Registration Guidance
Registering for courses can follow different steps depending on the course and your current time in the program.
- New Students: Our Program Specialists will register you for your first semester. We send an enrollment survey where you're able to indicate the number of hours you'd like to complete or any additional information.
- Continuing Students: See the guide below for more information!
- BAM Students: Complete the CS to DS BAM Course Request Form and we'll help you register for your 5000-level courses.
- Non-Data Science Students: Complete the Non-MS-DS Student Enrollment Request Form to inquire about registering for one of our courses.
Please review this guide before contacting our team.
Course Registration Guide for MS-DS Students
Before selecting courses, confirm the following:
- Check for holds (link)
Go to your student portal and resolve any registration holds (financial, immunization, advising, etc.) - Check your enrollment window (link)
Go to your student portal to view when you're scheduled to register for courses - Review your curriculum
Make sure you understand your degree requirements (core, electives, capstone) - Run a Degree Audit (link)
Confirm your progress and remaining requirements - Review the Course List email
Use the most recent Master Course List sent by our team for the correct term
The Master Course List is a great registration resource. It tells you:
- Which courses are offered this term
- Which electives are preapproved, and which would require a request
➡️ Always check Class Search to determine which sections are reserved for DS students, and which might require your being waitlisted or reaching out to other departments.
Some courses require certain permissions to enroll. If you receive a department consent or requisite message for a course intended for Data Science students, we can help. If the course is not hosted by our program (CSCI, MSBX, etc), we cannot assist.
Read below for more explicit instructions:
✔️ DTSC or DTSC-Reserved Courses (We Can Help)
Submit the DS Enrollment Request Form if:
- The section or course says “DTSC only” (this may include CSCI or STAT sections), OR
- You receive a department consent or requisite message for a course intended for Data Science students
➡️ These courses are managed by the Data Science program.
❌ Non-DTSC Courses (Department Managed)
For courses that are not designated for DTSC students, you must follow Class Search instructions or contact the offering department. To request that a course be considered as an elective, you may submit the Elective Request Form if the course is not already pre-approved (see electives list here).
➡️ We cannot register our students for courses not managed by the Data Science program.
Repeatable Courses (elective credit)
Once you have secured an internship, there are several required steps to enroll in DTSC 5930 (Professional Internship) for academic credit. You can find all steps outlined on our Internship Credit and CPT Authorization page!
- An independent study allows MS-DS students to engage in research on specialized topics beyond the core curriculum. In this self-directed course, students identify a research opportunity, find a faculty mentor, and together develop a study plan to investigate complex data science problems. This experience helps students explore specific interests, contribute original insights to the field, and gain valuable research skills.
- Typically, these opportunities arise naturally through connections with faculty who have the time, interest, and relevant expertise. However, you are welcome to provide an idea to faculty based on your own self initiative. Note that enrollment may be competitive, and is not automatically available every semester, as faculty schedules and availability vary.
Registration Steps for DTSC 5840: Independent Study
- Find a Faculty Mentor
- Identify a research opportunity with a faculty member, either within or outside the Data Science program.
- Develop an Independent Study Plan
- Work with your faculty member to complete the independent study agreement form, outlining the goals and structure of your project.
- Both you and your faculty mentor must sign the form.
- Submit for Approval
- Email the signed agreement form to Mariah Alvarado at mariah.alvarado@colorado.edu for final approval and registration.
To ensure you always have the most up-to-date information, use these resources:
- Master Course List (see your email for details)
- Pre-Approved MS-DS Electives List
- CPT Information Page
- Class Search (for real-time registration details, registration instructions, etc)
- Degree Planner PDF tool
Still need to meet with an advisor?
Routine Advising Support
- Degree and course planning
- Internship and CPT
- Graduation
- Admissions
- ... and more!
Special Circumstances Support
- Escalated concerns
- Policy exceptions
- Unique situations requiring senior-level guidance