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Data science combines elements of math, computer science, and business to collect and analyze data. Corporations utilize this information to better understand business needs and make forecasts. Most industries use data science to optimize manufacturing, sales, and employee workflow.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for data scientists and related roles to grow as corporations increasingly rely on big data. Individuals interested in analysis and making recommendations to management can pursue degrees and careers in data science.
This page explores the best online master's in data science programs, covering information on typical courses, career pathways, tuition costs, and more.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Data Science Programs
These rankings include
#1 Top Online Master’s in Data Science Programs 2023
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $845
Credits to Graduate: 33
Lewis University offers an online master's in data science program with concentrations in analytics, data engineering, cybersecurity, and computational biology. Students develop skills to prepare for data science careers across various fields. Curriculum courses include machine learning, statistical programming, and data visualization.
Each applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher and previous coursework in calculus. Each candidate submits an online application, including official transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
#2 Top Online Master’s in Data Science Programs 2023
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $3,480
Out-of-State | $3,480
Units to Graduate: 10
University of Pennsylvania offers an online and asynchronous master's of computer and information technology created for non-computer science majors. Enrollees need to complete six core courses and four electives. Core course topics include software development, computer systems, and algorithms and computations.
Each applicant must have a bachelor's degree in any subject. Individuals with a 3.0 or higher may receive preference. Online applications must include a resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation, transcripts, and a $90 application fee.
#3 Top Online Master’s in Data Science Programs 2023
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,143
Out-of-State | $1,143
Credits to Graduate: 30
New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a master's in data science, which covers statistics, machine learning, and big data. Enrollees learn Python, Tableau, and R through courses and hands-on projects. Each enrollee needs 30 credits to graduate, which can come from 10 courses or 8-9 courses plus a thesis or project. Graduates should have the technical skills to gather, sort, and clean data, which can then be analyzed for business recommendations.
All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and a basic understanding of math, statistics, and software development. Applications must include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a $75 fee.
#4 Top Online Master’s in Data Science Programs 2023
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $918
Out-of-State | $918
Credits to Graduate: 48
DePaul University offers an online master's in data science, which helps attendees prepare for a role in big data analytics. Enrollees must choose from concentrations in computational methods, healthcare, marketing, and hospitality. Program concentrations have the same introductory, foundation, and elective courses but with different advanced classes.
Advanced courses focus on the program's concentration and include mining big data, healthcare science, and advanced machine learning. Each data science applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a B- average in calculus I and calculus II. Admission requires an online application, resume, official transcripts, and a $25 fee.
#5 Top Online Master’s in Data Science Programs 2023
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,821
Out-of-State | $1,821
Credits to Graduate: 30
University of Detroit Mercy offers a 15-credit graduate certificate in applied data analytics and a 30-credit master of science in applied data analytics. The school's master's program takes 1-2 years to complete and includes courses in database design, data mining, and economic modeling. Enrollees must also complete an ungraded capstone project.
Each applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher for admission consideration.
Why Get Your Master's in Data Science Online?
An online master's in data science program teaches individuals the skills to pursue careers in the field. Master's-level graduates demonstrate to employers that they have the programming, data gathering, and analysis knowledge necessary to work in data science. Data science program applicants can choose between in-person and online programs.
Prospective enrollees should consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option. Online programs offer increased flexibility and allow students to attend nationwide courses without having to relocate. However, distance programs may provide fewer opportunities for networking and one-on-one interactions with professors.
- Flexibility: Programs may offer asynchronous classes, which offer more freedom in scheduling courses and completing assignments.
- Education: Aside from their delivery methods, online programs typically share the same curriculums as their in-person counterparts.
- Salary: Data scientists earned a median pay of $103,500 in 2022, according to the BLS. This figure far outpaces the national median pay for all occupations of $46,310.
Careers for Online Master's in Data Science Graduates
Online master's in data science programs prepare attendees to pursue multiple careers related to computer science. Graduates can qualify for roles in various industries as data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers.
Many data science careers have similar names but different job functions. Data scientists find patterns in data to help organizations, data engineers look through large data sets and build algorithms, and software engineers develop code. These in-demand jobs all received higher-than-average projected growth rates from the BLS for 2022-2032.
Individuals with master's degrees in data science can pursue many roles across industries, but earning a Ph.D. in data science can greatly increase the likelihood of landing the top careers in the field.
| Job Title | Industries | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | Healthcare, agriculture, telecom, cybersecurity | $103,500 | +35% |
| Software Engineer | Retail, healthcare, banking, business | $124,200 | +25% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Manufacturing, media, retail | $136,620 | +23%/td> |
Did You Know …
Up to 99% of firms invest in data science and machine learning initiatives, according to a NewVantage Partners survey.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Data Science Degree
Data science programs help enrollees develop academic and practical literacy in computer science and business by examining real-world problems. Graduates multiple programming languages to gather data and use statistics to gain valuable insights.
Most full-time data science programs take 1-2 years and require 30-45 credits. Program tuition can range from $20,000-70,000, which does not include additional fees for books, extracurriculars, or the cost of living.
Data science, a broad term, includes many subfields. Prospective data scientists can often choose from data science specializations, including analytics, artificial intelligence, and technology entrepreneurship. Enrollees engage in core, analytical, programming, and business courses.
Some online master's in data science programs require a capstone project or research paper. Institutions may allow students to choose between these pathways. Schools typically have the same costs, courses, and graduation requirements for online and in-person programs, though they may apply additional distance learning fees.
Students who must complete capstone projects can implement their cumulative skills to program and generate real-world business plans. Enrollees completing thesis requirements can demonstrate their knowledge of data science, research, and analysis.
How to Apply for Master's in Data Science Programs
Admission requirements for master's in data science programs vary among institutions. Generally, an applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Individuals do not need to hold data science or computer science degrees but may need to demonstrate relevant skills or take prerequisite courses.
Candidates can start the application process by confirming eligibility, completing an online application, submitting official transcripts, and paying an application fee. Programs typically require each applicant to submit a statement of purpose, a resume, letters of recommendation, and/or a writing sample. Most schools do not require GRE/GMAT scores, but prospective enrollees should always research this requirement before applying.
Popular Master's in Data Science Courses
Data science programs offer various curriculums, electives, and specializations. However, most schools explore similar fundamental knowledge and core courses. The list below includes some of the most common courses in online master's in data science programs.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Students learn to build algorithms in Python and other languages. Coursework covers topics like testing, debugging, and data structuring.
- Machine Learning: This introductory course teaches business applications of the field. Attendees will study machine learning frameworks, regressions, classifications, and more.
- Data Exploration and Visualization: Enrollees study how to assess data quality, create an analysis, and communicate results with visual data. The course focuses on teaching the programming language R.
- Advanced Programming Techniques: Students develop their programming skills to assist with data gathering, analysis, and machine learning tasks. Courses may also cover computer security and computer architecture.
- Data Governance, Ethics, and Law: This course reviews the legal and ethical boundaries of data gathering and data management. Relevant law topics include copyrights, patents, and contracts.
Is Accreditation Important for Online Data Science Degrees?
Data science program applicants should only attend schools that hold accreditation. Accredited institutions have undergone voluntary evaluation by third-party agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that they meet a certain standard of education.
Departments and programs within institutions can also hold accreditation. The primary accreditor for data science programs is ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission, but the agency does not offer the status to graduate programs.
How Much Will an Online Master's in Data Science Cost?
Online master's in data science tuition can range from around $20,000-$70,000 for the entire program. In-person and online costs are approximately the same. Tuition costs depend on factors like school prestige, program length, and in-state vs. out-of-state residency. Attendees should also budget for necessities like housing, food, a computer, and any tech requirements.
Applicants can take advantage of financial aid programs to assist with their online master's in data science program. Scholarships and grants, like the Great Minds in STEM scholarship and the Department of Defense Scholarship-for-Service program, do not need to be repaid, making them ideal sources of funding.
Enrollees who do not receive scholarships can apply for private and federal loans, which require repayment. Students can receive federal and local aid by filling out a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which will determine eligibility.
Questions About Online Master's in Data Science Degrees
Data science uses individuals to filter and analyze data, while machine learning automatically learns by using past data. Data scientists can excel with strong business and analytical skills—machine learning engineers focus more on programming.
Online master's in data science programs usually take 1-2 years to complete. A student's timeline to completion depends upon their amount of transfer credits, courseload, and full-time vs. part-time enrollment choice.
Not all data science jobs require applicants to hold master's degrees in data science. However, master's degree-holders may receive preference among other job candidates and demonstrate their hard skills and commitment to the industry.
Data science requires coding to gather, clean, and organize data. Data scientists can use multiple programming languages, including Python, R, and SQL.
Individuals interested in data, analytics, and business may find data science master's programs to be worthwhile ventures. Prospective data scientists often must take on a significant financial burden to learn necessary skills but can pursue roles that align with their skills and interests after graduation.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.