University Catalog 2026-2027

Foundations of Data Science

NC State’s Master’s degree in Foundations of Data Science (MSFDS) equips its graduates with depth and breadth in core fields lying at the heart of data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Our balanced coursework, taught by faculty in NC State’s Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics is complemented by project-based learning and integrated professional development activities. MSFDS is a terminal professional degree program and no thesis or comprehensive examination is required. Domestic students, including foreign nationals with active visa status, can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis, and have available online options. International students must enroll on a full-time basis. The program can be completed full-time in three semesters. Current NC State undergraduate students interested in pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) with the MSFDS program should contact fds-program@ncsu.edu for more information.

More Information

Program Website

Distance Website

Applicant Information

  • Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
  • Entrance Exam: None
  • Interview Required: None

Application Deadlines

Please see the program website for information on fall and spring application deadlines.

Faculty

Professors

  • Bojko Bakalov
  • Min Chi
  • Rada Chirkova
  • Patrick Combettes
  • Pierre Gremaud
  • Mansoor Haider
  • Steffen Heber
  • Ilse Ipsen
  • Souman Lahiri
  • Edgar Lobaton
  • Wenbin Lu
  • Arnab Maity
  • Kemafor Ogan
  • Brian Reich
  • Nagiza Samatova
  • Munindar Singh
  • Ralph Smith
  • Ana-Maria Staicu
  • Ranga Raju Vatsavai

Associate Professors

  • Alen Alexanderian
  • Collin Lynch
  • Donald Martin
  • Noboru Matsuda
  • David Papp
  • Thomas Price
  • Sharath Raghvendra
  • David Roberts
  • Arvind Saibaba
  • Erin Schliep
  • Sharma Thankachan

Assistant Professors

  • Chao Chen
  • Jonathan Williams

Teaching Professors

  • Herle McGowan
  • Justin Post

Associate Teaching Professors

  • Bevin Maultsby