Online MS in Data Science Bridge Program
Jumpstart Your Data Science Career With the Online Data Science Bridge Program
Grand Canyon University’s Bridge (Master of Science in Data Science) program provides an accelerated pathway for those interested in pursuing a rewarding career in data science. This bridge program serves as an introduction to data science and is available for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field who wishes to enter into the Master of Science in Data Science program offered by the College of Engineering and Technology. Students will gain the foundation necessary to begin their academic journey toward a future in data science and business analytics.
Data science may be an ideal career path for those with a passion for data analysis, research and uncovering hidden information, as well as for those with a curiosity for how data can impact a wide range of fields. These fields include biology, medicine, cybersecurity, transportation, climate research, psychology, sports and more. Professionals who have strong analytical, strategizing and problem-solving skills, or a desire to develop and strengthen these skills, may be a good fit for this field.
Benefits of Pursuing the Data Science Bridge Program at GCU
This bridge program can prepare you to move into the corresponding graduate program. The program is also offered online to meet the needs of the adult learner, which allows working professionals to continue to work while completing the program.
Data Science Master’s Degree Fundamentals
MS in Data Science bridge program students will be introduced to the fast-advancing digital landscape and how data science and analysis can drive organizations forward. You will study and work to understand how data science can make a difference in the world, from discovering causes of disease and climate change to observing people migration patterns.
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Coursework To Expect in the MS in Data Science Bridge Program
As you move through the program, you can acquire a foundation in math, science and engineering, including focuses in probability and statistics, calculus and computer programming. You will be taught data science master’s degree competencies in the following topic areas that will prepare you for your next steps:
- Linear algebra
- Probability and statistics
- Calculus for science and engineering
- Computer programming
Next Steps After a Data Science Bridge Program
After completing your bridge program, you will be eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Data Science program. This master’s program can prepare you to become a data science professional and can equip you with the technical skills to fulfill roles in data science, data and business analytics and analytics management. These are roles for those who want to explore big data to make discoveries beneficial to businesses, use new technologies for research, specialize in the data lifecycle and become a forward thinker who leads impactful business decisions making.
Online MS in Data Science Bridge Program FAQs
If you’re looking for the opportunity to gain entry into a master’s in data science program, this bridge program may be an ideal option for you. Read through some frequently asked questions to learn more about this program and pursuing a career in data science.
According to Glassdoor’s rankings of the top 50 best jobs in America, data science is ranked as the third best job in America for 2022 with high job satisfaction and fast-growing job openings.1 This ranking is based off of data suggesting that data science graduates may have the opportunity for high earning potentials, job satisfaction and a high number of job openings.
In this bridge program, students will take five courses and earn 20 total credits. You will also be completing your courses online. The majority of online courses for this program are each seven weeks in length.
Data science can be a demanding career path, requiring advanced knowledge of complex concepts in computer programming, math and statistics. Data science master’s bridge programs aim to prepare you for master’s level studies of these topics so you can apply for the master’s program. These programs look to prepare you by challenging you and your knowledge of these topics. When in your program, be sure to take advantage of your learning resources and knowledgeable professors to help set yourself up for success in the program and better prepare for you career post-graduation.
1 Glassdoor. (2022). 50 Best Jobs in America for 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include a brief review of linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions; understanding and calculating limits, continuity, and derivatives as rates of change; differentiation rules including derivatives of polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions; product and quotient rules, the chain rule, and implicit differentiation; related rates, curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, mean value theorem, linear approximation, indeterminate forms, and L’Hospital’s rule; and applied optimization problems, antiderivatives, and approximating areas under the curve. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-250 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts, methods, and applications of integral calculus and is the second course in a three-course sequence. Topics include definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, and integration rules; arc length, solids of revolution, and physical applications; techniques of integration including improper integrals and an introduction to differential equations; polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences, and series; power series and conic sections; and vector arithmetic, dot product, and projections. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-252.
Course Description
This course is intended primarily for mathematics, science, and engineering students. The goal of the course is to impart the concepts and techniques of modern linear algebra (over the real scalar field) with a significant level of rigor. Students write clearly about the concepts of linear algebra (definitions, counterexamples, simple proofs), and apply theory to examples. The course emphasizes the practical nature of solutions to linear algebra problems. Students implement some of these solutions, where appropriate, as computer programs. Prerequisite: MAT-264 or MAT-253
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and syntax of the Java programming language. The course focuses on object-oriented techniques in Java with an emphasis on problem solving and fundamental algorithms.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.