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The Applied Data Science Department offers academic programs to address the growing workforce demand for AI and applied data science talent with diverse technical skill sets. Students learn to design and deploy intelligent solutions for complex data challenges. They also gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, methodologies, and technologies of applied data science and artificial intelligence, including generative AI.

Located in Silicon Valley

Located in Silicon Valley, known for its leadership in big data and AI innovation, our programs aligns closely with industry needs. Employers increasingly seek professionals who can build, evaluate, and deploy AI systems and AI-assisted decision-making workflows as data continues to expand in scale and complexity. The department benefits from strong industry connections, with more than 200 companies hiring its students for internships and full-time roles, while GPU labs, hands-on projects, mentorship, seminars, and industry collaboration give students the practical experience and technical depth needed to solve complex problems and succeed in evolving, data-centric careers. The curriculum is aligned with an AI-forward market, where roles increasingly emphasize GenAI and AI-and-data skill sets.

Curriculum

The department serves as an academic hub, in partnership with other SJSU departments and industry partners, for promoting education and research in applied data science and AI. The MS in Applied Data Intelligence program is designed to meet growing demand for AI- and applied data science professionals. It provides advanced training in order to draw insights from real data and apply AI skills to solve practical problems. This prepares graduates for evolving industry roles that emphasize AI capabilities and data-centric practices.

MS in Applied Data Intelligence

The demand for applied data intelligence, generative AI, and agentic AI professionals is accelerating rapidly. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 notes that demand for AI and Machine Learning Specialists is expected to grow by 40%, or 1 million jobs, while industry research in 2025 shows that generative AI adoption has expanded quickly, with 71% of organizations now using GenAI in at least one business function, and agentic AI is emerging as the next major wave, with 23% of organizations already scaling at least one agentic AI system and Gartner projecting that by 2028, 33% of enterprise software applications will include agentic AI. This fast-changing landscape is driving strong demand for professionals who can design, deploy, and manage intelligent systems, making the MS in Applied Data Intelligence a strong pathway into one of the most dynamic and high-growth areas of AI and data science.

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Resources

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Admission Requirements

Discover admission and program requirements for both SJSU and the MS in Applied Data Intelligence (MSADI).

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Course Descriptions

Explore the courses and specializations offered in the MSADI program.

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Faculty Directory

Meet the Department of Applied Data Science (ADS) faculty.

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Events and Conferences

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Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Explore our Silicon Valley Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (CAIC) and connect with cutting-edge opportunities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

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MSADI Program FAQs

Access answers to common questions about the MS in Applied Data Intelligence program, including admission requirements, how to apply and scholarships. 

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Program Update: Introducing the Master of Science in Applied Data Intelligence

San José State University’s Department of Applied Data Science is proud to announce the renaming of its Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) to the Master of Science in Applied Data Intelligence (MSADI). This new name reflects the program’s expanded focus on AI-driven technologies, including Generative AI, Large Language Models and Agentic AI. Grounded in real-world applications and innovation, the revised curriculum prepares students to lead in the evolving landscape of data and artificial intelligence.

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Bay Area Innovators Interview with Dr. Vishnu S. Pendyala

Dr. Vishnu S. Pendyala Calls for Urgent Regulation to Address Bias, Misinformation and the Environmental Impact of AI

Dr. Vishnu Pendyala Calls for Urgent Regulation to Address Bias, Misinformation, and the Environmental Impact of AI In a compelling discussion on a recent episode of Bay Area Innovators, Dr. Vishnu Pendyala, Faculty Member in the Department of Applied Data Science at San José State University, emphasized the urgent need for regulations to mitigate AI’s potential harms.

View the full episode here