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The MS-DS on Coursera does not have an application. That means no transcripts, tests, or application fees! Simply prove you can do the work and you are in.

Prerequisite Knowledge

There are no formal prerequisites for the MS-DS on Coursera. However, students should be knowledgeable in the following:

• Python 
• R programming 
• Calculus including derivatives and integrals
• Linear algebra including matrix multiplication, matrix inversion, and solving linear systems using matrices
• Statistics

If you would like to brush up on the above skills before starting the program, consider the following classes on Coursera:

• Calculus: 
• Linear Algebra:
• R Programming: 
• Python: 
• Statistics: 

Not sure if you are ready? Try reviewing courses on the Coursera platform. You can enroll in a pathway specialization as a non-credit learner, which gives you the option to preview course content. Then, you can upgrade to the for-credit version and pay tuition when you are ready.

Admission Requirements

Simply complete a pathway specialization to demonstrate your proficiency and be admitted to the program. Students are automatically admitted to the degree program after meeting all admission requirements below. All admitted students receive an official offer letter via email. See the MS-DS on Coursera Student Handbook for details.

• Pass one pathway with a pathway GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• Earn a C or better in all pathway courses within your chosen pathway
• Earn an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• Indicate interest in degree admission (via the enrollment form)

A pathway specialization (or "pathway") is a series of three 1-credit courses with a focus on either statistics or computer science. The credits you earn for pathway courses are part of the required curriculum, so you make direct progress toward your degree as you complete your pathway. Choose one of the following pathways:

*Please note that both pathways are required to meet degree requirements. Pick one to attempt admission.

Converting Grades

Converting Percentage (%) to Letter Grade (A–F)

You can find the grading breakdown for each course on Coursera. Simply go to the course in question, find the Reading: Syllabus item (usually in Week 1), and then scroll down to the section outlining the uniform letter grade rubric for that class.

Converting Letter Grades (A–F) to the 4.0 Scale

You can convert letter grades to the 4.0 scale with the CU Transcript Key. Note that the Numeric Grades (Law) column there only applies to Law School classes and is unrelated to the MS-DS.

Getting Started

To get started, select and enroll in a pathway, pay your tuition, and complete your pathway with a 3.0 GPA or better to be admitted to the program. 

• Click during any open enrollment period 
• Complete the registration form for 1–3 courses in your chosen pathway
• Pay your tuition
• Check your email for the next steps
• Complete your onboarding course
• Complete your pathway courses by the last day of the term

Once you have enrolled in a pathway and paid your tuition, you will receive two emails from CU Boulder: one confirming your enrollment and one with information about your new CU Boulder email address and student ID, or IdentiKey. You will also receive an email from Coursera with instructions on how to create a Coursera account and/or link your Coursera account to your new CU Boulder account using your IdentiKey.