The Master of Science in Applied Data Science program trains you in strategic analysis, leveraging CGU’s world-class expertise and scholarship in the latest computational, behavioral, visualization, and data-driven decision-making techniques for both public and private sectors.
MSADS students are exposed to various social science theories, domains, process, and methods knowledge to help them understand and predict human uncertainty across politics, economics, and business behaviors. You will gain a distinct competitive advantage in your professional career through understanding and using these political, economic, statistical, big data, and data analytics tools to solve public and private sector problems. Topics covered in the MSADS program span national policy development, business strategy, conflict and cooperation, income inequality, economic growth, trade, exchange rates, demographic change, and sustainable development.
Program Highlights
- An individualized curriculum lets you customize your program experience to more effectively achieve your career goals.
- Benefit from CGU’s reputation for extensive expertise in solving real world challenges across politics, business, economics, and policy, using data science for governments and corporations
- Choose specializations in areas of professional interest, including business, health, evaluation, and environmental issues
- Pursue an MS in conjunction with another degree, such as an MS in Information Systems & Technology. You earn a diploma for each degree and “double count” some units from one program to the other to decrease your required total units.
- This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Program At-a-glance
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36 units
required units
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MS in Applied Data Science
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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1.5 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Where You Can Find Our Alumni
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Thailand Election Committee
Chairman
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Kingdom of Norway
Deputy Foreign Minister
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Democratic Election/NBC
Consultant
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Oregon Supreme Court
Associate Justice
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U.S. Embassy, Panama
Charge d'Affaires
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University of New Hampshire
Associate Professor of Political Science
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Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Administrative Attaché
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United States Congress
Congressman
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Rice University
Professor of Political Science
Faculty
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Mark Abdollahian
Full Clinical Professor
Research Interests
Strategic Decision Making, International Political Economy, Sustainable Development
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Carlos Algara
Mary Toepelt Nicolai and George S. Blair Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American politics, the United States Congress, ideological representation, electoral politics, elite institutions
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Heather E. Campbell
Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy
Director, Division of Politics & EconomicsResearch Interests
Public Policy, Urban Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice
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Yi Feng
Luther Lee Jr. Memorial Chair Professor
Research Interests
International Political Economy, International Relations, Political Economy of China and Latin America, Quantitative Methodology
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Jacek Kugler
Elisabeth Helm Rosecrans Professor of International Relations
Research Interests
Causes and Consequences of War, Political Performance, Power Transition
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Tyler Reny
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion, Political Psychology, Data Visualization
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Melissa Rogers
Professor, Politics & Policy
Co-Director, Inequality and Policy Research Center
Field Chair, Comparative Politics
Field Chair, American PoliticsResearch Interests
Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Economic Inequality
Curriculum
Core Course Requirement (16 units)
Data Analytics & Visualization (4 units)Strategic Modeling for Politics, Economics, & Business Decisions (4 units)Visualizing Data (4 units)
Computational Tools for Social Science (4 units)
Research Tools (12 units)
Introduction to Statistical Analysis (4 units)
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (4 units)
Applied Data Analysis (4 units)
Electives (8 units)
Choose one of the following tracks:
Computational Analytics (8 units from the following)
- Game Theory & Asymmetric Information (4 units)
- Computational & Agent-Based Modeling (4 units)
- Dynamic Modeling (4 units)
- Seminar in Social Network Analysis (4 units)
- Analysis of Social Networks (4 units)
International Political Economy (8 units from the following)
- International Political Economy (4 units) And
- Political Economy of International Development (4 units) OR
- Seminar in World Politics: Political Demography & Development ( 4 units) OR
- Special Seminar in Social Demography (4 units)
- Political Economy of China (4 units)
- Economic Development: Household and Local Development Issues (4 units)
Security (8 units from the following)
- World Politics (4 units)
- Perspectives in Conflict & Peace (4 units)
- Seminar in Civil War (4 units)
- Deterrence & Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (4 units)
Health (8 units from the following)
- Theoretical Foundations in Health Promotion & Education (4 units)
- Epidemiology (4 units)
- US Health Policy (4 units)
- Seminar in World Politics: Political Demography & Development (4 units)
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Standardized test scores are not required in order to apply for this program. Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores, but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 36 units |