Information for Admitted Students | MS in Data Science Programme Northwestern University - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Important Dates

Please ensure you have accessed your Canvas course pages prior to the start of each term, as there may be necessary documents your faculty would like you to have reviewed ahead of time.  Term start and other important dates can be found via the link below.

VIEW CURRENT ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Academic Resources for Newly Admitted Students

What tutoring resources are available?

• Our MS_DSP 400 professors recommend Python 3 Essential Training by Bill Weinman. You can also find SQL, Python, and R tutorials on LinkedIn Learning. Learning Python by Joe Marini from LinkedIn Learning is recommended.
• LinkedIn Learning – Northwestern has a partnership with LinkedIn Learning to provide unlimited access to online courses at no additional cost.
• Enthought – Another faculty recommendation is Enthought, which supports the academic community with a free subscription to Enthought Training on Demand.
• The Math Place Tutoring: The Math Place website provides more information on scheduling appointments. Email: spsmathplace@northwestern.edu

How do I download instructions for Data Sciences Computing Cluster (DSCC)?

DSCC and PostgreSQL instructions can be accessed online.

How do I download Data Structure for The Capstone Case database files?

Capstone Case database files can be accessed online.

How do I access skill-building Learning Studios?

SPS Learning Studios are self-paced, self-directed and individualized online tutorials to support SPS students and assist in student success. These Studios are optional, non-credit, and zero-tuition courses housed in Canvas, with no registration requirements in Caesar. Enrollment in such Studios will not be reflected on your transcript. While other students will be completing the studio at the same time as you, there are no required discussions or group activities. However, there will be an optional, web conference conducted weekly by an instructor for any students who have questions about the material.

As you begin the studio, use the pre-test to identify the areas where you need to improve your skills. You also have an option to select those lessons that address specific questions or gaps in your knowledge that you have already identified.

Your work in this studio will not be graded or evaluated by an instructor or teaching assistant. Instead, you will evaluate your understanding of the material by completing a set of recommended exercises followed by a quiz at the end of each lesson.

Academic Integrity Learning Studio

The Academic Integrity Learning Studio is designed to provide students with a multi-faceted perspective on academic integrity as an ethical concept, as well as pragmatic skills in identifying academic integrity standards and violations. The workshop will cover University policy and standards regarding academic integrity, including the use of technology such as Turnitin, and outline the process for responding to suspected violations. By the end of this workshop, students will be familiar with strategies for creating a culture of academic integrity as they engage with University coursework.

This course is suitable for learners at all levels of experience. Whether you have recently completed your undergraduate degree or been out of the classroom for a while or have never written a paper in a U.S. academic context, mastery of this self-paced workshop will provide you with critical skills to help you succeed in SPS courses.

Lessons and instruction are asynchronous and self-paced, although the instructor will host live synchronous sessions to answer student questions. The workshop is designed to direct you to the lessons that will help address your needs. You may self-select additional modules within the course to review and practice concepts.

Python Learning Studio

The online Python Learning Studio covers beginner concepts and methods of Python programming for incoming students enrolled in graduate and professional career programs at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. This course is an introduction to the Python programming environment and not an introduction to programming with Python.

At the end of the Python Learning Studio, you will be able to load and install Python packages, perform data analysis using pandas, and perform statistical analysis using NumPy and data visualization using matplotlib/seaborn.

ENROLL IN PYTHON

R Learning Studio

The online R Learning Studio covers beginner concepts and methods of R programming for incoming students enrolled in graduate and professional career programs at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.

At the end of the R Learning Studio, you will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of R Studio software, loading and installing R packages, data mining, handling strings and dates, statistical packages, and much more. 

Lessons and instruction are asynchronous and self-paced. There will be a live synchronous sessions for students who have questions. Each module includes reading materials, demonstration videos, R Code Tutorials, and a post-test for students to measure their progress in each topic, and identify areas of additional need, if any.

Technical Resources for Newly Admitted Students

How do I get general technical support?

Please visit the technical resources FAQ page for answers to common questions. 

For more detailed IT support, specific to MS_DSP students, you may either contact spsitmsdsp@northwestern.edu or submit an online support ticket.