The demand for highly skilled data scientists is soaring. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow by 33% through 2029, much faster than average. Data scientists play an essential role in organizations of all sizes. They help make sense of all the data within an organization to help executives make informed business decisions.
Data scientists use scientific methods, processes, and algorithms to make sense out of different types of data. Earning a master’s degree in data science can give you the advanced training needed to collect, maintain, and analyze data and communicate what it all means to key stakeholders.
Related Resource: Top 20 Online Masters Degree Database Administration
We created this masters in data science ranking using information obtained from College Navigator and the program’s individual websites. We used College Navigator to find schools for our data science graduate programs ranking that offer traditional campus-based programs related to data science. We looked for schools with graduate programs in data science or closely related areas like:
- business analytics
- database management
- computer science
We narrowed our data science ranking down to accredited programs offering coursework designed to maximize data analysis and understanding. From there we applied our data science master program ranking system to determine the 30 best data science masters programs at both public and non-profit universities in the United States.
Data Science Masters Rankings Methodology:
Student/Faculty ratio:
- Less than 8:1- 4 points
- 9:1 to 12:1- 3 points
- 13:1 to 15:1- 2 points
- 16:1 and above- 1 point
Average Net Price:
- Less than $10,000- 7 points
- $10,000 to $20,000- 5 points
- $20,000 to $30,000- 3 points
- Greater than $30,000- 1 point
Concentration Areas:
- Yes- 3 points
Where there are ties, schools are ranked according to in-state average graduate tuition rates per College Navigator. Below are our data science masters programs rankings.
Top Data Science Masters Programs
#30 -Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
MS in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration
School Profile
Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $56,854/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 4
Boston University offers one of the best data science programs with their MS in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics Concentration. Courses are offered online and on-campus to both full and part-time students. This 40-credit hour program takes 18-24 months to complete and there is no GRE/GMAT requirement for admission.
The active learning environment introduces students to case studies and real-world projects. The low student/faculty ratio allows students to get to know their instructors. BU also offers a “certificate to degree” pathway so students can earn their degree by completing the Graduate Certificate in IT and the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics plus two additional courses.
#29 -Georgetown University – Washington, District of Columbia
Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Website
Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $53,136/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 4
The high-value master’s in data science and analytics from Georgetown University is a 30-credit hour program. Students receive advanced training in a variety of methods including:
- computational
- mathematical
- statistical
Both full and part-time students are accepted into the program. Core courses include:
- Massive Data Fundamentals
- Scientific and Analytical Visualization
- Probabilistic Modeling and Statistical Computing
New students are matched with a second-year student through a mentorship program. This built-in student-to- student support system provides a resource for new students as they get familiar with the program.
#28 -University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Master of Science in Applied Data Science
Website
Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $47,880/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 4
The University of Southern California Department of Computer Science features one of the best masters in data science with a comprehensive, applied curriculum. This 32-credit hour program includes courses in:
- Machine Learning
- Advanced Data Stores
- Geospatial Information Management
While experience in computer science isn’t necessary, applicants should have a strong background in math and science. Hands-on projects and homework give students experience working with the latest data formats, tools, and techniques. Most students can complete their degree in two years by taking two courses per semester.
#27 -Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island
Master’s Program in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $59,254/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The high-quality master’s in data science from Brown University offers a rigorous education for students planning a career in data science. Students will study the latest in:
- machine learning
- data mining
- visualization
The program can be completed in just 12 months, with students beginning in September and finishing in August. Courses include:
- Statistical Learning
- Data and Society
- Hands-on Data Science
A data practicum focused on real-world data gives students valuable hands-on experience in industry or academia. Current Brown undergraduates can complete the program as a 5th year master’s degree.
#26 -Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, Maryland
Master of Science in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $57,010/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University features one of the best data science graduate programs with courses offerings in both computer science and applied mathematics. This part-time, online program features courses covering a variety of cutting-edge areas including:
- Large-Scale Data Systems
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
The program gives students the skills needed to manage and manipulate information in large data sets. Students can choose courses that align with their personal and professional interests. Applications are accepted year-round, so students can apply at any time.
#25 -Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois
Master of Science in Analytics Program (MSiA)
Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $56,067/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University offers a high-value master’s in analytics that prepares well-rounded data scientists to lead data science teams. Full-time students can complete the program in just 15 months including a summer internship. Courses are held during the week and new students are admitted during the fall semester.
Students move through the program as a cohort, which helps them form relationships and strengthen the alumni network. Twice during the program, students are engaged in applied projects that come directly from the field. This valuable hands-on training allows students to practice the skills gained during the program.
#24 -Duke University – Durham, North Carolina
Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS)
Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $55,680/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
Duke University features an innovative master’s in interdisciplinary data science with a curriculum that includes interdisciplinary training and team-based science experiences. Students develop advanced skills in areas like communication and critical thinking. This 42 credit-hour program includes courses like:
- Data Science Ethics
- Data Logic, Visualization, and Storytelling
- Unifying Data Science
Students participate in a capstone project during their second year of the program. They work as part of a project team that may include faculty, graduate students, or postdocs. While students work together as a team, each student must achieve an individual outcome and deliver a final presentation.
#23 -Stanford University – Stanford, California
MS in Statistics: Data Science
Website
Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $54,315/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University offers a top value master’s in statistics with an emphasis on data science. Core courses include:
- Deep Learning
- Modern Applied Statistics: Data Mining
- Statistical Learning Theory
Most students can complete their degree in just five quarters. There is no thesis requirement. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program to earn their degree. Graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral study or join the workforce as a data science professional.
#22 -Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Master of Business Analytics
Website
Ratio: 3:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $53,450/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
Massachusetts Institute of Technology features a top value Master of Business Analytics. To tackle real-world business issues, this 12-month program looks at areas like:
- modern data science
- optimization
- machine learning
Students spend a significant amount of time engaged in hands-on learning while working on their capstone course, which spans three terms. During the capstone course, students work on complex data science problems in teams of two with their sponsor organization. They work together on-campus for four months before traveling to the host organization during the summer to complete their internship. Students return to campus after their internship to submit their final report and presentation before earning their degree.
#21 -Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Master’s in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $49,448/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Harvard University has a top master’s in data science led by faculty from computer science and statistics. The program is administered through the Institute for Applied Computation Science. This 12-course program covers topics like:
- reproducible data analysis
- collaborative problem solving
- visualization
All students must complete a research experience. which can be done through a thesis or a substantial data science project. Graduates of the program are valuable data science professionals who can:
- develop statistical models
- conduct data analysis
- manage large data sets
- collaborate effectively within teams.
#20 -University of San Francisco – San Francisco, California
MS in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $26,640/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The University of San Francisco offers a budget-friendly data science Master of Science degree. This unique one-year program delivers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to use appropriate analytical techniques to address business problems.
Courses are offered in seven-week terms and are only available to data science students. Students will master subjects like machine learning and business communication and use programming languages like R and Python. A nine-month practicum experience with companies around the San Francisco Bay Area provides students with valuable hands-on experience.
#19 -Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $25,264/year
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 5
The Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University offers a top interdisciplinary master’s in data science. The program is available to both full and part-time students and takes two to three years to complete. Courses are tailored to technically or mathematically trained students. New students are admitted during the fall and spring semesters and must complete two introductory courses or pass two placement exams before the start of the semester. Students gain valuable professional experience during the program by completing co-ops and internships. This valuable hands-on training gives students job success skills and technical expertise that help them succeed in the field.
#18 -University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Data Science Master’s Program
Website
Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $24,344/year in-state and $49,120/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 6
The top data science master’s program from the University of Michigan is a balanced program that provides training in statistical and computational skills. Core courses cover areas like:
- machine learning
- data mining
- applied statistics
There are many capstone course options for students to choose from. Students can:
- take an additional course
- complete an independent study
- participate in a directed study or reading
Elective course offerings allow students to take a deeper dive into a specific area of data analysis or computation. Both full and part-time students are welcome, although only some courses are offered during the evening hours.
#17 -University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,390/year in-state and $29,578/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 6
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers a top on-campus master’s in data science offered through a joint venture between the departments of Computer Science in Engineering and Mathematics in Arts and Sciences. The program prepares students for leadership positions in areas like data analytics and knowledge engineering. Required courses include:
- Database Design
- Computational Methods
- Advanced Data Mining
Data science students can pursue their own research interests or participate in faculty-led projects and collaborate on industry, agency, or faculty-sponsored projects. Not sure if you are ready to pursue a master’s in data science? UMass Dartmouth offers a bridge program that consists of five courses to give students a strong foundation in data science fundamentals.
#16 -University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Master of Science in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,278/year in-state and $29,178/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 6
Whether you are just starting out in the field of data science or a seasoned professional, the affordable master’s in data science from the University of Washington has you covered. Both full and part-time program plans are available and new students are admitted each fall. Courses are offered during the evenings to accommodate working professionals. The industry-relevant curriculum covers areas like:
- data management
- research design
- software engineering
Students come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives with over half of new students last year being women and 59% coming from locations from outside the U.S. Full-time students can earn their degree in about 18 months. Graduates are working in top companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Zillow.
#15 -University of Colorado – Boulder, Colorado
MS in Applied Mathematics with a specialization in Statistics and Data Science
Website
Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,826/year in-state and $31,284/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 6
The University of Colorado offers one of the least expensive master’s in data science in the country. Students can choose to specialize in either statistics or data science. The program gives students the foundational skills needed to analyze complex data sets. Courses include:
- Statistical Learning
- Deep Learning
- Spatial Statistics
All students complete a culminating experience, working with a faculty expert in either data science or statistics. Most students can complete their degree in about two years.
#14 -University of Rochester – Rochester, New York
Master of Science in Data Science
School Profile
Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $49,792/year
Concentration Areas: Computational Methods; Statistical Methodology; Health and Biomedical Sciences; Business and Social Science
Points: 7
The 30-credit hour top master’s in data science program is offered by the Goergen Institute for Data Science at the University of Rochester. It’s a flexible program that accommodates students at all career stages. Students can complete the program in just two to three semesters of full-time study. Required courses include:
- Computational Introduction to Statistics
- Data Mining
- Introduction to Databases
All students complete a practicum experience, working in small teams on a sponsoring organization’s business problem. Through this specialized hands-on training, students explore ethical issues related to data science. Students will be evaluated on their final presentation which also serves as their exit exam.
#13 -New York University – New York, New York
MS in Data Science
School Profile
Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $34,704/year
Concentration Areas: Data Science; Data Science Biology; Data Science Biomedical Informatics
Points: 7
New York University offers a highly selective master’s in data science focused on developing new methods for data science. This 36-credit hour program includes specialization tracks or an Industry Concentration. The Industry Concentration was created based on industry needs and it allows students to take industry-targeted coursework and complete a Practical Training experience. Required courses include:
- Machine Learning
- Probability and Statistics for Data Science
- Big Data
Both full and part-time students are encouraged to apply. A limited number of scholarships are offered to new students which can result in significant savings on the cost of tuition.
#12 -University of Virginia – Charlottesville, Virginia
MS in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,578/year in-state and $27,770/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 7
The University of Virginia features a cost-effective master’s in data science that takes just 11 months to complete. Courses are taught by faculty from the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science and Systems and Information Engineering. The program is offered online and on-campus. Students benefit from hands-on learning along with the program’s interdisciplinary focus.
The vibrant cohort experience allows students to develop relationships and professional connections with their peers as they move through the program together. All students complete a capstone project, which showcases their knowledge and skills in the real-world environment.
#11 -Columbia University in the City of New York – New York, New York
Master of Science in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $49,024/year
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurship
Points: 8
The Data Science Institute at Columbia University features a unique data science master’s degree program that allows students to apply data science techniques to their specific industry. Students can select the focus area in entrepreneurship or choose another subject area. Course offerings come from:
- computer science
- engineering
- statistics
Students can also conduct original research. The capstone project allows students to tackle challenging issues facing industry affiliates. Students work in teams, using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to solve these challenging problems.
#10 -Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Master of Computational Data Science
Website
Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $46,441/year
Concentration Areas: Systems; Analytics; Human-Centered Data Science
Points: 8
The Master of Computational Data Science at Carnegie Mellon University is designed for students with a background in computer science, computer engineering, or a related area. Three concentrations are available for students to choose from. Courses include:
- Machine Learning
- Advanced Databases
- Cloud Computing
Students can choose from a 16-month professional preparation program that includes a summer internship and three semesters of study or a 20-month research preparation program.
#9 -University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
Master of Science in Data Analytics (Big Data)
Website
Ratio: 30:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 8
The University of Central Florida offers a low-cost master’s program in data analytics that takes just four semesters to complete. Convenient evening and weekend classes are available to accommodate working professionals. This 30-credit hour program uses a cohort model, allowing students to develop strong relationships with their peers.
By taking two courses each semester, students can complete their degree in 20 months. Students can take advantage of a variety of professional development opportunities including paid internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. Graduates are qualified for in-demand careers in areas like business analytics and Big Data.
#8 -University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma
Master’s in Data Science and Analytics
Website
Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,583/year in-state and $21,242/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 8
The Data Science and Analytics Institute at The University of Oklahoma offers a low-priced Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. Courses are offered on-campus or online. Full and part-time program options are available. Full-time students can earn their degree in just 14 months. Courses include:
- Computing Structures
- Advanced Analytics and Metaheuristics
- Intelligent Data Analytics
Students can choose to complete a thesis or a series of electives and a professional practice experience. Applicants should have undergraduate coursework in:
- calculus
- linear algebra
- high language programming.
#7 -Cornell University – Ithaca, New York
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Statistics
Website
Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $29,500/year
Concentration Areas: Applied Statistics; Data Science
Points: 9
Cornell University features one of the top data science programs in the country with their high-value master’s in applied statistics that takes just one year to finish. Students complete:
- core courses
- a statistical analysis project
- elective coursework
The master’s program gives students a strong foundation in theoretical statistics. The broad education in relevant applied statistics areas is guaranteed to give students an edge over the competition. A semester-long real-world data analysis project gives students hands-on experience working with meaningful data. Graduates are employed around the world in every industry from finance to biomedical research.
#6 -DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois
MS in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $19,370/year
Concentration Areas: Computational Methods, Health Care, Hospitality, Marketing
Points: 9
The College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University offers an affordable Master of Science in data science. The program is available online and on-campus. Students will learn to:
- manage and analyze complex data sets
- develop data models
- communicate results to stakeholders
Students work with real-data sets throughout the program, completing meaningful analysis. Several concentrations are available that help students develop their skills in the context of their industry.
#5 -Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, Georgia
Master of Science in Analytics
Website
Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,064/year in-state and $29,140/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Analytical Tools Track; Business Analytics Track; Computational Data Analytics Track
Points: 9
The affordable master’s in analytics from Georgia Tech is an interdisciplinary program drawing from the areas of:
- business
- statistics
- research
- computing
This on-campus analytics master’s program can be completed in just one year. Georgia Tech’s unique approach to data science education allows students to:
- work in cross-disciplinary teams to solve problems
- access Georgia Tech’s computing infrastructure for massive-scale analytics
- learn from top international experts in business intelligence
Students benefit from:
- dedicated job placement assistance
- on-campus job fairs
- a conference travel budget to support professional development.
#4 -North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina
Master of Science in Analytics
Website
Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,095/year in-state and $26,421/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: No
Points: 9
The Institute for Advanced Analytics at North Carolina State University is home to the first MS in analytics. The novel curriculum was created specifically for students in the program. It’s revised on a regular basis to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
The 10-month cohort-based learning structure allows students to explore the teamwork elements of the field and benefit from personalized coaching. Industry and government sponsors provide students with real-world data, allowing them to tackle problems with the same tools used throughout the industry. Of the 116 students graduating in the class of 2020, 79% were employed at graduation and had an average base salary of $99,800/year.
#3 -Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Master of Science in Applied Statistics (MSAS)-Data Science
Website
Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,520/year in-state and $25,791/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Data Science; Statistical Science
Points: 10
The College of Natural Sciences at Colorado State University features a Master of Applied Statistics that emphasizes the practical methods in data science and statistics. The curriculum focuses on the applications and computational aspects of the field. This 30-31 credit hour program can be completed by full-time students in just one year. Courses include:
- Business Database Systems
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Computational and Simulation Methods
Graduates are prepared to work as data scientists in government, industry, or academia.
#2 -Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
MS in Data Science
Website
Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,786/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Applied Data Science Track; Computational and Analytical Track; Big Data Systems; Managerial Data Science
Points: 11
Indiana University features a top data science master’s with coursework that prepares students for a lifelong career in data science. Students have access to top faculty and research facilities on the IU campus. Courses cover areas like:
- data wrangling
- data visualization
- statistics
The program consists of 30 credit hours. Students can choose from two distinct learning tracks. Coursework can be tailored to meet the student’s professional goals. Students receive plenty of hands-on training opportunities through:
- research projects
- interdisciplinary collaboration
- an internship.
#1 -Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana
Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management
School Profile
Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,208/year in-state and $28,010/year out-of-state
Concentration Areas: Supply Chain Analytics; Investment Analytics; Corporate Finance Analytics
Points: 12
Our top data science master’s degree program is offered through the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. They offer a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management that uses an analytical business approach. Graduates are prepared for industry leadership roles.
The rigorous curriculum allows students to develop proficiencies using technologies like Python and Gurobi. Experiential learning opportunities give students the hands-on training needed to transition from the classroom to the workplace. Students can earn their degree in just 11 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master’s degree in data science a good degree?
A master’s degree in data science is a great degree choice for individuals seeking career advancement or those switching to data science from another field. The specialized training that comes from a master’s in data science can help students find their niche and become experts in data science analysis.
Data experts make sense of the volumes of complex data within an organization. Since there is a national shortage of qualified data science experts, professionals with a graduate degree in data science are highly sought after. Organizations and businesses without the expertise of a data science professional on staff are potentially missing out on critical business insights.
Data science program graduates provide a variety of benefits to an organization including:
- real time intelligence-
Long gone are the days of waiting for quarterly or annual reports to make decisions and plan for the future. Data science experts create real-time, automated dashboards that display critical analytics which allow businesses to immediately react to fluctuations and monitor trends.
- integrated data analysis-
Data science programs can prepare professionals to pull data from different areas of a business or organization into one concise report or data base. They use their skills to provide a more holistic picture of what’s happening across an organization so things feel less compartmentalized.
- improvements in data security-
Data breeches can cost an organization millions of dollars. Data scientists have the knowledge and skill set needed to:
- identify fraud
- correct issues with access
- identify issues with data architecture.
How much money can you make after earning a data science master’s degree?
Data science professionals can have a very lucrative career. With the shortage of experts in the data science field, business leaders pay top dollar to have this skill set in their organization. Some of the best paying jobs in the data science field according to payscale.com include:
- Data Scientist: $91,857/year (average salary)
- Analytics Consultant: $82,539/year (average salary)
- Data Engineer: $91,185/year (average salary)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median pay for key data science roles including database administrator and data architect is $98,860/year. The job outlook is favorable with 8% growth expected through 2030.
Salary for the field is largely determined by the level of responsibility and training a role requires. Data scientists with a master’s in data science often have the advanced training and leadership skills needed to secure higher paying jobs with greater responsibility. Entry level positions still pay well due to the relevant nature of the data science skillset.
Most master’s of data science graduates receive a significant salary increase after completing their degree.
How much does it cost to get a master’s in data science?
A master’s degree in data science takes a significant amount of time and money. According to information published through the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s degree is $66,340 per year with a range between $30,000 and $120,000 annually.
Generally speaking, public schools are cheaper than private schools. In-state tuition rates are usually less than those charged to out-of-state students. Some employers offer tuition assistance programs which can help students reduce the cost of their data science program. An increasing number of data science graduate degree programs are being offered online, giving students additional cost saving options. Some of these programs offer online students their low in-state tuition rate regardless of where the student lives!
Online students who work while earning their degree can earn money while going to school. Since online students can complete coursework from home, they can save a considerable amount of money. Online students don’t incur the added expense of on-campus housing and pricey meal plans. Online programs may even offer digital textbooks or use open-source software to keep costs low for their students.
How long does it take to complete a masters in data science?
A master’s in data science is typically a two-year commitment. Fortunately, these data science programs are offered in different formats to accommodate the diverse needs of adult learners.
Students who want to earn their degree as quickly as possible should consider an accelerated data science program. Accelerated programs can cut the completion time down to just 12 to 18 months. These accelerated programs are a great choice for students with considerable work experience in data science or data science tools. Accelerated program students should have the flexibility to pursue their degree on a full-time basis.
Some schools offer part-time data science programs. These part-time programs allow students to take a reduced course load that extend the time to completion. They may offer shorter, eight-week courses. This allowing students to complete two courses each term and finish their degree in two years.
What are the requirements for a master’s in data science degree program?
Data science program offer unique admission requirements depending on their intended audience. At a minimum, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some programs are open to students without data science experience. Others require their students to have a quantitative background with experience in a related area like computer science or statistics. Students without strong technical skills may be able to complete prerequisite or bridge coursework to get caught up with their more technical peers.
Admission to data science master’s programs is competitive. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 to be considered for full admission. Schools may also require entrance exams like the GRE, letters of reference, a resume, or statement of purpose.
Before students complete their degree, most programs require students to complete a culminating experience that ties in with their career goals. These options typically include some type of hands-on course/project or a thesis. The capstone project is a great resume builder for students planning to work in specialized areas like health analytics or statistical and computational methods.
Students can build their professional portfolio with field experience and additional training. A thesis can be a great choice for students planning to pursue doctoral study or those interested in the research aspect of data science.
Do data science master’s degrees require an internship?
It depends. Each program has their own requirements regarding internship and practicum experiences. An internship can be a great way for students to apply their skills in a real workplace setting, especially for those new to the field. Internships can also be appropriate for students who plan to use their skills in a particular setting like healthcare or engineering.
Some schools forgo the traditional internship experience and allow students to gain experience using real-world data in the classroom. Students currently working in the field of data science may be able to use their new skills in their current workplace without completing an external internship.
Almost all programs that do not require an internship or practicum allow students to complete them as an elective course. Schools recognize the importance of hands-on training. They work with students to make sure they have what they need to be successful after graduation.
What are some examples of courses needed for a master’s in data science program?
While data science programs require their own unique set of core courses, popular core course offerings for data science master’s programs include:
- Statistics
- Business Analytics
- Machine Learning
- Data Mining
- Data Visualization
- Data Science Fundamentals
Will I need any licenses or certificates to get a job in data science?
Fortunately, your master’s in data science is all you need to validate your advanced knowledge and training in the field. Certificate programs are available for students who want to demonstrate their proficiency with different software or programming packages, but those would be specific to a job and not the whole industry.
Are there any professional organizations for people with a career in data science?
There are several professional organizations for data science professionals.
- The Data Science Council of America:
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) is an independent organization designed to elevate the quality of data science professionals. They create standards, knowledge frameworks, certifications, and knowledgeware that reflects industry-leading initiatives to advance the profession. DASCA offers certifications for Big Data Engineers, Big Data Analysts, and Data Scientists.
- Association of Data Scientists:
The “premier global professional body of data science and machine learning professionals” is the Association of Data Scientists (ADaSci). ADaSci encourages education and professional development of data science professionals at all levels. They promote high professional industry standards and work tirelessly to promote professionalism in the field. The Association of Data Scientists publishes several peer-reviewed scholarly journals and holds national and international conferences. ADaSci also provides certification and continuing education opportunities to members and others interested in data science.
Related Resources:
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