4+1 Dual Degree: BS-DS → BDML

The BS in Data Science → BDML Dual Degree program launched in Fall 2026 and offers GSU’s Data Science undergraduates one of the most direct accelerated pathways into graduate-level data science anywhere in the Southeast. If you are a DS major with a strong academic record and a clear interest in machine learning and big data, this program was designed with you in mind.

What Is the Dual Degree?

The dual degree allows qualified BS-DS students to begin taking BDML graduate coursework during their senior undergraduate year and double-count up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both degrees. The result: you can typically complete both your B.S. in Data Science and your M.S.A. with the BDML concentration in approximately five years — one full semester faster than pursuing them sequentially.

Am I Eligible?

To apply for the BS-DS → BDML dual degree program, you must meet the following requirements at the time of application. The ideal time to apply is approximately 1.5 years before your expected graduation — early enough to take full advantage of the 12 double-counted graduate credit hours across your final two semesters.

• Major: B.S. in Data Science at GSU
• GPA: 3.5 or higher (overall)
• Prerequisite coursework completed with a grade of B or better in each:
  • CSC 1301 and CSC 1301L — Intro to CS I + Lab
  • CSC 1302 — Intro to CS II
  • CSC 2720 — Data Structures
  • MATH 3020 — Applied Probability & Statistics for Computer Science

Note: If you fall slightly short of one of these criteria, you are still encouraged to reach out. The Program Director has discretion to approve admission waivers on a case-by-case basis.

How the Double-Count Works

The dual degree leverages a 12-credit hour overlap — you select exactly one course from each of the three groups below, and those three graduate courses simultaneously satisfy requirements in both your BS-DS and BDML curricula:

One course per group, three groups, twelve credits — that is the full overlap. The remaining BDML requirements (~22–24 credits) are completed in your graduate year.

⚠️ The specific BS-DS course substitutions are subject to formal approval and should be verified against the current catalog and your plan-of-study form before registering.

Your Path to Both Degrees

• Years 1–3: Complete your BS-DS foundation coursework
  • Meet eligibility criteria (GPA 3.5+, required prerequisites)
• ~1.5 Years Before Expected Graduation: Apply to the Dual Degree Program
  • Submit application through the CAS Dual Degree Application
  • Program Director issues admission decision
  • Dual degree attribute added to your Banner record
  • (Timing is flexible — students who started in Spring or took a non-standard path are welcome to apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria)
• Final Undergraduate Year: Begin Graduate Coursework
  • Take up to 12 graduate credit hours (6000-level BDML courses)
  • We recommend spreading them across your final two semesters
  • Apply for formal BDML graduate admission during your last undergraduate semester
  • Complete remaining BS-DS degree requirements
• Graduate Year: Full BDML Student
  • Complete remaining BDML requirements (~22–24 credits)
  • Capstone project + optional internship
  • Graduate with both degrees

How to Apply

Step 1 — Apply to the Dual Degree Program: Submit your application through the CAS Dual Degree Application. Apply approximately 1.5 years before your expected graduation for optimal timing.

Step 2 — Get Program Director approval: Your application is reviewed by the BDML Program Director. If you meet the criteria, you will receive an admission decision email. If you are on the borderline, reach out directly before applying — early conversations are welcome.

Step 3 — Register for graduate courses: Once admitted to the dual degree program, your Banner record will be updated to allow graduate-level registration. You may take up to 12 graduate credit hours as an undergraduate.

Step 4 — Apply for full graduate admission: In Fall of your senior year, apply for formal admission to the BDML graduate program through the standard graduate admissions process at cas.gsu.edu/graduate-admissions. Acceptance into the dual degree program does not constitute automatic admission to the graduate program.

Step 5 — Complete your BS-DS and begin Year 5: Once your undergraduate degree is conferred, you transition to full graduate student status. GTA/GRA funding eligibility begins at this point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a GTA or GRA while still an undergraduate in the dual program? No — funding eligibility begins after your undergraduate degree is conferred and you are formally enrolled as a graduate student.

What if I am removed from the dual degree program? You can still complete your BS-DS normally and apply to BDML through the standard graduate application process afterward.

What if I want to do the dual degree but my GPA is 3.4? Reach out to the Program Director directly. Waivers are available in exceptional circumstances.

Is this the same as Direct Admission? No — direct admission is a separate pathway for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree. The dual degree is for students still enrolled in their BS-DS program. See Already a GSU Undergraduate? for more.

I started in Spring — am I still eligible? Yes — the 1.5-year application window is flexible and based on your expected graduation date, not a fixed calendar year. Apply when you meet the eligibility criteria and are approximately 1.5 years from finishing your BS-DS.

Useful Resources

• CAS Dual Degree Program Policies
• CAS Dual Degree Application
• Dual Degree Program List
• Tuition and Fees
• Official GSU Catalog — BDML

BDML Quick Links

• BDML Program Overview — Program mission, value proposition, and contacts
• Already a GSU Undergraduate? — If you completed your BS at GSU, you may be eligible to skip 6000-level courses you already took and replace them with advanced 8000-level electives. Direct admit info also here
• 4+1 Dual Degree: BS-CS → BDML — Accelerated pathway for CS undergrads (Spring 2027)
• Funding & Assistantships — GTA/GRA automatic consideration and requirements
• Capstone Project — DSCI 8930 requirements and expectations
• Data Science Internship — DSCI 8940 timing, requirements, and approval