What is the history of the Master of Science in Data Analytics program?

In order to accommodate the high demand from both the industry and students, this program was developed by faculty members from five SJSU colleges and industry experts from prominent Silicon Valley companies. In December 2017, the president of San José State University approved this program to be launched in fall 2018. SJSU has submitted the new degree program proposal to the Office of the Chancellor of California State University (CSU) for its final approval. The College of International and Extended Studies (CIES) will host this program due to its interdisciplinary curriculum. In addition, CIES is the hosting college of Silicon Valley Big Data and Cybersecurity Center.

What are the differences between a special session program and a regular session program?

A regular session program is funded by the State of California and a special session class is funded by student tuition. Thus, the State of California will carry partial tuition of a student with the status of California resident. However, all students taking a special session class will pay the same tuition. It is exactly the same degree, whether it is offered through a regular session or a special session.

When can I submit my application to this program?

This program will be listed on the application system, Cal State Apply, once it has received the final approval from the Office of the Chancellor of California State University. The exact dates for submitting applications are not available at this time. These dates will eventually be announced on the main page of this site.

I am a current graduate student at SJSU, can I transfer to this program?

Current graduate students at SJSU will not be able to transfer to this program. Instead, you will have to re-apply through Cal State Apply.

I am a current graduate student at SJSU, can I transfer to this program?

Current graduate students at SJSU will not be able to transfer to this program. Instead, you will have to re-apply through Cal State Apply.

I currently hold an H-4 visa. Can I change it to an F-1 after I join the program?

Please refer to the International Student and Scholar Services at SJSU.

What are required and elective courses?

Please refer to the Curriculum section for the 10 required classes. There is no plan to offer electives at this time.

When will the first 3 classes be offered?

It will be announced in the Schedule section.

How much will I need to pay for the first semester?

The tuition for taking 3 courses in Fall 2018 is $6,750.

Do we receive the same non-academic services as students in the regular session?

A special session student is not required to pay "fees" like regular session students. You can ask for fee-based services by paying additional fees.

When will the first class start and what is the duration of this program?

Please refer to the Schedule session.

Do we have to attend classes in-person or online?

There will be at most one course offered online, in order to conform to the requirements of an F-1 visa.

Can the F-1 students in this program participate in internships?

An F-1 student will follow the same regulations of a regular session student to participate in an internship.

How many internships can I take?

Please refer to the International Student and Scholar Services at SJSU.

Will the MSDA diploma indicate that I have studied through special sessions?

No. A special session student will receive exactly the same diploma from SJSU as a regular session student.

When and how does a special session student graduate?

Special session students will graduate at the same time as regular session students.

I'd like to join MSDA in fall 2018. How can I get student health insurance?

Please refer to the International Student and Scholar Services at SJSU.

How do I receive more information about this program?

You can email your questions to ms-dataanalytics@sjsu.edu. The answers to your questions will be included in this FAQ section if there are no issues of privacy or confidentiality. A question and answer already posted in this FAQ section will be referred back to the FAQ section, unless additional information is needed. The FAQ section will be updated weekly in order to provide timely answers to your questions.

How do I make an appointment for advising?

Sessions are held as a walk-in, group advising session. You do not need an appointment to attend, but please come at the beginning of the advising period. Those who show up on time at the beginning of the advising session will be able to meet one-on-one after the session if time permits.

Important: Before attending an advising session, pleaseget familiar with the latest information posted on the MSDA website. After reviewing the website information, you mayemail questions which are not covered on the website to ms-dataanalytics@sjsu.edu or ask questions during the weekly advising sessions.

Starting February 22, 2018, group advising sessions are held from 4:00-5:00 pm on Thursdays in Room 1004, Student Union West. This schedule is subject to change. Please visit the advising page prior to attending an advising session in case there are changes.