MSADS Standards Exam
Last updated Mar 03 2025
The MSADS Standards Exam Session is offered 2 times each semester. The main purpose of the exams is to set expectations for
students coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
Each session, several exam are given. At the session you can select which exams you complete.
Students only need to take the Stats or Python exam if they will be taking a course in the "Required For" column.
Each session, several exam are given. At the session you can select which exams you complete.
Students only need to take the Stats or Python exam if they will be taking a course in the "Required For" column.
Overview of exams given during the sessions:
| Exam Name | Description | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Python Exam (proficiency) | Python Prereq | IA626, IA628, IA637, IA651, IA653 |
| Stats Exam (proficiency) | Statistics Prereq | IA530 |
| Databases | Relational Databases | Transferring in credit* |
| Advanced Topics | Covering ML, DW etc. | New and Graduating MSADS Majors** |
* Database exam is not officially required unless you are transferring in a credit for a database course.
** Advanced topic exam is not officially required but is highly recommended.
This exam does not affect a student's GPA or graduation status but can be used
to determine GA funding and recommendations.
Schedule of upcoming Exam Sessions:
| Date | Semester |
|---|---|
| April 28th 2025 | Spring 25 - End of semester |
| Aug 29th 2025 | Fall 25 - Beginning of semester |
| Dec 5th 2025 | Fall 25 - End of semester |
| Jan 16th 2026 | Spring 26 - Beginning of semester |
Q&A for the proficiency (Python / Stats) Exams:
Q: When should I take the Stats or Python Exams?
A: The Python and Stats exams should be taken before taking the class in the
"Required for" field. It is ok to take the exam in the beginning of the semester if you are enrolled in a class which requires the exam that semester.
In general you should take these exams as soon as possible
when starting the program. This will give you the best scheduling flexibility during your course of study.
If you fail the exam you can always retake it the next time it is offered.
Q: How do I prepare for the prereq exams? (Stats or Python)
A: The best way to prepare for these exams is to follow the material in the learn platform courses.
https://learn.clarkson.edu/
Search for 'Python Environment and Syntax' or 'Probability and Statistics'. Use the enrollment key msda if prompted.
https://learn.clarkson.edu/
Search for 'Python Environment and Syntax' or 'Probability and Statistics'. Use the enrollment key msda if prompted.
Q: My undergrad degree was in Stats, Math or Computer Science. Do I need to take the Python or Stats Exam?
A: Yes, you still need to take the exam. It is even still suggested you review the material on the learn platform (above).
Vocabulary and terminology can be different between programs and we want to make sure you are prepared for the courses in our program.
Q: Why is the beginning of semester exam session time is after the semester starts?
A: The beginning of semester exam is scheduled about a week after the start of the semester to allow students
arriving late due to travel delays an opportunity to take the exam. This date also allows to still drop or switch classes
in the case they fail or do not do well on the exam.
Q: What is considered failing?
A: Generally the passing score is 60%.
Q: What is the format of the exam?
A: The exam is multiple choice. Occasionally there are short answer questions.
The exam is timed and generally takes about 1 hour.
Q: What if I fail the exam?
A: If you are taking the Python or Stats exams a the end of the semester you can try again the
beginning for the next semester. If you fail the exam in the beginning of the semester and need it as a prereq
you should discuss with the instructor of the class it is required for.
In most cases you will be urged to drop that particular class and take it only after you have passed the exam.
Some students attempt the exam in their first semester even though they don't need it as a prereq immediately.
This is a smart strategy as it gives you more flexibility in your course of study and the most number
of attempts at the exam.
Q: I am enrolled in a class which requires the Stats or Python Exam during the upcoming semester. Can I take the exam in the beginning of the upcoming semester? What happens if I fail?
A: Yes, say you are enrolled in IA530 next semester. You can take the Exam in the beginning of that upcoming semester. If you fail the exam you should discuss with the instructor.
In most cases you will be urged to drop that particular class and take it only after you have passed the exam.
Q: I plan on taking one of the courses for which either the Python or Stats exam is required in the summer semester. When should I take the exam?
A: There is no Python or Stats Exam during the beginning of the summer session as there is for the fall or spring semesters.
This means you will have to take and pass the exam during the end of the spring semester.
There will not be another option after the beginning of the course.
Q: Can I take a Python or Stats course even if I fail the prereq exam?
A: In some very rare cases this has happened. Keep in mind most students who do this risk getting a low grade in the course
and at the very least don't get as much out of the course as other students. Failing the prereq exams does not go on your academic record,
failing a class does.
Q: I am not taking any of the courses on the "Required for" column above. Do I need to take the Stats of Python Exam?
A: No, but keep in mind you may want to take one of these courses in the future.
Plan ahead and prepare for the exam if you think that might be the case. Important: All MSADS students must pass the Stats and
Python exam at some point since IA530 and IA651 are core courses in the program.
Q: As a distance student do I need to take the Exams in person?
A: No, but you need to RSVP for the session. Generally you will take the exams vai Zoom or using our testing software.
Instructions will be sent to distance students after they RSVP.
Q: I took the Python or Stats exam already but I don't know what I scored. Do I need to take the exam again?
A: Please email tconlon@clarkson.edu or GA to get your score. If you passed the exam you do not need to take it again.
If you failed the exam you should retake it the next time it is offered.
Q&A for the Advanced Topic Exams:
Q: Tell me about the Advanced Topic Exam. What is it used for?
A: When taken as a first semester student:
- Informally identify potential strong GA candidates. Note you do not need to score well on this exam to be a GA but it is one component which will be reviewed in the selection process.
- Informally assess knowledge in subject areas where a student wants to transfer credits into the program.
- Give the student an idea of what to expect in specific subject areas.
- Provide a feedback loop to instructors in our program to better teach and advise students.
- Provides a feedback loop to instructors so we can do the best job possible teaching and developing course material.
- Provide one additional comprehensive assessment method which can be used if faculty is called on the provide a recommendation or reference for a student after graduation.
Q: Is the Advanced Topic Exam required?
A: No, but you may reduce your opportunities by not taking it based on the bullet points above.
If you do not take this exam your grade is recorded as 0.
Not taking an exam does not affect your GPA or graduation status.
Q: What topics are covered on the Advanced Topic Exam.
A: This exam covers topics in Machine Learning, Statistics, Data mining and Natural Language Processing.
All the topics and questions come directly from material Instructors cover in the MSADS Program.