MS-DS BAM Students

Build advanced skills in machine learning, statistical modeling, and large-scale data systems—and graduate prepared for the rapidly evolving data economy.

What is the MS-DS BAM Pathway?

The Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s (BAM) pathway allows eligible CU Boulder Computer Science undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students to begin graduate coursework in the Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) before completing their bachelor’s degree.

Through this pathway, you can:

  • Double-count up to 6-credit hours of coursework toward your both your bachelor and master's degrees
  • Complete up to 6 graduate credits while paying undergraduate tuition rates, allowing you to begin your master’s coursework at a lower cost
  • Reduce the overall time needed to complete your master’s by starting your graduate coursework early

Students graduate with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in:

  • Statistical modeling and inference
  • Data structures and computational methods
  • Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data modeling
  • Real-world data science applications

Build on Your CS Degree

For many technically trained students, the master’s degree represents an opportunity to move beyond foundational computing skills into high-impact analytical roles.

In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, professionals who can connect computation, statistics, and real-world context are increasingly essential.

Learn to:

  Develop & deploy machine learning models

  Use statistical models for decision making under uncertainty

  Build data pipelines and analytical workflows

  Communicate findings that inform strategy and policy

How the BAM Pathway Works

  1. Year Two

    Explore the Pathway

    • Learn about the MS-DS program
    • Confirm prerequisites and eligibility
    • Discuss the pathway with your advisor

  2. Year Three

    Apply & Begin Graduate Coursework

    • Take select graduate-level data science courses
    • Continue completing your undergraduate requirements

  3. Year Four

    Complete BAM Coursework

    Take 6 credit-hours that count for both your undergraduate and graduate degree. 

    Take 6 additional credit-hours toward your graduate degree and pay less tuition as an undergraduate student.

    • STAT 5000: Statistical Methods and Applications 1 (3)
    • STAT 5010: Statistical Methods and Applications 2 (3)
    • CSCI 5502: Data Mining (3)
    • CSCI 5612: Machine Learning (3)

  4. After Graduation

    Continue the MS-DS

    • Transition directly into the master’s program
    • Complete remaining 18 credits of graduate coursework in as early as just one year