Regular Versus Special Session

The MS in Data Analytics program offers two different sessions: Regular Session and Special Session.

Regular Session

Regular Session is state-supported and state-subsidized. The cap on the number of Regular Session students accepted to the program each semester is related to the amount of money received from the state. In addition to the state tuition fees (based on the number of enrolled units), non-California resident surcharge fees (as of Fall 2024, $420 per unit) might be applicable. Regular Session students pay campus mandatory fees and are eligible to take advantage of San José State University student services, such as Santa Clara County transit services, student body organizations, student health care and recreational facilities. Enrollment in Regular Session affords California residents other financial support options such as the CSU employee or CalVet fee waiver.

Special Session

Special Session is funded from student tuition and does not receive any financial support from the State of California. Special Session tuition is assessed as a per-unit fee. If Special Session students are interested in additional services (i.e., Santa Clara County transit services, student body organizations, health care and recreational facilities), they can pay a fee for each service. To learn more about these services and associated fees, visit the Tuition and Other Fees page available through the Bursar’s Office. 

Regular Session and Special Session students must meet the same graduation requirements (e.g., the same required courses, the same number of elective units and the same total number of units to graduate) and will receive the exact same diploma when they graduate. The classes of both MSDA sessions are taught by the same instructor pool at the same location.

If you need assistance deciding between the two sessions, please contact ms-data-analytics@sjsu.edu.