BDML — For Current GSU Students
If you are currently enrolled at Georgia State University as an undergraduate student, this page is for you. It covers two important topics: how to avoid repeating coursework you have already completed, and how to apply for direct or accelerated admission to the BDML program.
An Advantage for GSU Undergraduates: More Freedom to Specialize
One of the genuine benefits of coming to BDML from a GSU undergraduate program is that you do not have to repeat coursework you have already mastered. If you completed 4000-level versions of courses that appear in the BDML required 6000-level curriculum, you can substitute advanced 8000-level electives in their place — giving you more room to go deeper in the areas of data science that excite you most.
Rather than sitting through familiar material at a slightly higher level, you get to use that credit toward specialized electives like Deep Learning (CSC 8851), Advanced Topics in Deep Learning (CSC 8852), Computational Intelligence (CSC 8810), Graph Mining (CSC 8741), or any other elective that aligns with your goals — going deeper in the areas of data science that excite you most.
This substitution is not automatic — it requires a brief written request so it can be properly recorded in DegreeWorks:
How to request: Email the BDML Program Director (yours truly) with your transcript and your proposed substitution. Get written approval before registering for the replacement course and keep a copy of the approval email — your advisor will need it to update DegreeWorks.
Common Substitutions
| If you already took… | Substitute with… | Replaces in BDML… |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 4710 — Database Systems | CSC 8712 (Adv. DB) or CSC 8713 (Spatial & Scientific DB) | CSC 6710 |
| CSC 4740 — Data Mining | CSC 8740 (Adv. Data Mining) or CSC 8741 (Graph Mining) | CSC 6740 |
| CSC 4760 — Big Data Programming | CSC 8530 (Parallel Algorithms) | CSC 6760 |
| CSC 4780 — Fundamentals of Data Science | CSC 8851 (Deep Learning) or CSC 8850 (Adv. ML) | CSC 6780 |
| CSC 4850 — Machine Learning | CSC 8850 (Adv. ML) or CSC 8852 (Adv. Topics in DL) | CSC 6850 |
This substitution policy applies to any GSU undergraduate — not just CS majors. If you completed equivalent coursework in another department and believe it merits a substitution, reach out to discuss it.
Direct Admission
Each year, a select number of outstanding GSU undergraduates are offered direct admission to the BDML program — bypassing the standard graduate application process. Direct admit offers are extended to students who demonstrate exceptional academic records and strong preparation for graduate-level data science work.
Currently Eligible Undergraduate Programs
Direct admission is currently being offered to students from:
- B.S. in Computer Science — Department of Computer Science, CAS
- B.S. in Data Science — Department of Computer Science, CAS
We are actively exploring expanding direct admit eligibility to students from:
- B.S. in Mathematics — Department of Mathematics & Statistics, CAS
- B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems (CIS) — Robinson College of Business
If you are from one of these programs and are interested in BDML, I encourage you to reach out directly — we are building these pathways now and early expressions of interest are helpful.
What Direct Admission Means
Direct admission simplifies your path to BDML but does not bypass all requirements:
- You still must meet the BDML academic standards (GPA, prerequisite preparation)
- You must complete your undergraduate degree before beginning graduate coursework as a full graduate student
- Direct admit students are not automatically enrolled in the 4+1 dual degree program — that is a separate pathway described below
How to Apply for Direct Admission
Applications are submitted through the CAS Direct Admit portal. If you are unsure whether you qualify or want to discuss your preparation before applying, contact Dr. Angryk at rangryk@gsu.edu.
Interested in an Accelerated 4+1 Path?
If you are still completing your undergraduate degree and want to start BDML coursework early — potentially finishing both degrees in five years — see the dedicated 4+1 dual degree pages:
- BS-CS → BDML Dual Degree — for B.S. in Computer Science students (starting Spring 2027)
- BS-DS → BDML Dual Degree — for B.S. in Data Science students (starting Fall 2026)
BDML Quick Links
- BDML Program Overview — Program mission, value proposition, and contacts
- 4+1 Dual Degree: BS-CS → BDML — Accelerated pathway for CS undergrads (Spring 2027)
- 4+1 Dual Degree: BS-DS → BDML — Accelerated pathway for DS undergrads (Fall 2026)
- Funding & Assistantships — GTA/GRA automatic consideration and requirements
- Capstone Project — DSCI 8930 requirements and expectations
- Data Science Internship — DSCI 8940 timing, requirements, and approval