» Master of Science in Computational and Data Sciences

The CADS program is focused on developing and implementing state-of-the-art statistical, machine learning and AI models to advance high accuracy medical diagnoses, drug discovery. survival and quality of life, reduce medical expenditures, predict extreme weather events and their impacts, sport analytics and player trading optimization. 

Academic Program and Research

Through modeling and study of specific phenomena via computer analysis, data mining and software engineering, you will learn to apply extraordinary technology and processes to answer the world’s most complex questions in fields including:

• Medicine and Epidemiology
• Climate and Earth Hazards
• Big Data and High-Performance Computing
• Drug Design
• Genetics Analysis
• Natural Language Processing
• Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
• Economics Analysis
• Sports Analytics 

For the latest information on the current curriculum, please visit the Graduate Catalog.

Prerequisites 

It is expected that students admitted to the CADS M.S. program will have completed substantial preparatory coursework as an undergraduate major or minor from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following disciplines, or the equivalent: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Preparatory coursework must include the following courses, or the equivalent:

• Linear Algebra
• Multivariable Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Computer Programming: Data Structures preferred (R, Python, and SQL)
• Probability and Statistics (Distributions, Confidence Intervals, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Models)

• CS 510 Computing for Scientists (3)
• CS 520 Mathematical Modeling (3)
• CS 530 Data Mining (3)
• CS 555 Multivariate Data Analysis (3)
• CS 595 Computational Science Seminars (1)

Elective Courses (12 credits) Course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Catalog. At least nine credits must be taken in one area of study (listed in the current Graduate Catalog).

Research/Electives (6 credits)

1. Non-thesis Option
   • Additional graduate level elective from area of study (3)
   • Additional graduate level elective (3)
2. Thesis Option
   • CS 698 - Thesis (3) (6 credits required)

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree specifically in computational science is not required for admission. The program will consider applicants from a broad range of undergraduate and master’s level science disciplines (e.g. biology, chemistry, computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, mathematics, physics). Admission will depend on the relationship between the student’s goals and the program’s objectives as well as the likelihood that the student will benefit from the program

     
1. Prerequisite Courses

It is expected that students admitted to the CADS M.S. program will have completed substantial preparatory coursework as an undergraduate major or minor from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following disciplines, or the equivalent: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering.

Preparatory coursework must include the following courses, or the equivalent:

• Linear Algebra
• Multivariable Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Computer Programming: Data Structures preferred (R, Python, and SQL)
• Probability and Statistics (Distributions, Confidence Intervals, Hypothesis Testing, Linear Models

Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:

Online application for admission (including $60 non-refundable application fee)

Official transcript from degree granting institution. If prerequisite courses have been taken at schools other than the degree granting institution, those transcripts must also be submitted. Applicants must have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.00.

Letters of recommendation - two letters of recommendation are required, including one from an academic source which describes your professional and academic abilities.

Statement of Intent - a 750 word essay; applicants are expected to address science topics they are interested in and how they envision applying computational science in those areas.

Resume - a resume or curriculum vitae is required.

International Student Application Requirements

Chapman's language of instruction is English. If you have not received a bachelor's degree (or higher) at an institute where English was the language of instruction, you must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official scores from an English language exam. You can find additional information here.

Official Transcripts and Diploma

• Your application requires official transcripts in both the native language, and in English. If your university does not provide translations of your transcript, you will need to have your transcript translated, line-by-line and word-for-word exactly. You will need to submit both the official transcript and the official translation.
• If your university only provides one official transcript, you will need to submit a notarized copy. You will need to take your official transcript and have certified copies made, and translated into English if needed. These documents should be stamped by the legal notary who made the copy and/or translation. We do not accept uncertified copies directly from students. Please note that official documents will be required upon acceptance.
• While your diploma will not be required with your application, your enrollment into Chapman University will be dependent upon submission of your official diploma. Should you be admitted, your diploma will need to be submitted in both the native language, and in English. You will need to submit both the official diploma and the official translation. If your university only provides one official diploma, you may send a notarized copy, or bring the original documents into our office at the time classes begin.

GPA Evaluation

Once your transcripts are received, Chapman University will conduct an in-house evaluation of your credentials to determine your U.S. equivalent GPA.

Optional: Graduate Admission Test Scores (School Code: 4047); the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores are optional and must have been taken within the last five years.

Supplemental Application

· The International Supplemental Application is the financial certification form that provides comprehensive information about your passport, I-20 requirements, and financial support for your studies. This form is required for F-1 student visa applicants.

· Should you be admitted into our program, you will be sent information on how to access the Supplemental Application.

· If you hold a U.S. passport, or are a permanent resident, you do not need to submit this document. You will apply as a domestic student.

Integrated Undergraduate degree/MS in Computational and Data Sciences for Current Chapman Students: Admission Guidelines

Chapman students should apply to the graduate program in their junior year, prior to taking graduate level courses.  Students will receive conditional admission to the program, pending completion of their bachelor's degree as stipulated in the graduate catalog (see explanation of conditional admission in the graduate catalog).  If accepted into the graduate program, undergraduate students may take up to 12 graduate credits in their senior year.  These credits may also count towards the undergraduate degree credit requirement (please check with your major advisor).  Students will be officially admitted to the MS to complete their graduate coursework after receiving their undergraduate degree. The application process, prerequisites, and graduate program requirements are as specified for the MS in Computational and Data Sciences; however, the application fee and GRE are waived.

See the Academic Calendar for semester start and other dates.

Financial Information

Tuition Information

Financial assistance is available in the form of federal loans, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

More information can be found on the Financial Aid website or by contacting Graduate Financial Aid at gradfinaid@chapman.edu or (714) 628-2730.

Admission – Please contact Melissa Liberman, Senior Graduate Counselor, liberman@chapman.edu / (714) 628-2847, regarding your application, to schedule a campus visit or for other non-program specific questions. Apply by March 15th, 2024  - Apply Now

International Students – View our international student admissions page for additional information regarding applying to Chapman.

Tuition - Contact Student Business Services at (714) 997-6617 for information regarding tuition, fees, billing & payments.  Please note that program staff are prohibited from discussing financial information.

Federal Financial Aid - For more information, email gradfinaid@chapman.edu or call (714) 628-2730.  

Housing - For graduate student housing options, contact Housing and Residence Life at (714) 997-6603. 

The Integrated Computational and Data Science M.S. program is a unique opportunity open to all Chapman University undergraduates with a strong mathematical and/or computational background. Undergraduates can take up to 12 credits during their senior year and earn a CADS M.S. degree with just one additional year of study.

An undergraduate degree specifically in computational science is not required for admission. The program will consider applicants from a broad range of undergraduate science disciplines (e.g. biology, chemistry, computer science, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, mathematics, physics, economics) as long as they satisfy the prerequisites for the program and meet admission requirements. For more information, see Admission above.

See the Course Catalog for course descriptions.

Student Health Insurance

Chapman University's health insurance plan is through United Healthcare. Students may visit the plan website at www.uhcsr.com/chapman to view full plan description, terms of coverage, and more. See more information:

• Graduate Students

• International Students 

Student Health Service

• Disabilities Services

• Students Health Center

• P.E.E.R.

• Psychological Counseling

Student Housing

• On-Campus Housing

• Community Living

Other Resources:

• Canvas

• Computer Labs

• Network Services

• Email (Panthermail)

• Printing

• Purchasing Agreements

• Residence Hall Computing

• Security

• Service Desk

• Software to Download

• Training for myChapman (Student Center in Campus Solutions)

Transportation 

• Campus Shuttle

• Bike Voucher Program

• Campus Parking

• STUDENT LIFE AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

Q: What is required for admission to the program?

A: Please review our admissions requirements for more information.  You may also contact our graduate admissions team at (714) 997-6711, or gradadmit@chapman.edu.

Q: Am I required to take the TOEFL (or equivalent)?

A: Applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree or higher at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction must submit scores for an English Proficiency exam. Chapman University's institution code for the TOEFL is 4047.

Q: Who should my letters of recommendation come from? May I submit additional letters?

A: Letters of recommendation should come from former faculty members or those you've worked with in the industry who can attest to your academic and professional abilities. Two letters is recommended, but you can submit more if you wish.

Q: Can I send in transcripts to show coursework from non-degree granting institutions?

A: Yes, all courses you have completed will be taken into account by the admission committee

Q: How many students are accepted each year?

A: The program looks to admit around 10 master's students per year. 

Q: Do you accept admissions on a rolling basis?

A: No, students are admitted once a year – for the following fall semester.

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A: The 22/23 cost of the MS program is $55,800 ($1,800 per credit regardless of residency).

Q: How long does the program take to complete?

A: Normative completion to the master’s degree is 2 years.

Q: Am I allowed to attend part-time?

A: Yes, part-time students are encouraged to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per year (6 & 6).

Q: Is this program online?

A: No, this program is not online and does not offer any hybrid courses. 

Q: When are classes offered?

A: Most courses are offered in the afternoons and evenings.

Q: Can I transfer courses?

A: Up to 6 credits may be accepted as transfer credit. We accept both standard and online courses that meet all transfer requirements and are from regionally accredited schools. 

Q: Is there financial support available?

A: The program does not provide tuition support for Master's students; however, qualified students are eligible for assistantships ad other on-campus jobs.

Q: How do I find out about available assistantships?

A: Students who would like to be considered for assistantships should send their CV and evaluations from any previous teaching assignments to the Program Coordinator prior to the application deadline. Please specify level of knowledge in each of the following undergraduate areas: math, statistics, and/or computer science.

Q: What scholarships are available?

A: Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships sponsored by government agencies, corporations, and foundations. Some scholarship search options are found on the Financial Aid - Outside Scholarships page.

Q: What are the housing options?

A: On-campus housing is extremely limited and graduate students are encouraged to research alternative living arrangements off-campus by visiting our Introduction to Off-Campus Living page. After being accepted to the program, you can connect to the community through Facebook Off Campus Housing and Roommate Corner and Off-Campus Housing Listings. International students should also check with International Student & Scholar Services.

Q: How accessible are the professors at Chapman?

A: Faculty are easily accessible on campus and by email. Class sizes are intentionally small in order for students and faculty to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate on research, and build close bonds with their professors. 

Additional Information for International Students:

Q: Are Chapman's Computational and Data Sciences degrees STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs?

A: Yes, students in our program are eligible to apply for STEM benefits. See the International Student Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.

Q: What is OPT? 

A: Optional Practical Training or OPT allows you to work for one year, following graduation, in a job related to your major or field of study. See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.

Q: What is CPT?

A: Curricular Practical Training or CPT allows you to participate in an off-campus paid internship related to your major or field of study. See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.