MS Data Science (Online) at University of Colorado Boulder

Programme overview

Master of Science in Data Science Online on the Coursera platform The online Master of Science degree in Data Science (MSDS) on Coursera is an interdisciplinary degree program offered through the University of Colorado Boulder and hosted online through Coursera’s learning platform. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the MSDS is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience in computer science, information science, mathematics and statistics. The MSDS on Coursera provides learners with a strong foundation in acquiring, cleaning and managing data.

Faculty: College of Engineering and Applied Science | Department: Data Science | Duration: 30 credit hours | Study mode: online | Location: Boulder, CO, United States

What you will study

The MSDS is a non-thesis degree that requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Sample listed courses: DTSA 5001 Probability Foundations for Data Science and AI; DTSA 5002 Statistical Estimation for Data Science and AI; DTSA 5003 Hypothesis Testing for Data Science; DTSA 5501 Algorithms for Searching, Sorting, and Indexing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The MS-DS on Coursera uses performance-based adm issions , which means students earn program admission simply by performing well in a three-course pathway. Students enroll in and complete their preferred three-course pathway with a GPA of 3.0 or better in each of the three courses to be admitted to the program. Pathway courses are a required part of the curriculum, which means students make direct progress toward the degree while they work toward program admission. There is no traditional application for admission to the degree. The University of Colorado Boulder never asks for transcripts, previous test scores (like GRE or TOEFL), application essays, letters of recommendation or application fees. A prior degree is not required for admission. Because this program is fully online, students do not need to complete a background check to enroll.

USD 15,750 for the whole programme (2026-27). Tuition for the full 30-credit online master's on Coursera at $525 per credit hour, same for in-state, out-of-state and international students; no student fees; pay-as-you-go per course, 2026-27 estimate. Source

Graduate programmes set their own entry terms and deadlines on their programme pages; all deadlines are 10:00 pm Mountain Time. Fall, spring and summer terms are billed for graduate students.

Graduate applications are submitted online to the Graduate School; the nonrefundable application fee is $60 for domestic applicants and $80 for international applicants, payable online. GRE or GMAT requirements and deadlines vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions

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