Georgetown graduates have gone on to careers in fields such as business and entrepreneurship, communications and public relations, education and administration, health care, humanities and the arts, journalism, law and legal services, nonprofit organization, sales and marketing, social services, technology management, and more.

Yes, the program is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in and complete two open courses that focus on the acquisition of foundational cyber security skills. These courses draw from the Cyber Security Foundations module, which is the first module in the full degree programme. Your progress from this course can be carried over to the full degree. This means that if you enroll in the full degree programme you won’t have to repeat the learning activities you’ve already completed.

Individual modules from the degree will also be available to study.

Cyber Security Fundamentals

This course is intended to provide a general introduction to key concepts in cyber security. It is aimed at anyone with a good general knowledge of information and communications technology. The nature, scope and importance of cyber security are explained, and key concepts are justified and explored. This includes examining the types of threat that cyber security must address, as well as the range of mechanisms, both technological and procedural, that can be deployed.

The role of cryptography in providing security is explored, including how algorithms and keys play their part in enabling cyber security. The key supporting function played by key management is identified, including why the use of cryptographic functions depends on it.

The need for security management in an organisation is explained, and its main elements are introduced - including the key role played by risk management. The importance of standardised approaches to security management is explained, as is the notion of compliance.

The program is designed to be flexible for working individuals. Students who take three courses per session will complete the MS-DS degree in about two years. There are six eight-week sessions per year. The degree is flexible. Take more courses per session to complete the degree more quickly, or fewer courses per session if you prefer a slower pace. Please note that you must complete all courses within eight years.

30 credits are required to earn the Master of Science in Data Science degree. Each course is worth one credit.

You can take as many courses as you would like at the same time. You must complete all for-credit coursework and exams by the last day of each session. It’s recommended that you start with one course and decide from there if it is feasible to take more at the same time.

Yes. When you successfully complete the online MS-DS degree, you may come to campus to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Yes. There are weekly online office hours where you can interact with course facilitators and ask questions.

No, you do not, although previous experience in statistics and computer science is helpful. Not sure if you're ready? You can enroll in a pathway specialization as a non-credit learner, which gives you the option to preview course content. Then, you can upgrade to the for-credit version and pay tuition when you are ready.

Once you enroll in a for-credit course, you will receive a CU email address. There is no physical ID card.

Yes. The Slack channel and discussion forums are ways to connect and network. The program also hosts a number of in-person and online networking events throughout the year.

Yes. Once admitted to the program, you’ll have access to Handshake, a comprehensive resource for all things career related, and VMock online resume review. Graduates can also join the Forever Buffs alumni association.

Tuition is $525 per credit hour and $15,750 for the full 30-credit master’s degree. With “pay-as-you-go” tuition, you pay only for the courses you are taking in the upcoming term at the time of enrollment.

You do not need any specific background to be admitted to the program. However, it is helpful to have previous experience in statistics and computer science. Not sure if you're ready for a for-credit class? You can enroll in a Pathway Specialization as a non-credit learner, which gives you the option to preview course content. Then, you can upgrade to the for-credit version and pay tuition when you are ready.

You are also welcome to enroll in the Bridge to Data Science courses if you need to brush up on your statistics and/or programming skills. These non-credit courses are designed to prepare you for the MS-DS program.