Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Online

Course Descriptions

DSCI 6000 - Applied Statistics and Data Science

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

This course offers an overview of three distinct yet interconnected perspectives: Classical statistics, Bayesian statistics, and Data Science/Machine Learning (DSML). Classical statistics emphasizes rigorous inferences rooted in the frequentist school whereas the Bayesian school offers a probabilistic framework that enables the incorporation of prior knowledge, updating beliefs, and modeling uncertainty. DSML aims to extract insights and patterns from data and building predictive models.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6100 - Programming for Data Scientist (Python)

An introduction to programming in the popular Python programming language. Topics include data types, simple statements, control structures, strings, functions, recursion, the Python interpreter, system command lines and files, module imports, object types, dynamic typing, scope, classes, operator overloading, exceptions, testing, and debugging. The course will enable students to program fluently in Python and move on to advanced topics such as programming collective intelligence and natural language processing.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6200 - Data Science and Machine Learning

This course provides an overview of modern data science and machine learning techniques, contrasting them with a traditional statistical approach. Students will learn how analysts can transition from classical statistics to more advanced predictive modeling and algorithmic data analysis. The course will cover the theoretical and applied aspects of powerful DSML tools, such as neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees, random forest, gradient boosting, XGBoosting, model selection, model averaging, cluster analysis, and text mining. Upon completing this course, students will understand how to leverage modern modeling techniques to extract insights, predict outcomes, and optimize decisions.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6300 - Data Visualization

This course covers principles and tools for effectively visualizing and communicating data-driven insights. The focus will be on extracting and communicating patterns from data through interactivity and synthesis of complex information. Aligned with the exploratory data analysis paradigm, emphasis will be placed on using visualizations to ask and answer "what-if" questions about data. Topics of this course include, but are not limited to, univariate data visualization, high-dimensional data visualization, visualization for trend-based data, visualization for spatial data, and dashboarding. Through hands-on assignments, students will gain skills in creating insightful, impactful data graphics using leading dynamic visualization tools.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6400 - Ethics in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

This course provides an overview of ethical data-related issues, particularly on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Students will gain an understanding of current debates, frameworks, and regulations regarding data ethics. Key topics include privacy and confidentiality, transparency and explainability, bias and fairness, copyright and intellectual properties, as well as misuse prevention and safety.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6500 Data Architecture and Cloud Computing

This graduate-level course explores the principles and practices of data architecture and cloud computing. Students will gain an understanding of how data are stored, managed, and processed across various environments, including on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid systems. The course covers foundational topics such as data warehousing, data lakes, data mesh, and data fabric, while delving into the client-server model, networking concepts, and emerging trends. Emphasis is placed on cloud computing, including its infrastructure, services, and integration with artificial intelligence. Students will learn to design and evaluate data systems while maintaining vendor independence.

DSCI 6600 - Data Wrangling with SQL

This hands-on course provides the skills to wrangle, clean, transform, and munge data using Structured Query Language (SQL). Students will learn SQL programming techniques to deal with common data issues such as missing values, duplicate records, parsing errors, inconsistent formats, and integrating from different sources.

Credit: 3

DSCI 6700 - Text Mining and Unstructured Data

This course introduces techniques for extracting insights from unstructured textual, visual, audio, and video data. Students learn text-mining tools to analyze patterns in textual corpora and acquire skills for organizing and making sense of other unstructured data types. Topics include, but are not limited to, text mining algorithms like classification, clustering, and sentiment analysis, Web scraping and collection of online text data, audio, and video feature extraction techniques, as well as image classification and object recognition. Through hands-on assignments and projects, students will gain practical experience applying text mining, computer vision, and other unstructured data analysis techniques on real-world datasets.

Credit: 3

SCI 6800 - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

This course provides a broad overview of the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students will learn fundamental concepts and algorithms that enable computers to mimic human intelligence for tasks like pattern recognition, prediction, optimization, and decision-making. Topics in this course include, but are not limited to, supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms, reinforcement learning for sequential decision-making, deep learning using multiple hidden layers, natural language processing for text and speech, computer vision for image and video processing, generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion…etc.), AI ethics, biases, and social impact. In this course, students will gain hands-on experience applying AI techniques and machine learning algorithms to build intelligent systems. Programming will be done in languages like Python.

Credit: 3

DSCI 7000 - Data Science Capstone

This capstone course provides the culminating experience for students in the Master's in Data Science program. Working individually or in a team, students will conceptualize, propose, and execute an end-to-end data science project using real-world big data. The project will integrate skills and concepts learned throughout the program, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and communication of results. Under the instructor’s guidance, students will identify a problem amenable to data science techniques, acquire appropriate datasets, perform exploratory data analysis, implement data cleaning, and feature engineering pipelines, train machine learning models, and measure model performance.

Credit: 3

The GRE or GMAT is recommended but not mandatory for programs Beacon Education offers applicants in China. 

Yes, you can apply for other graduate degrees, including doctorate programs, at HPU. It is a separate process through the university's Office of Graduate Admission, and Beacon can connect you with the graduate admission team. 

As a student at HPU under the Beacon Education program, you will have access to resources consistent with other online learners at the University.

Beacon Education is not an agent. Beacon Education Limited, along with its affiliates (北京彼岸京华教育科技有限公司), are the partners for the online and hybrid degree programs for students in China. 

Tuition and fees will be facilitated by our partner, Beacon Education Limited, along with its affiliates (北京彼岸京华教育科技有限公司), who will support you through payment, enrollment, and study.