Online Master of Science in Big Data Analytics

Please note that Global Campus courses cannot be transferred or used in the on-campus Big Data Analytics program.

To earn your Master of Science in Big Data Analytics online, you’ll need to complete 30 units consisting of the following coursework:

• Core Courses — 12 Units
• Elective Courses — 9 Units
• Research Courses — 6 Units
• Capstone/Culminating Experience — 3 Units

You’ll need to earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in these courses, and no less than a C in each course.

If you’re admitted conditionally, you’ll be required to take courses in preparation for the master’s degree that do not fulfill degree requirements, if your conditions warrant.

Course List

Core Courses (12 Units)

BDA 594: Big Data Science and Analytics Platforms (3 Units)
BDA 572: Python Scripting for Social Science (3 Units)
BDA 602: Machine Learning Engineering (3 Units)
MIS 686: Enterprise Data Management (3 Units)

Electives (9 Units) To Be Offered From The Courses Below

BDA 696: Advanced Special Topics in Big Data Analytics (3 units)
MIS 691: Decision Support Systems (3 Units)
STAT 656: Database Management and Predictions (3)

Research (6 Units)

BDA 798: Special Study (3 Units) – repeatable for up to 6 units
BDA 797: Research (3 Units) – repeatable for up to 6 units

Capstone And Culminating Experience (3 Units)

You’ll fulfill the culminating experience requirement by successfully passing a comprehensive examination in BDA 600 with a grade B or above.
BDA 600: Big Data Analytics Capstone Seminar (3 Units)

Only students admitted to this program may register for courses.

Click here for information about our drop policy.

International Applicants
Please click here for detailed guidance on how to submit your transcripts.

Admission Requirements

Below is a list of general admission requirements for the M.S. in Big Data Analytics program.

We understand that every student’s academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Student Service Representatives to find out what you’ll need to successfully apply to the program.

In order to successfully apply to the program, you should have:

• Relevant background (including previous coursework) in business, mathematics, computer science, geographic information systems, digital humanities or related fields.
• Basic knowledge in computer science/programming, as demonstrated by a grade of C or better in CS 150: Introductory Computer Programming or equivalent course, or work experience.
• Basic knowledge in statistical data analysis, as demonstrated by a grade of C or better in STAT 119 or equivalent course, or work experience.

You should also meet all the minimum SDSU requirements, at the time of enrollment:

• Hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate dean
• Have attained a grade point average of at least 2.85 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree, or at least 2.85 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted, or hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association
• Have been in good standing at the last institution attended

Please note that the online M.S. in Big Data Analytics program offered through SDSU Global Campus does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

Application Instructions

To apply for the online Master of Science in Big Data Analytics program, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Cal State Apply Application
   • Submit an application to the University via Cal State Apply, along with the $70 nonrefundable application fee.
2. Submit Official Transcripts to SDSU Graduate Admissions
   • After you have submitted the Cal State Apply application and received your RedID number, you will need to send official transcripts to the Graduate Admissions Office. Sending transcripts before submitting the Cal State Apply application will result in processing delays. You’ll need to provide the following:
     • Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) issued within the last year, from all U.S. colleges and universities attended. Students who previously attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for coursework completed since last attendance. Hard copy SDSU transcripts are not required.
   • If you have international coursework, you’ll need to submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they should be accompanied by a certified literal English translation.
     • English language scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) are required of applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 is required. Scores should be sent directly from ETS using SDSU’s Institution Code 4682.  Applicants may also take the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL and should present a minimum score of 6.5. Applicants may also take the PTE in lieu of the TOEFL and should present a minimum score of 58.
       
       The above listed materials should be sent to:
       
       Graduate Admissions
       San Diego State University
       5500 Campanile Drive
       San Diego, CA 92182-8225
        
3. Submit Supplemental Documents to the Program
   • ​​Submit all supplemental materials to the program via Interfolio.
     • One page statement of research interests and professional goals (maximum 500 words).
     • A current résumé or vitae. Please include undergraduate GPA scores (and if applicable, TOEFL or IELTS) test scores in your resume or vitae. Please also include information about your computer programming skills (Python, R, JavaScripts, C++/ Algorithms, AWS, MongoDB, etc.) and experience (beginner, medium, advanced, etc.). In addition, what knowledge, skills, job-related traits and abilities you may have?
     • One or two letters of recommendation (Minimum one letter is required)
     • One digital portfolio document that describes the technical products YOU have created, such as class projects, GitHub websites, videos, personal or project websites, dashboards, software development, programming profile, web designing, and apps. Note: A digital portfolio is not a résumé or an autobiography: only focus on your work samples. Only include your best, most professional examples. Include recent work if possible.
     • Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. These do not need to be sent directly from the college or university – scanned photocopies and digital copies are acceptable. Note: This is in addition to the transcripts that you submit to Graduate Admissions.
     • Copies of English language scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) if they are required in your applications. Photocopies and digital copies are acceptable. Note: This is in addition to the scores that you submit to Graduate Admissions.

After submitting the online Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email from San Diego State University that includes your SDSUid, which is needed to log into my.SDSU. You can use my.SDSU to check your application status, update your contact information, access your financial aid, and more. Please check back frequently to make sure all of the required materials have been received — you’re responsible for ensuring that all supporting materials are submitted by the deadline.

Financial Aid

Important Note: Courses taken before acceptance are not eligible for financial aid. Once you are accepted or matriculated, the courses are financial aid eligible.

This program is approved for financial aid. To begin the financial aid process, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. There, you’ll be able to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

We encourage you to apply for financial aid as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions