction to Programming II 4 cr
- CSE 300 Social, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Computing 1 cr
- CSE 331 Algorithms and Data Structures 3 cr
- CSE 404 Intro to Machine Learning 3 cr
- CSE 482 Big Data Analysis 3 cr
- CSE 480 Database Systems 3 cr
- MTH 314 Matrix Algebra w/ Comp Applications 3 cr
- STT 180 Introduction to Data Science 4 cr
- STT 380 Probability and Stats for Data Sci 4 cr
c. Two of the following courses: (6 cr)
- CSE 402 Biometrics and Pattern Recognition 3 cr
- ***CSE 415 Introduction to Parallel Computing 3 cr
- CSE 431 Algorithm Engineering 3 cr
- CSE 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3 cr
d. Two of the following courses: (6-7 cr)
- ***CMSE 401 Methods for Parallel Computing 4
- CMSE 402 Visualization of Scientific Datasets 3
- CSE 402 Biometrics and Pattern Recognition 3 cr
- ***CSE 415 Introduction to Parallel Computing 3 cr
- CSE 431 Algorithm Engineering 3 cr
- CSE 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3 cr
- CSE 471 Media Processing and Multimedia Computing 3 cr
- CSE 472 Computer Graphics 3 cr
- MTH 451 Numerical Analysis I 3 cr
- MTH 468 Predictive Analysis 3 cr
- STT 464 Statistics for Biologists 3 cr
- STT 465 Bayesian Statistical Methods 3 cr
*** Both CSE 415 and CMSE 401 may not be used to fulfill requirements c and d
Other Electives (Variable)
Total Credits Required for Degree 120 cr
The requirements listed above apply to students admitted to the major of Computational Data Science in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering beginning Fall 2020. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) constantly reviews program requirements and reserves the right to make changes as necessary. Consequently, each student is strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to obtain assistance in planning an appropriate schedule of courses.
Sample
First Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTH 132 | 3 | MTH 133 | 4 |
| ISS 2XX | 4 | CMSE 201 | 4 |
| EGR 100 | 2 | STT 180 | 4 |
| Elective | 5 | WRA 101 | 4 |
| Total | 14 | Total | 16 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTH 234 | 4 | MTH 235 | 3 |
| CMSE 202 | 4 | CSE 232 | 4 |
| MTH 314 | 3 | STT 380 | 4 |
| PHY 183 | 4 | PHY 184 | 4 |
| Total | 15 | Total | 15 |
Junior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMSE 381 | 4 | CSE 480 | 3 |
| CSE 300 | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| CSE 331 | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
| IAH 201-210 | 4 | IAH 211 or > |
4 |
| ISS 3XX | 4 | ||
| Total | 16 | Total | 13 |
Senior Year
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CMSE 382 | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| Biosci/Lab | 4 | CMSE 495 | 4 |
| CSE 404 | 3 | CSE 482 | 3 |
| CDS Elective | 3 | CDS Elective | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | ||
| Total | 17 | Total | 14 |
Program Objectives
A graduate of the MSU Computational Data Science is prepared to be
- successful in a computing-related profession, or
- successful in graduate study.
To achieve these objectives the department prepares students in the application of fundamental computing principles and software development skills. This preparation includes the design and implementation of systems that solve complex problems. Our graduates will be trained in teamwork, effective communication, professionalism, ethics, and the engagement of learning and applying new ideas and technologies as the field evolves.
Additional college information
More info
What does a Computational Data Scientist do?
The world is awash in data and it is growing at a mammoth pace. Over 2.5 million trillion byes of data are generated every day. In every minute Uber has 45,000 trips, 456,000 tweets are sent, and 3.6 million Google searches occur. NASA alone generates 121 terabytes of data every single day. It is the job of the data scientist to bring order to the chaos on terabytes of data. A data scientist extracts meaning from data. They search for hidden models, train intelligent systems, create visualizations, identify patterns and trends, and discover solutions and opportunities. The Computational Data Science program prepares students for careers applying and developing tools that support the data needs of tomorrow, from the intelligence in self-driving vehicles to business intelligence systems to opportunities not yet foreseen.
Common tasks that a Computational Data Scientist will perform include:
- Collecting and categorizing large datasets
- Cleaning and validating data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and uniformity
- Identifying patterns and trends
- Devising models and algorithms to uncover hidden meaning
- Forecasting future trends and results
- Training intelligent systems
- Producing summarizations and visualizations of datasets
- Communicating results to stakeholders
Is there a high demand for Computational Data Scientists? The opportunities for Data Scientists are vast and rapidly expanding. Starting salaries reflect the current shortage of qualified data professionals. A diverse range of businesses are seeking qualified graduates including:
- Online companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Twitter, and LinkedIn
- Computer technology companies such as IBM, Apple, and Oracle
- Communications companies such as Verizon and T-Mobile
- Mobile app developers such as Spotify, Shutterfly and Uber
- Service businesses ranging from insurance to finance such as SAP, Bank of America, and Deloitte
- Data science companies such as SAS, Palantir, Pixar, and Teradata
- Product designers and manufacturers such as Intel, General Motors, Nike, Boeing