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M.S. in Data Science Program at Elmhurst College

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems lets Elmhurst College post-grads gain an analytical advantage in today’s Big Data industry with the M.S. in Data Science. Chaired by Dr. James Kulich in Daniels Hall, the 30-credit, STEM-designated program powers up students’ technical prowess drawing clues from structured and unstructured data. Eight-week M.S. sessions accommodate working adults for part-time completion in 24 months online or on-campus. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means intense engagement in courses like Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Programming Languages, and Analytical Methods. Extra project risk management expertise is built with the 15-credit Enterprise Optimization Certificate added. Courses strive to address McKinsey’s estimated 1.5 million shortage of data managers with its 94 percent job placement rate at Excelon, Argonne, Motorola, RR Donnelley, and others.

Included in the United States’ top 15 by Value Colleges, Elmhurst’s M.S. in Data Science takes a project-based approach to hone important skills like predictive modeling. Students work with PhD-level faculty to complete data mining projects before tackling the two-semester required thesis. The Daniels Hall labs are equipped with Windows 7 computers for hands-on experience with Python, SQL, Java, and more. Elmhurst College helps tech gurus network through organizations like Omicron Delta Kappa, Game Developers Club, and Software Engineering Club. Belonging to the ACM, the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems also sends teams to the International Collegiate Programming Contest. Finishing the Master of Science gives plentiful experience to earn industry-recognized credentials, such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS.

About Elmhurst College

Elmhurst College was opened in 1871 on the Bryan Estate by the Evangelical Synod of North America as an all-male, German-speaking proseminary. Transitioning to English in 1917 and welcoming women in 1930, Elmhurst was expanded by H. Richard Niebuhr into a private, civic-oriented Protestant liberal arts CCIW member. Endowed for $86 million, Elmhurst College began offering graduate studies in 1998 with 15 master’s options, including the M.S. in Data Science. Eighty percent of Elmhurst’s 160 full-time professors have PhDs to teach 3,350 Bluejays. Following a 4-1-4 academic calendar, Elmhurst stands atop a 48-acre Chicagoland campus in Illinois’ DuPage County with the well-known Russell G. Weigand Center. Linked to 20,454 LinkedIn alumni, Elmhurst College has graduated notable people like Brett Eldredge, William Joseph Bauer, and Beverly Fawell.

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Granted the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award in 2016 and 2017, Elmhurst College is ranked the Midwest’s 11th best school, 13th top value, and ninth most veteran-friendly campus by the U.S. News & World Report. Forbes recognized Elmhurst for the 236th best private education and 346th most satisfied alums nationally. On Niche, Elmhurst has America’s 121st safest campus, 284th best location, and 378th hardest academics. The Wall Street Journal placed Elmhurst College 340th for best student outcomes. According to the Social Mobility Index, Elmhurst generates the 295th best advantage to disadvantaged youth. Washington Monthly applauded Elmhurst College for the 168th most Peace Corps volunteers and 183rd best bang for the buck. College Factual reports that Elmhurst information science grads are the 63rd highest paid too.

Elmhurst College Accreditation Details

In 2009, Elmhurst College had its Level III regional accreditation reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) for 10 years without sanctions under president Bryant L. Cureton. This institutional review certifies high academic quality and Federal Title-IV eligibility from the U.S. Department of Education for 67 bachelor’s, 17 master’s, and 12 certificate programs from Grayslake to Hinsdale and Chicago. Elmhurst participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) for online study. Curricula was also accredited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Elmhurst College Application Requirements

With a Fall 2016 acceptance rate of 70 percent, Elmhurst College has “selective” criteria for getting into its M.S. in Data Science program. Landing an admission interview with Dr. James Kulich requires finishing four-year bachelor’s degrees, preferably in technical majors, at regionally accredited colleges. The master’s curriculum has two prerequisites in undergraduate statistics and programming, which must be graded above “C-.” Cumulative GPAs over 3.0 are preferred, but conditional admission is extended for lower grades. Elmhurst stipulates at least 12 months of full-time professional experience for online courses unless waived. Although optional, Graduate Record Exam scores are generally higher than 300 combined for admitted post-grads. International students pursuing the M.S. can certify English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or Level 112 ELS course.

At Elmhurst College, the priority graduate application deadlines are July 1st for Fall, April 1st for Summer, and December 1st for Spring starts, though admission is rolling. Potential M.S. in Data Science entrants can submit the online application via Connect or download the PDF version for free. Extra materials might be emailed to Transcripts4EC@elmhurst.edu or sent to 190 Prospect Avenue in Elmhurst, IL 60126. Future Big Data experts shouldn’t omit the following:

• Official course-by-course transcript evaluation

• Graduate GRE scores by code 0750 (voluntary)

• Current résumé documenting work history

• Three letters of professional character reference

• Typed, 1,000-word degree purpose statement

• Declaration of Certification of Finances (I-20 students only)

Elmhurst College Tuition and Financial Aid

According to the NCES College Navigator, Elmhurst has average graduate student tuition and fees of $29,730 and $250 respectively. In particular, the M.S. in Data Science program charges $870 per credit part-time. That’s added atop the $150 academic technology fee each eight-week term. Finishing the 30-credit master’s would cost $26,700 total over four semesters. Post-grads should also budget $1,000 for textbooks and $2,072 for miscellaneous costs per year. Online students save considerable sums by skipping the $9,928 for annual room and board though.

In 2016-17, Elmhurst provided $56.65 million in financial assistance for 94 percent of full-time students to earn packages worth $21,308 on average. Post-grads should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid via code 001676 before February 15th to qualify for Unsubsidized Direct and Graduate PLUS loans. Six monthly payment plans per semester are available for free through TouchNet Connect. Elmhurst College Grants award $1,000 to $24,000 annually based on expected family contribution. “Land of Lincoln” residents could claim the Illinois Monetary Award for up to $4,869 yearly. Military Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits are accepted via the Yellow Ribbon Program. Online students at Elmhurst College also access institutional funds like the Excellence Scholarship, Heritage Scholarship, Legacy Scholarship, Excellence Scholarship, and American Dream Grant.

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